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

Ice cream activism illustration
Activist Entrepreneurs promoting political issues through dessert products

One of the original creators of the well-known frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has stated how parent company the multinational conglomerate blocked the launch of a new pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, who established the business alongside Jerry Greenfield, revealed how he plans to personally create this new product within an individual series showcasing causes the company was prevented from speaking out about.

Ongoing Dispute Involving Creators versus Corporate Owner

The recent development escalates the ongoing tension among the world-famous ice cream maker with its corporate parent, the British packaged goods corporation that acquired Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

The co-founders have asserted that Unilever along with its ice cream arm the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked their company against "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

The Fruit Sorbet becoming a Symbol of Solidarity

Mr. Cohen announced via social media that he is creating an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for public suggestions regarding naming options and potential ingredients.

“I'm accomplishing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder stated from a cooking set. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored ice cream that advocates for lasting ceasefire for Palestinians and calls for addressing the harm that was done there.”

The watermelon has become an emblem for support for Palestinians due to its coloration, which closely resemble those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement plus Recent Changes

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of its products in areas under Israeli control, resulting in the parent company selling their Israel business over to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting continued sales within disputed territories.

This upcoming dessert series is being developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious dessert company that originally established several years back to support ex- political contender Senator Sanders with the product "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Changes plus Future Plans

The founder indicated that he plans to create additional ice cream flavors that address issues that Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly due to corporate restrictions.

This development comes after partner Mr. Greenfield resigned his position at the company in September, following many years with the organization, mentioning concerns that the company's autonomy had been undermined following Unilever's decision to curb their advocacy work.

At that time, Mr. Cohen commented that “My partner has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

"My heart leads me to keep working inside the company to advocate for corporate autonomy so that the company can actualise the social mission, the values which it was founded on while upholding for over 40 years," he explained to media outlets.

  • Corporate owner limitations on social activism
  • Personal flavor creation by original creators
  • The fruit-based product as social statement
  • Continuing disagreements between parent company versus social mission
Wanda Santiago
Wanda Santiago

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in online gambling, specializing in slot mechanics and player strategies.