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One of the original creators behind the well-known ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has claimed that corporate owner the multinational conglomerate stopped the introduction for an innovative Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, that co-founded the business alongside his partner, disclosed how he plans to independently develop the controversial product as part of an individual collection highlighting causes the company was barred from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Dispute Between Founders and Corporate Owner

This latest announcement escalates the ongoing tension between the world-famous dessert company and Unilever, the UK-based packaged goods corporation that has owned the ice cream brand for over two decades.

The co-founders have asserted how the parent company and their ice cream division Magnum unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's from "maintaining its activist principles".

Watermelon Flavor as a Symbol of Support

Mr. Cohen announced via social media that he's developing an innovative watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, requesting consumer ideas regarding naming options and additional components.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen stated in a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-based ice cream that advocates for permanent peace for Palestinians and calls for addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has emerged as an emblem of solidarity with Palestinians due to its colors, that mirror the colors in the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement plus Current Changes

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of its products in areas under Israeli control, leading to Unilever selling their Israel business to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing continued sales in the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming product line will be created through Ben's Best, the socially conscious dessert company that was first created in 2016 for endorsing ex- US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Management Changes plus Upcoming Plans

The founder stated that he plans to create other ice cream flavors that address issues which Ben & Jerry's was silenced from speaking about openly due to corporate restrictions.

The announcement comes after partner Mr. Greenfield resigned his position at Ben & Jerry's in September, following decades with the organization, citing worries that the company's autonomy was compromised after corporate moves to curb its social activism.

Previously, Mr. Cohen commented that "Jerry has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

"My heart compels me to continue to work inside the company to advocate for corporate autonomy ensuring that the company can fulfill its ethical purpose, the values which it was founded on while upholding for over 40 years," he explained to media outlets.

• Corporate owner restrictions on political advocacy
• Independent product development from company founders
• Watermelon flavor as social statement
• Continuing disagreements among corporate ownership and social mission