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The original creators of the well-known ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has claimed that corporate owner the multinational conglomerate stopped the launch of an innovative Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

Ben Cohen, that established the company with Jerry Greenfield, disclosed how he plans to independently develop the controversial flavor as part of a personal series showcasing causes the company was barred from speaking out about.

Longstanding Dispute Involving Founders and Corporate Owner

The recent development deepens the continuing tension between the internationally recognized ice cream maker and Unilever, the UK-based packaged goods corporation which acquired the ice cream brand for over two decades.

Both founders have claimed how Unilever along with its ice cream arm the Magnum brand improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's against "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Sorbet as an Emblem of Solidarity

The entrepreneur stated via social media that he is creating a new watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, requesting consumer ideas regarding naming options plus additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they were prevented from doing,” Mr. Cohen stated in his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-based ice cream that advocates for lasting ceasefire for Palestinians and calls for addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has emerged as an emblem for solidarity with Palestinians due to its coloration, that closely resemble those of the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white.

Previous Social Engagement plus Recent Changes

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of its products in territories occupied by Israel, resulting in the parent company selling the Israeli operation to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting ongoing distribution within the occupied West Bank.

The new product line will be created through Ben's Best, the socially conscious dessert company that was first established several years back for endorsing ex- political contender Senator Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Changes and Future Plans

The founder indicated that he will create other frozen dessert varieties that address issues which Ben & Jerry's was prevented from speaking about openly by corporate restrictions.

The announcement follows co-founder Jerry Greenfield stepped down his position at the company in September, after many years of involvement, citing concerns regarding how the company's autonomy had been undermined following Unilever's decision to curb their advocacy work.

At that time, Ben Cohen commented that “My partner has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience compels me to continue to work within the organization to fight for corporate autonomy ensuring that the company can achieve its ethical purpose, the principles that it was founded on and has maintained for over 40 years," he told journalists.

• Corporate owner restrictions regarding political advocacy
• Independent flavor creation by original creators
• Watermelon flavor serving as political symbol
• Continuing tensions between parent company versus ethical values