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The co-founders of the famous ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has claimed how parent company Unilever prevented the introduction for a new pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, that established the company with Jerry Greenfield, announced that he plans to independently develop the controversial product within an individual collection highlighting issues Ben & Jerry's has been prevented from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Dispute Between Creators and Corporate Owner

The recent announcement escalates the continuing tension among the world-famous ice cream maker and its corporate parent, the UK-based consumer goods corporation that has owned Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

The co-founders have claimed that the parent company and their ice cream division the Magnum brand improperly prevented their company against "maintaining its activist principles".

Watermelon Sorbet becoming an Emblem of Support

Mr. Cohen revealed via social media that he's developing an innovative watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, requesting consumer ideas for naming options plus additional components.

“I'm doing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder declared from a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-based ice cream that advocates for permanent peace in Palestine and calls for repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has emerged as a symbol of support for Palestinians because of its coloration, that closely resemble those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Activism and Recent Developments

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of their merchandise in areas under Israeli control, resulting in the parent company selling their Israel business over to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.

The new product line will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist ice cream brand which was first created several years back to support ex- US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders via the product "Bernie's Return".

Management Changes and Future Intentions

The founder stated how he will develop other frozen dessert varieties that address concerns that Ben & Jerry's was silenced from addressing publicly due to corporate restrictions.

The announcement follows partner Mr. Greenfield resigned from Ben & Jerry's in September, after decades of involvement, citing concerns that the company's autonomy was compromised after Unilever's decision to curb its social activism.

Previously, Ben Cohen stated that “My partner has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was breaking it."

"My heart compels me to keep working within the organization to fight for corporate autonomy ensuring that it can fulfill its ethical purpose, the principles which established its foundation while upholding for decades," he told media outlets.

• Parent company limitations regarding social activism
• Personal flavor creation by company founders
• The fruit-based product as social statement
• Ongoing disagreements among corporate ownership versus ethical values