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One of the original creators of the well-known frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has stated how parent company the multinational conglomerate blocked the launch of an innovative pro-Palestinian frozen dessert product.

Ben Cohen, who co-founded the company alongside his partner, announced that he plans to independently develop this new flavor as part of an individual series highlighting causes the company was barred from addressing publicly.

Longstanding Dispute Involving Founders and Parent Company

The recent development intensifies the continuing tension between the internationally recognized ice cream maker and its corporate parent, the UK-based packaged goods giant which acquired Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

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

The Fruit Sorbet as a Symbol of Solidarity

Mr. Cohen stated through an Instagram video how he is creating an innovative watermelon-based sorbet, asking for public suggestions regarding naming options plus potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder stated in his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored ice cream that advocates for permanent peace in Palestine while demanding repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has become a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people because of its coloration, which match the colors in Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement and Recent Developments

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company transferring their Israel business over to a local licensee, thereby permitting ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.

The new product line will be created through Ben's Best, the activist ice cream brand which was first created several years back to support former political contender Senator Sanders with the product "Bernie's Return".

Management Changes plus Future Plans

The founder revealed that he will develop other ice cream flavors focusing on issues which the company was prevented from addressing publicly due to corporate restrictions.

This development comes after co-founder Mr. Greenfield stepped down his position at Ben & Jerry's recently, following decades with the organization, citing worries regarding how the company's autonomy was undermined following corporate moves to curb its social activism.

At that time, Ben Cohen stated how “My partner has a really big heart and this conflict with our parent company was breaking it."

“My conscience leads me to keep working within the organization to advocate for its independence so that the company can achieve its ethical purpose, the values that established its foundation while upholding for decades," he told journalists.

• Corporate owner limitations on social activism
• Independent flavor creation by company founders
• Watermelon flavor serving as political symbol
• Ongoing disagreements between parent company and social mission