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One of the original creators behind the well-known ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has stated that corporate owner Unilever blocked the launch of a new pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, that established the company alongside his partner, disclosed how he will personally create the controversial flavor within a personal collection highlighting issues Ben & Jerry's was barred from speaking out about.

Ongoing Conflict Involving Founders versus Parent Company

The recent development deepens the continuing conflict between the internationally recognized ice cream maker with its corporate parent, the UK-based consumer goods giant that acquired the ice cream brand for over two decades.

Both founders have claimed that the parent company along with their ice cream division the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked their company from "honouring its social mission".

Watermelon Sorbet becoming a Symbol of Support

Mr. Cohen announced through social media that he is creating an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for consumer ideas regarding naming options and potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” the founder stated from his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored frozen dessert that calls for permanent peace for Palestinians while demanding addressing the harm that was done there.”

This particular fruit has become a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians because of its coloration, that closely resemble the colors in the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement and Current Changes

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell its products in territories under Israeli control, leading to Unilever transferring their Israel business over to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing continued sales within disputed territories.

The new product line will be developed under Ben's Best, the activist dessert company that originally created several years back for endorsing former US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Management Shifts and Future Intentions

Mr. Cohen indicated that he plans to create other frozen dessert varieties focusing on concerns that the company was silenced from speaking about openly by Unilever.

This development comes after partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down from Ben & Jerry's recently, after decades of involvement, citing worries that the company's autonomy was undermined after corporate moves to curb their advocacy work.

At that time, Mr. Cohen stated that “My partner has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was breaking it."

"My heart compels me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy ensuring that the company can fulfill its ethical purpose, the principles that established its foundation while upholding for over 40 years," he explained to journalists.

• Parent company limitations regarding social activism
• Personal product development by original creators
• The fruit-based product as political symbol
• Continuing tensions between corporate ownership versus social mission