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The original creators of the famous ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has claimed that corporate owner the multinational conglomerate blocked the introduction of an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, that established the business with his partner, revealed that he will personally create the controversial product within an individual series highlighting issues Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Conflict Between Creators and Corporate Owner

This latest announcement escalates the ongoing disagreement among the internationally recognized ice cream maker and its corporate parent, the UK-based consumer goods giant that acquired the ice cream brand since 2000.

Both founders have asserted how the parent company along with its ice cream arm Magnum improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's against "honouring its social mission".

The Fruit Flavor becoming a Symbol of Support

Mr. Cohen announced through social media that he is creating a new watermelon-based sorbet, requesting public suggestions regarding the product's name plus potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen stated from a cooking set. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored ice cream that calls for lasting ceasefire in Palestine while demanding repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has become an emblem of solidarity with Palestinians because of its coloration, that closely resemble the colors in Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Social Engagement plus Current Developments

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, leading to Unilever transferring their Israel business to a local licensee, thus allowing ongoing distribution within the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming product line will be created through Ben's Best, the activist dessert company which was first created in 2016 for endorsing former political contender Bernie Sanders via the product "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Changes and Future Plans

Mr. Cohen indicated how he will create other ice cream flavors focusing on issues which the company was prevented from speaking about openly due to Unilever.

This development comes after partner Jerry Greenfield stepped down from Ben & Jerry's in September, after decades of involvement, citing worries that the company's autonomy was compromised following Unilever's decision to restrict its social activism.

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

"My heart leads me to keep working inside the company to fight for its independence ensuring that the company can actualise its ethical purpose, the principles that it was founded on and has maintained for over 40 years," he explained to journalists.

• Corporate owner limitations on political advocacy
• Independent product development by company founders
• Watermelon flavor serving as social statement
• Continuing tensions among corporate ownership versus ethical values