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The original creators behind the well-known frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has claimed that parent company Unilever blocked the introduction of a new Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, that co-founded the company with Jerry Greenfield, revealed how he plans to independently develop this new flavor within a personal collection showcasing issues the company has been prevented from speaking out about.

Longstanding Dispute Between Founders and Parent Company

The recent announcement intensifies the ongoing disagreement between the internationally recognized ice cream maker with its corporate parent, the British packaged goods giant which has owned the ice cream brand for over two decades.

The co-founders have claimed that Unilever along with its ice cream arm the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's against "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Flavor becoming a Symbol for Support

The entrepreneur stated through an Instagram video that he's developing an innovative watermelon-flavored sorbet, asking for public suggestions regarding the product's name plus potential ingredients.

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

This particular fruit has emerged as a symbol for support for the Palestinian people due to its colors, which match the colors in the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white.

Historical Activism and Current Developments

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of their merchandise in areas occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company selling the Israeli operation to a local licensee, thereby permitting continued sales in disputed territories.

This upcoming product line will be created through Ben's Best, the socially conscious ice cream brand which was first created in 2016 to support ex- political contender Bernie Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Changes plus Future Intentions

The founder revealed how he plans to develop other ice cream flavors that address concerns that Ben & Jerry's was prevented from speaking about openly by Unilever.

This development follows partner Mr. Greenfield resigned his position at the company recently, following decades of involvement, mentioning concerns that its independence was compromised following corporate moves to curb its social activism.

Previously, Mr. Cohen commented how "Jerry has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

"My heart leads me to keep working inside the company to advocate for its independence ensuring that the company can fulfill the social mission, the values that it was founded on and has maintained for over 40 years," he told journalists.

• Parent company restrictions regarding social activism
• Independent flavor creation from original creators
• Watermelon flavor serving as social statement
• Ongoing disagreements among parent company and ethical values