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One of the original creators of the well-known frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has stated that corporate owner Unilever blocked the launch for an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, that co-founded the company with Jerry Greenfield, revealed that he will personally create the controversial flavor within an individual collection showcasing causes Ben & Jerry's was prevented from speaking out about.

Ongoing Conflict Between Creators and Parent Company

This latest announcement deepens the continuing disagreement between the internationally recognized dessert company and Unilever, the UK-based packaged goods giant that has owned Ben & Jerry's since 2000.

The co-founders have asserted how Unilever along with their ice cream division Magnum unlawfully blocked their company against "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

The Fruit Sorbet becoming a Symbol of Support

The entrepreneur announced through an Instagram video that he's developing an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, requesting public suggestions for naming options and additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen commented from a cooking set. “I'm making a watermelon-based ice cream that calls for permanent peace for Palestinians while demanding addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has emerged as an emblem of support for Palestinians due to its colors, that match the colors in Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Social Engagement and Current Developments

Several years ago, the ice cream company refused to sell its products in territories occupied by Israel, leading to Unilever transferring their Israel business to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.

The new dessert series is being created through Ben's Best, the activist ice cream brand that originally created several years back for endorsing former political contender Bernie Sanders with the product "Bernie's Back".

Management Changes plus Future Plans

The founder indicated how he will develop additional ice cream flavors focusing on concerns which the company was prevented from speaking about openly by Unilever.

The announcement comes after co-founder Mr. Greenfield stepped down his position at the company in September, after many years with the organization, mentioning worries regarding how its independence was compromised after Unilever's decision to restrict its social activism.

Previously, Ben Cohen stated how “My partner has strong compassion and this conflict with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

"My heart compels me to continue to work inside the company to advocate for its independence ensuring that it can fulfill its ethical purpose, the values which established its foundation while upholding for decades," he told journalists.

• Parent company restrictions regarding social activism
• Personal product development from company founders
• The fruit-based product serving as social statement
• Ongoing tensions between parent company and social mission