Ben Cohen, a co-founder of the renowned ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, has stated that Unilever, the company’s parent firm, vetoed the release of an ice cream flavor designed to express support for Palestine. Cohen revealed his intention to independently produce this new flavor as part of a series addressing causes that Ben & Jerry’s has been reportedly barred from publicly endorsing.
Ben & Jerry’s is widely recognized for its commitment to social activism, consistently taking stances on political, environmental, and humanitarian issues, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The brand has a history of using its platform to advocate for social change.
This situation highlights a continuing rift between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever, which acquired the ice cream company in 2000. Cohen, along with fellow co-founder Jerry Greenfield, has previously accused Unilever of infringing upon their company’s social mission and its ability to operate independently.
Cohen announced in a social media video that he is developing a watermelon-flavored sorbet, inviting public input for its name and ingredients. The watermelon has become a symbol of Palestinian solidarity due to its colors mirroring the Palestinian flag.
He expressed his intention to create this flavor independently through his activist ice cream brand, Ben’s Best, which he previously established to support political campaigns. Cohen plans to develop additional flavors addressing other issues that Ben & Jerry’s has allegedly been restricted from promoting by Unilever.
This development follows Jerry Greenfield’s departure from Ben & Jerry’s, citing concerns over the company’s diminished independence in pursuing its social activism agenda.