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The co-founders of the famous ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has claimed that parent company Unilever blocked the introduction of an innovative Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, that established the company alongside his partner, disclosed that he will independently develop this new product as part of a personal series highlighting issues the company has been barred from addressing publicly.

Longstanding Conflict Involving Creators and Corporate Owner

The recent development intensifies the continuing conflict between the world-famous dessert company with its corporate parent, the UK-based consumer goods giant which has owned the ice cream brand since 2000.

The co-founders have claimed how Unilever and its ice cream arm Magnum unlawfully blocked their company from "honouring its social mission".

Watermelon Sorbet as a Symbol for Support

Mr. Cohen revealed via an Instagram video how he is creating an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for consumer ideas regarding the product's name and additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” the founder commented in a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream that calls for lasting ceasefire for Palestinians and calls for repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has become a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians due to its colors, which closely resemble the colors in the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white.

Previous Social Engagement and Current Developments

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

This upcoming product line will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist dessert company which originally established several years back to support ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the product "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Changes and Upcoming Intentions

Mr. Cohen stated that he plans to create other ice cream flavors that address issues that the company was silenced from speaking about openly by corporate restrictions.

This development comes after partner Mr. Greenfield resigned his position at the company in September, after decades of involvement, citing concerns that its independence was compromised after Unilever's decision to restrict their advocacy work.

Previously, Mr. Cohen commented how "Jerry has strong compassion and this conflict with our parent company was deeply distressing him."

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

• Parent company limitations on political advocacy
• Independent product development by original creators
• The fruit-based product serving as social statement
• Continuing tensions between corporate ownership and social mission