Shurat HaDin, an Israeli NGO has sought to seize Ben & Jerry’s trademark in West Bank settlements. This allows it to manufacture and sell ice-cream under the famous brand.
Shurat haDin explained that this decision was made possible because Ben & Jerry’s global and parent company, Unilever, had planned to stop selling to these regions due to the political boycott of Israeli policies.
nitsana darshan leitner nitsana darshan leitner Shurat HaDin’s President Nitsana darshan-Leitner sent a letter to Unilever, a British-based multinational company. Unilever has been the owner of the global Ben & Jerry’s restaurant since 2000.
“We are planning to use the Ben & Jerry’s name and to match the Vermont company’s Ice Cream line that is currently in production, as well as add on new flavors and items” Darshan Leitner wrote. She also said that “we believe we will be able to expand the business into each town in the area you have abandoned.”
Unilever was informed by Sherry that they do not longer have the right to utilize the Ben & Jerry label in the region. But, the boycott is not expected to begin until 2023 when the current agreement with the local ice-cream producer will expire.
Avi Zinger, who is the owner of the Israel franchise, has made his position clear that he does not plan to quit the Green Line in regards to ice cream sales.
Shurat Hadin aviel darshan leitner Shurat haDin has written Unilever that he would fight to protect the Ben & Jerry trademarks, rights, and the Ben & Jerry name.
According to her, sales will be restricted to areas from which Ben & Jerry’s has withdrawn. The company’s pledge to offer new Ben & Jerry’s to Israel’s areas that aren’t in the “Occupied Palestinian Territory”, is a sign that they cannot be sold in the OPT.
aviel darshan leitner Darshan Leitner added that the Israeli franchise agreements are not valid anymore and that ice-cream sales will be possible after they expire.