Click to know about Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath, owner of Naturals Ice Cream
Click to know about Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath, owner of Naturals Ice Cream
Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath’s journey from a small village in Mangalore to becoming a renowned name in the ice cream industry is a testament to his determination, innovation, and resilience.
In the world of business, stories of individuals rising from humble beginnings to create empires are both inspirational and moving. One such remarkable story is that of Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath, the visionary behind ‘Naturals Ice Cream’, a company valued at approximately Rs 400 crore.
Born to a fruit vendor in Karnataka, Kamath’s early life was steeped in simplicity and hard work. Growing up, he assisted his father in the fruit business, a role that provided him with an invaluable understanding of fruits—an understanding that would later become crucial in his entrepreneurial journey. Despite his keen business sense, Kamath struggled academically, ultimately dropping out of school. This setback, however, did not deter him.
At the tender age of 14, Kamath left his village and moved to Mumbai, a city synonymous with dreams and opportunities. In Mumbai, he found employment at his brother’s South Indian restaurant, earning a modest income. It was during this period that Kamath’s entrepreneurial spirit began to stir. He yearned to create something of his own, something that would set him apart.
Kamath’s foray into the ice cream business began on February 14, 1984. With just four workers and a handful of basic ingredients—fruit, milk, and sugar—he launched Naturals Ice Cream. The initial menu featured 12 flavours, each crafted from the knowledge Kamath had acquired during his years working with his father.
To attract customers, Kamath employed a clever strategy: he sold Pav Bhaji as the main dish, with ice cream as a side offering. This tactic worked brilliantly, drawing crowds who soon became fans of his ice cream. The first year saw Kamath’s modest Juhu shop generating Rs 5,00,000 in revenue—a clear indicator of the potential his venture held.
As Naturals Ice Cream gained popularity, Kamath made a pivotal decision to focus solely on ice cream, discontinuing the Pav Bhaji. This shift allowed him to refine his product and expand his business. Over the years, Naturals grew from a single shop to a national presence, with 135 outlets across India by 2020.
The company’s unique selling proposition—ice cream made from natural ingredients without artificial flavouring—resonated with customers, setting it apart in a crowded market.
Naturals Ice Cream’s success is not just reflected in its revenue, which stood at around Rs 400 crore in FY 2020, but also in its reputation. The brand was recognized in a KPMG survey as one of India’s top 10 companies for best customer experience, a testament to Kamath’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath’s journey is a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs. His story underscores the importance of perseverance, innovation, and staying true to one’s roots. From a school dropout and a fruit vendor’s son to the ‘Ice Cream Man of India,’ Kamath’s life is a narrative of triumph over adversity.
Today, Naturals Ice Cream continues to delight customers across India, staying true to its founder’s vision of offering pure, natural flavours. Kamath’s legacy is one of resilience and ingenuity, proving that with dedication and hard work, even the loftiest dreams can be realized.
