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The co-founders behind the well-known frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has claimed that corporate owner Unilever blocked the introduction for a new Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, that co-founded the company with Jerry Greenfield, revealed that he will independently develop this new flavor within a personal collection highlighting causes Ben & Jerry's has been barred from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Conflict Between Founders versus Corporate Owner

This latest announcement deepens the continuing tension between the internationally recognized ice cream maker and Unilever, the British packaged goods giant which acquired Ben & Jerry's since 2000.

The co-founders have asserted how Unilever along with their ice cream division the Magnum brand improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's against "maintaining its activist principles".

The Fruit Sorbet as a Symbol for Solidarity

Mr. Cohen announced through social media how he's developing an innovative watermelon-based sorbet, asking for public suggestions for the product's name plus potential ingredients.

“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” the founder stated from his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream that calls for lasting ceasefire in Palestine and calls for addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has emerged as a symbol for support for the Palestinian people due to its coloration, which match those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement plus Current Changes

Several years ago, the ice cream company refused to sell its products in areas under Israeli control, leading to Unilever selling their Israel business over to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting continued sales within the occupied West Bank.

The new product line is being created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand which originally established several years back for endorsing ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the product "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Shifts plus Upcoming Intentions

Mr. Cohen indicated that he will create additional ice cream flavors that address concerns that the company was prevented from speaking about openly due to corporate restrictions.

This development comes after partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down from the company in September, following many years with the organization, citing concerns regarding how its independence had been compromised after corporate moves to restrict their advocacy work.

Previously, Mr. Cohen remarked that "Jerry has a really big heart and this conflict with Unilever was breaking it."

"My heart compels me to continue to work inside the company to advocate for its independence ensuring that it can actualise the social mission, the principles which it was founded on while upholding for over 40 years," he told media outlets.

• Parent company restrictions on social activism
• Independent product development by original creators
• The fruit-based product as political symbol
• Ongoing tensions among parent company and ethical values