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The original creators behind the famous ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has stated that parent company Unilever blocked the launch for an innovative Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, that established the company alongside his partner, announced that he will independently develop this new flavor as part of a personal collection showcasing issues Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly.

Longstanding Dispute Between Creators and Corporate Owner

The recent development intensifies the continuing conflict between the internationally recognized ice cream maker and Unilever, the British consumer goods giant that has owned the ice cream brand for over two decades.

The co-founders maintain that the parent company along with its ice cream arm the Magnum brand improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's against "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

The Fruit Flavor becoming a Symbol for Support

The entrepreneur stated through an Instagram video that he is creating an innovative watermelon-based sorbet, asking for consumer ideas regarding naming options plus additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder commented from his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream that calls for permanent peace in Palestine while demanding repairing the damage that was done there.”

The watermelon has emerged as a symbol of support for Palestinians due to its coloration, that closely resemble those of Palestine's national banner – red, green, black and white.

Previous Social Engagement and Recent Changes

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell its products in territories occupied by Israel, leading to Unilever transferring their Israel business over to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting continued sales in disputed territories.

This upcoming dessert series will be developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist ice cream brand which was first established in 2016 to support ex- political contender Senator Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Shifts and Future Plans

Mr. Cohen stated that he plans to create other ice cream flavors that address concerns that Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly by Unilever.

This development follows partner Jerry Greenfield stepped down from the company in September, following many years with the organization, mentioning concerns that its independence was undermined after corporate moves to restrict their advocacy work.

Previously, Ben Cohen stated how "Jerry has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience leads me to continue to work inside the company to advocate for corporate autonomy ensuring that the company can achieve its ethical purpose, the values which established its foundation and has maintained for decades," he explained to media outlets.

• Corporate owner limitations on political advocacy
• Personal product development by company founders
• Watermelon flavor serving as political symbol
• Continuing tensions among parent company versus social mission