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One of the co-founders behind the well-known ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has stated that corporate owner Unilever prevented the introduction of a new Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, who established the company with Jerry Greenfield, disclosed that he plans to personally create this new product as part of a personal series highlighting causes the company has been barred from speaking out about.

Longstanding Dispute Involving Creators versus Corporate Owner

The recent announcement intensifies the ongoing tension among the internationally recognized ice cream maker and Unilever, the British packaged goods corporation which has owned Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

The co-founders have asserted that the parent company along with their ice cream division Magnum improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's from "honouring its social mission".

Watermelon Flavor as a Symbol for Support

The entrepreneur stated through social media how he is creating a new watermelon-based sorbet, asking for public suggestions regarding the product's name plus additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” the founder commented from his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-based frozen dessert that advocates for lasting ceasefire in Palestine while demanding repairing the damage that was done there.”

The watermelon has become an emblem for solidarity with Palestinians due to its coloration, that closely resemble the colors in Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Social Engagement and Current 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 to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing ongoing distribution in disputed territories.

This upcoming product line will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist dessert company which was first established several years back for endorsing ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the product "Bernie's Back".

Management Changes and Future Plans

The founder indicated how he will create other ice cream flavors focusing on concerns that Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly by Unilever.

This development comes after partner Jerry Greenfield stepped down from the company in September, following many years with the organization, mentioning worries that its independence had been undermined after Unilever's decision to curb their advocacy work.

Previously, Mr. Cohen commented how "Jerry has a really big heart and this conflict with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience compels me to keep working inside the company to fight for its independence so that the company can achieve the social mission, the values which it was founded on and has maintained for over 40 years," he told journalists.

• Parent company limitations on political advocacy
• Personal flavor creation by company founders
• The fruit-based product serving as social statement
• Ongoing disagreements between corporate ownership and ethical values