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One of the original creators of the well-known ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has claimed how corporate owner Unilever stopped the introduction for a new Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, that co-founded the business alongside his partner, announced how he will independently develop the controversial flavor as part of an individual series showcasing causes the company has been barred from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Dispute Involving Founders and Parent Company

This latest development deepens the continuing disagreement among the internationally recognized dessert company with Unilever, the British packaged goods giant which has owned the ice cream brand for over two decades.

The co-founders maintain how Unilever and their ice cream division the Magnum brand improperly prevented their company against "maintaining its activist principles".

The Fruit Sorbet becoming an Emblem for Solidarity

The entrepreneur revealed via an Instagram video how he's developing a new watermelon-flavored sorbet, requesting public suggestions regarding naming options and additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they were prevented from doing,” Mr. Cohen commented in his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored frozen dessert that calls for permanent peace for Palestinians and calls for repairing the damage that was done there.”

This particular fruit has emerged as a symbol for solidarity with Palestinians because of its colors, which match those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement and Current Developments

In 2021, the ice cream company refused to sell their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, resulting in the parent company selling the Israeli operation to a local licensee, thus allowing continued sales in the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming dessert series will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist dessert company which was first established several years back for endorsing former political contender Bernie Sanders via the product "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Shifts and Upcoming Intentions

The founder indicated that he plans to create additional frozen dessert varieties that address issues that the company was silenced from addressing publicly due to corporate restrictions.

The announcement comes after partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down his position at Ben & Jerry's recently, after decades with the organization, mentioning concerns that the company's autonomy was undermined after corporate moves to curb its social activism.

At that time, Mr. Cohen stated that "Jerry has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience leads me to continue to work inside the company to fight for its independence ensuring that it can actualise the social mission, the principles that established its foundation while upholding for decades," he told media outlets.

• Corporate owner limitations regarding political advocacy
• Personal product development by original creators
• Watermelon flavor serving as social statement
• Continuing tensions among parent company and ethical values