The ice cream brand's Co-Founder Claims Parent Company Blocked Pro-Palestinian Ice Cream Product

Ice cream activism illustration
Activist Founders advocating for political issues via frozen treats

The co-founders behind the well-known frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has stated how parent company the multinational conglomerate stopped the introduction of a new pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, that established the company alongside Jerry Greenfield, disclosed how he will independently develop the controversial flavor as part of a personal collection showcasing causes Ben & Jerry's was barred from speaking out about.

Longstanding Dispute Between Founders versus Corporate Owner

This latest announcement escalates the ongoing disagreement between the world-famous ice cream maker with its corporate parent, the British packaged goods corporation which has owned the ice cream brand for over two decades.

Both founders have asserted how the parent company along with their ice cream division the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's from "maintaining its activist principles".

The Fruit Flavor as an Emblem of Support

Mr. Cohen stated through social media how he's developing an innovative watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, requesting consumer ideas for the product's name plus potential ingredients.

“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” the founder commented from his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-based frozen dessert that calls for permanent peace for Palestinians while demanding addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has emerged as a symbol for support for Palestinians due to its colors, that mirror the colors in the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white.

Historical Activism plus Current Developments

Several years ago, the ice cream company ceased sales of its products in areas under Israeli control, resulting in the parent company transferring the Israeli operation over to a local licensee, thereby permitting ongoing distribution within disputed territories.

This upcoming dessert series is being developed under Ben's Best, the socially conscious dessert company which was first established in 2016 for endorsing ex- US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Changes and Upcoming Plans

The founder revealed that he plans to develop other frozen dessert varieties that address issues which the company was silenced from speaking about openly by corporate restrictions.

This development follows partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down from the company in September, following many years of involvement, citing concerns that its independence was compromised after corporate moves to curb its social activism.

Previously, Ben Cohen commented that "Jerry has a really big heart and this conflict with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience leads me to continue to work inside the company to fight for its independence so that the company can actualise its ethical purpose, the principles that it was founded on while upholding for over 40 years," he explained to media outlets.

  • Corporate owner limitations regarding social activism
  • Independent flavor creation by company founders
  • The fruit-based product serving as political symbol
  • Continuing tensions among parent company versus ethical values
Jennifer Leonard PhD
Jennifer Leonard PhD

A passionate travel writer and photographer with a deep love for Italian landscapes and hidden destinations.