Summary
Ben & Jerry's co-founder Ben Cohen said Unilever blocked the company from creating a Palestine-themed ice cream flavor. In response, Cohen plans to make this flavor himself through his own brand, Ben's Best. This conflict highlights ongoing tensions between Ben & Jerry's social activism goals and Unilever's business decisions.
Key Facts
- Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, claims Unilever stopped the company from launching a Palestine-themed ice cream.
- Cohen intends to create the flavor independently through his brand, Ben's Best.
- The new flavor will be a watermelon sorbet, symbolizing solidarity with Palestinians.
- Ben & Jerry's has a history of activism on social, political, and environmental issues.
- Ben Cohen criticizes Unilever for blocking their social mission.
- In 2021, Ben & Jerry's chose not to sell products in Israeli-occupied areas.
- Unilever owns Ben & Jerry's and has sold its Israeli operations to a local licensee.
- Co-founder Jerry Greenfield recently stepped down, citing concerns about compromised independence.
