Co-founder: Unilever Blocked Pro‑Palestine Ben & Jerry’s Flavor

Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, says Unilever and its Magnum ice‑cream arm blocked a pro‑Palestine/peace‑in‑Gaza flavor that the company’s independent board had approved, calling the decision a “corporate attack on free speech.” Cohen has launched a Free Ben & Jerry’s campaign, accused Unilever of “corporate butt kissing” of Donald Trump, and said tensions with the owner have become increasingly acrimonious, including co‑founder Jerry Greenfield’s recent resignation. Unilever and Magnum say they did not pursue the proposed product because it was “not the right time” and stress independent board members are not responsible for commercial strategy. In response, Cohen is producing a limited‑run watermelon‑flavored pint under his Ben’s Best label — with watermelon used as a symbol of Palestinian solidarity — and has invited the public to help name and design it. The dispute underscores ongoing tensions since Unilever’s 2000 acquisition over whether the brand can continue its activist mission and has prompted lawsuits and public protests.