Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Claims Unilever Blocked Pro-Palestinian Ice Cream Product

Ice cream activism illustration
Activist Founders advocating for social causes through frozen treats

One of the original creators of the famous ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has stated that parent company Unilever prevented the launch of a new Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, that established the business alongside Jerry Greenfield, disclosed how he plans to personally create this new flavor as part of an individual series showcasing issues the company was barred from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Dispute Involving Creators versus Parent Company

The recent development deepens the ongoing conflict among the world-famous dessert company and its corporate parent, the British packaged goods corporation which acquired Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

The co-founders maintain how Unilever along with their ice cream division the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked their company from "maintaining its activist principles".

The Fruit Flavor as an Emblem for Support

Mr. Cohen announced via social media how he is creating an innovative watermelon-flavored sorbet, asking for consumer ideas for the product's name and additional components.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen commented in his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored frozen dessert that calls for permanent peace in Palestine while demanding repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has emerged as an emblem of solidarity with the Palestinian people due to its colors, that match the colors in Palestine's national banner – red, green, black and white.

Previous Social Engagement plus Current Developments

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell their merchandise in areas under Israeli control, leading to the parent company selling their Israel business over to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting ongoing distribution within disputed territories.

This upcoming product line is being created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist ice cream brand that was first established in 2016 for endorsing ex- political contender Senator Sanders with the product "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Shifts plus Future Plans

Mr. Cohen revealed that he will develop additional ice cream flavors that address issues that the company was silenced from addressing publicly by corporate restrictions.

This development comes after co-founder Mr. Greenfield stepped down from Ben & Jerry's recently, following decades of involvement, citing worries regarding how its independence had been compromised after corporate moves to curb its social activism.

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

"My heart compels me to keep working within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy ensuring that the company can actualise its ethical purpose, the values that established its foundation while upholding for over 40 years," he told media outlets.

  • Corporate owner restrictions on political advocacy
  • Independent product development by original creators
  • The fruit-based product as social statement
  • Continuing disagreements among parent company and social mission
Vickie Lawrence
Vickie Lawrence

AI researcher and software engineer with a passion for demystifying complex technologies through accessible writing.