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

Ice cream activism illustration
Socially Conscious Entrepreneurs advocating for political issues via dessert products

One of the original creators of the well-known frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has claimed that corporate owner the multinational conglomerate blocked the introduction of a new Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, who established the business with his partner, disclosed how he will personally create the controversial product within a personal series showcasing causes Ben & Jerry's has been prevented from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Conflict Involving Creators versus Corporate Owner

This latest development intensifies the ongoing disagreement between the internationally recognized dessert company with its corporate parent, the UK-based consumer goods corporation which has owned Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

Both founders have claimed how Unilever along with their ice cream division the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked their company against "honouring its social mission".

The Fruit Flavor becoming a Symbol of Support

Mr. Cohen announced via an Instagram video that he's developing a new watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, asking for public suggestions regarding the product's name plus additional components.

“I'm doing what they were prevented from doing,” Mr. Cohen declared from his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-based ice cream that calls for permanent peace in Palestine and calls for repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has emerged as an emblem of support for the Palestinian people because of its coloration, which match those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement plus Recent Developments

In 2021, the ice cream company ceased sales of their merchandise in territories under Israeli control, resulting in the parent company selling their Israel business to a local licensee, thus allowing ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming dessert series will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand which originally created in 2016 to support former political contender Bernie Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Management Changes and Future Intentions

Mr. Cohen stated that he plans to create additional ice cream flavors that address issues that Ben & Jerry's was silenced from speaking about openly due to corporate restrictions.

The announcement comes after partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down from Ben & Jerry's recently, following decades of involvement, citing concerns that its independence had been undermined following Unilever's decision to curb their advocacy work.

At that time, Mr. Cohen stated that "Jerry has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was breaking it."

"My heart compels me to keep working within the organization to fight for its independence ensuring that it can achieve its ethical purpose, the values which it was founded on and has maintained for decades," he told journalists.

  • Corporate owner restrictions on political advocacy
  • Personal product development by original creators
  • The fruit-based product as social statement
  • Continuing disagreements among corporate ownership versus ethical values
Karen Gray
Karen Gray

A seasoned tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on industries worldwide.

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