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The original creators of the famous frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has claimed how corporate owner the multinational conglomerate stopped the introduction of an innovative pro-Palestinian frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, that established the business alongside his partner, announced that he will independently develop the controversial flavor within an individual collection highlighting causes Ben & Jerry's has been prevented from addressing publicly.

Longstanding Dispute Involving Founders and Corporate Owner

This latest development deepens the continuing disagreement among the internationally recognized dessert company with Unilever, the British consumer goods giant which has owned Ben & Jerry's since 2000.

Both founders have asserted that Unilever along with their ice cream division the Magnum brand improperly prevented their company against "honouring its social mission".

The Fruit Sorbet as an Emblem for Solidarity

Mr. Cohen announced via social media how he is creating a new watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, requesting public suggestions regarding naming options and potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they were prevented from doing,” Mr. Cohen stated in his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream that advocates for permanent peace for Palestinians and calls for addressing the harm that was done there.”

This particular fruit has become a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people because of its coloration, that closely resemble the colors in Palestine's national banner – red, green, black and white.

Historical Social Engagement and Recent Changes

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell their merchandise in areas occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company transferring the Israeli operation to a local licensee, thereby permitting continued sales in disputed territories.

This upcoming product line will be developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand which was first established in 2016 for endorsing former political contender Bernie Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Shifts plus Upcoming Plans

The founder indicated how he plans to develop additional ice cream flavors focusing on concerns which the company was prevented from speaking about openly by corporate restrictions.

This development comes after partner Jerry Greenfield resigned from the company recently, following many years with the organization, mentioning concerns regarding how its independence had been compromised following corporate moves to curb its social activism.

At that time, Ben Cohen stated how “My partner has strong compassion and this conflict with our parent company was breaking it."

“My conscience compels me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy ensuring that it can achieve the social mission, the principles that established its foundation and has maintained for decades," he explained to media outlets.

• Parent company restrictions on social activism
• Independent flavor creation by company founders
• Watermelon flavor as social statement
• Continuing tensions between corporate ownership and ethical values