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The original creators behind the famous frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has stated that corporate owner the multinational conglomerate blocked the introduction for a new pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, who co-founded the business with his partner, disclosed how he will personally create the controversial flavor as part of a personal collection showcasing issues the company was prevented from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Dispute Between Creators versus Corporate Owner

The recent development deepens the continuing tension between the internationally recognized ice cream maker with Unilever, the UK-based consumer goods giant which acquired Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

The co-founders maintain that Unilever and their ice cream division the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked their company against "maintaining its activist principles".

Watermelon Flavor becoming an Emblem for Solidarity

Mr. Cohen announced through an Instagram video that he's developing a new watermelon-based sorbet, asking for consumer ideas for the product's name plus additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder commented in his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream that calls for lasting ceasefire for Palestinians while demanding repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has become a symbol of support for Palestinians due to its coloration, that match the colors in the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Activism plus Current Changes

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company transferring their Israel business over to a local licensee, thus allowing continued sales within the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming 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 former US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Return".

Management Shifts and Upcoming Intentions

The founder indicated how he will create other ice cream flavors focusing on issues that the company was silenced from addressing publicly due to corporate restrictions.

The announcement follows partner Jerry Greenfield stepped down from the company in September, after many years of involvement, citing concerns regarding how the company's autonomy was compromised after Unilever's decision to curb its social activism.

Previously, Ben Cohen commented that "Jerry has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience leads me to continue to work inside the company to fight for corporate autonomy ensuring that the company can fulfill its ethical purpose, the principles that established its foundation and has maintained for over 40 years," he told media outlets.

• Corporate owner limitations regarding social activism
• Independent flavor creation from original creators
• The fruit-based product serving as social statement
• Continuing disagreements between parent company versus ethical values