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One of the co-founders behind the famous frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has claimed that corporate owner Unilever blocked the launch of a new pro-Palestinian frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, that established the business with Jerry Greenfield, disclosed that he plans to independently develop the controversial flavor within a personal series showcasing issues the company was prevented from speaking out about.

Longstanding Conflict Involving Creators versus Parent Company

This latest announcement deepens the ongoing conflict between the internationally recognized dessert company and Unilever, the British consumer goods giant that has owned Ben & Jerry's since 2000.

The co-founders maintain how the parent company along with their ice cream division the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's from "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Flavor as a Symbol of Solidarity

The entrepreneur revealed via an Instagram video how he's developing an innovative watermelon-flavored sorbet, requesting public suggestions for naming options and additional components.

“I'm doing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder commented from a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored frozen dessert that advocates for lasting ceasefire for Palestinians and calls for repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has become a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians because of its colors, that closely resemble those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement and Current Developments

Several years ago, the ice cream company refused to sell its products in areas under Israeli control, resulting in Unilever selling the Israeli operation to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting continued sales in the occupied West Bank.

The new dessert series is being created through Ben's Best, the activist dessert company which was first established in 2016 for endorsing ex- political contender Bernie Sanders with the product "Bernie's Return".

Management Changes and Upcoming Intentions

Mr. Cohen revealed that he plans to develop additional frozen dessert varieties that address issues which Ben & Jerry's was silenced from speaking about openly by corporate restrictions.

The announcement follows partner Jerry Greenfield resigned his position at Ben & Jerry's in September, following many years with the organization, mentioning concerns regarding how its independence had been compromised following corporate moves to curb their advocacy work.

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

"My heart leads me to keep working inside the company to fight for corporate autonomy ensuring that it can achieve its ethical purpose, the values that established its foundation and has maintained for over 40 years," he explained to media outlets.

• Corporate owner limitations regarding social activism
• Independent flavor creation by company founders
• The fruit-based product as social statement
• Continuing tensions among parent company and ethical values