The ice cream brand's Co-Founder States Parent Company Blocked Palestine-Themed Frozen Dessert Flavor
One of the original creators of the famous frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has stated that parent company the multinational conglomerate blocked the introduction for a new Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.
The entrepreneur, who established the business alongside Jerry Greenfield, revealed how he will personally create the controversial product within a personal series showcasing causes the company was barred from speaking out about.
Ongoing Dispute Between Creators and Parent Company
This latest announcement deepens the continuing disagreement between the world-famous dessert company with Unilever, the British consumer goods corporation which acquired Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.
The co-founders have claimed that Unilever along with their ice cream division Magnum unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's from "honouring its social mission".
The Fruit Flavor as an Emblem of Solidarity
Mr. Cohen revealed via social media how he's developing a new watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for consumer ideas regarding the product's name plus potential ingredients.
“I'm doing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder commented from a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream that calls for permanent peace in Palestine and calls for addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”
This particular fruit has emerged as an emblem of solidarity with the Palestinian people due to its coloration, that mirror the colors in the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white.
Historical Social Engagement plus Current Developments
Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell their merchandise in territories under Israeli control, leading to Unilever transferring the Israeli operation over to a local licensee, thereby permitting ongoing distribution within the occupied West Bank.
This upcoming product line will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist dessert company that originally created in 2016 to support ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Back".
Management Shifts plus Upcoming Intentions
Mr. Cohen stated how he will develop other frozen dessert varieties focusing on concerns which Ben & Jerry's was prevented from speaking about openly by Unilever.
The announcement comes after co-founder Jerry Greenfield stepped down from Ben & Jerry's recently, following many years of involvement, citing worries regarding how the company's autonomy had been compromised following corporate moves to curb their advocacy work.
At that time, Mr. Cohen stated how "Jerry has strong compassion and this conflict with our parent company was deeply distressing him."
“My conscience compels me to continue to work inside the company to fight for corporate autonomy so that it can actualise its ethical purpose, the values that established its foundation while upholding for over 40 years," he told media outlets.
- Parent company restrictions on political advocacy
- Personal product development from company founders
- Watermelon flavor serving as social statement
- Ongoing disagreements among parent company and ethical values