The ice cream brand's Co-Founder Claims Parent Company Halted Palestine-Themed Ice Cream Flavor
The co-founders of the famous ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has announced that parent company the multinational conglomerate stopped the launch of an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.
The entrepreneur, that co-founded the business with Jerry Greenfield, revealed that he will personally create this new product within an individual collection showcasing issues the company has been barred from addressing publicly.
Ongoing Conflict Between Founders and Corporate Owner
The recent announcement intensifies the ongoing tension between the internationally recognized ice cream maker with its corporate parent, the British packaged goods corporation which has owned Ben & Jerry's since 2000.
The co-founders have asserted that the parent company and its ice cream arm Magnum unlawfully blocked their company against "fulfilling its ethical commitments".
The Fruit Flavor becoming a Symbol for Solidarity
Mr. Cohen stated through social media that he's developing an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for consumer ideas regarding naming options and potential ingredients.
“I'm accomplishing what they were prevented from doing,” Mr. Cohen commented from a cooking set. “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.”
This particular fruit has become a symbol for solidarity with Palestinians due to its colors, which match those of Palestine's national banner – red, green, black and white.
Historical Social Engagement and Current Developments
In 2021, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell its products in territories occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company selling their Israel business to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting continued sales within the occupied West Bank.
This upcoming dessert series will be created through Ben's Best, the socially conscious ice cream brand that was first established several years back to support former political contender Bernie Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Return".
Management Changes and Future Plans
Mr. Cohen revealed that he will develop other ice cream flavors focusing on concerns that the company was silenced from addressing publicly due to Unilever.
The announcement comes after partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down his position at the company in September, following many years with the organization, citing worries that its independence had been undermined after corporate moves to restrict their advocacy work.
Previously, Mr. Cohen stated how “My partner has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was deeply distressing him."
"My heart leads me to continue to work inside the company to advocate for corporate autonomy ensuring that the company can fulfill the social mission, the values which it was founded on and has maintained for decades," he explained to media outlets.
- Corporate owner limitations regarding political advocacy
- Independent product development from company founders
- Watermelon flavor as social statement
- Continuing disagreements among parent company and ethical values