The co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, Ben Cohen, has indicated that Unilever, the parent company of the ice cream brand, obstructed the launch of a new flavor intended to show “solidarity with Palestine.” In response, Cohen plans to independently create the new ice cream flavor as part of a personal initiative spotlighting social causes that the company has been restricted from addressing.
Ben & Jerry’s is recognized for its commitment to various social issues and has previously voiced its stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The dispute between the ice cream maker and Unilever has been ongoing since Unilever acquired the company in 2000. Cohen and his co-founders allege that Unilever and its ice cream division, Magnum, unlawfully prevented them from fulfilling their social mission.
In a recent Instagram video, Cohen announced his intention to produce a watermelon-flavored sorbet, which he is promoting as a way to advocate for peace in Palestine. The watermelon color scheme is reminiscent of the Palestinian flag’s colors: red, green, black, and white. Cohen stated that he is “doing what they couldn’t,” referencing the barriers imposed by Unilever.
Earlier, in 2021, Ben & Jerry’s made headlines when it stopped selling its products in Israeli-occupied territories. As a result, Unilever sold its Israeli operations to a local licensee, allowing continued sales in the West Bank. Cohen’s new flavor will be developed under “Ben’s Best,” his activist ice cream brand, which he founded in 2016.
Additionally, Jerry Greenfield, another co-founder, recently stepped down citing concerns over the company’s diminishing independence following Unilever’s curtailment of its social activism. Cohen has expressed commitment to advocating for the company’s original social mission, maintaining its core values as established over the past four decades.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1lqeqv9j9no?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss