Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Claims Unilever Blocked Palestine-Themed Ice Cream

The co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, Ben Cohen, has announced that he will launch a new ice cream flavor expressing solidarity with Palestine. This development comes after claims that Unilever, the parent company of Ben & Jerry’s, obstructed the launch of this flavor. Cohen’s announcement adds to an ongoing dispute with Unilever regarding the ice cream maker’s social activism.

Background on Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s Conflict

Unilever has owned Ben & Jerry’s since the year 2000. The company has a reputation for taking stands on various social issues, including the Israel-Gaza conflict. Cohen stated that both he and co-founder Jerry Greenfield felt that Unilever unlawfully prevented them from honoring their commitment to social missions.

Cohen’s New Initiative

In an Instagram video, Cohen shared his plan to create a watermelon-flavored sorbet. He stated that the watermelon symbolizes solidarity with Palestinians, as its colors represent those of the Palestinian flag—red, green, black, and white. Cohen mentioned that he now plans to develop this new flavor under a personal brand named Ben’s Best.

• Watermelon-flavored ice cream intended to promote peace in Palestine.
• Development under the Ben’s Best brand, independent from Ben & Jerry’s.
• Soliciting public input for the product’s name and ingredients.

Previous Actions and Statements

In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s made headlines by refusing to sell its products in Israeli-occupied territories. Unilever subsequently sold the Israeli operation to a local licensee, allowing the continued sale of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in the West Bank.

Cohen emphasized his motivation in creating this new flavor, stating, “I’m doing what they couldn’t. I’m making a watermelon-flavored ice cream that calls for permanent peace in Palestine.” This statement reflects Cohen’s commitment to social causes, even as he operates outside the constraints set by Unilever.

Impact on Activism and Company Independence

Co-founder Jerry Greenfield recently stepped down from his role at Ben & Jerry’s, citing concerns over the company’s independence and its curbed social activism. At the same time, Cohen expressed his dedication to advocate for the company’s founding values and mission, aiming to revitalize its social conscience. The developments highlight an ongoing tension between corporate governance and social responsibility.

As Ben Cohen pushes forward with his new ice cream venture, the discourse surrounding corporate accountability and activism continues to evolve, raising questions about the balance between business interests and social missions.