In the glitzy suburb of Juhu, Mumbai, where Bollywood legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, and Shatrughan Sinha reside, another quieter legend was emerging. It was here, in 1984, that Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath opened the first Naturals Ice Cream parlour, a small venture that would eventually grow into one of India’s most beloved ice cream brands, valued at over Rs 300 crore today.
Why Juhu?
Kamath, a man with a keen sense of opportunity, chose Juhu for his first outlet, understanding the power of the celebrity-filled neighborhood. “Celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, and Hema Malini stayed in the area. I thought they’d draw more crowds,” Kamath once shared in an interview. This strategic decision turned out to be a masterstroke, as the fame of the area helped draw the attention of curious customers and fans alike.
The Birth of Naturals Ice Cream
Born into a humble family, Kamath was introduced early to the value of quality produce by his father, a fruit vendor. His journey into the ice cream business began when, at the age of 14, he left school to work at his brother’s eatery, ‘Gokul Refreshments.’ It was there that Kamath nurtured the idea for a better ice cream—one that didn’t rely on artificial flavors, but instead celebrated the richness of Indian fruits.
After parting ways with his brother, Kamath took a bold step. He invested Rs 3.5 lakh of his savings into a tiny 200 sq. ft. shop in Juhu, where he and just six staff members began crafting fresh, fruit-based ice creams. The first menu featured just 12 flavors, including sitaphal (custard apple), tender coconut, jackfruit, muskmelon, and kala jamun. These were flavors unheard of in commercial ice creams at the time, setting Naturals Ice Cream apart from the competition. Kamath’s belief in letting the product speak for itself meant advertising was kept to a minimum; instead, word-of-mouth did the work, and his ice cream quickly garnered a loyal following.
Expansion and Innovation
Over the years, Naturals Ice Cream expanded its menu to include more than 20 flavors, such as gajar halwa, tilgul, cucumber, and prasadam—options that pushed the boundaries of what ice cream could be. As the brand’s popularity soared, Kamath’s dream grew, and Naturals Ice Cream blossomed into a national enterprise.
Today, Naturals Ice Cream operates over 165 outlets across 15 states in India. Its flagship flavor, Tender Coconut, has earned international recognition, and the company continues to innovate with offerings like ice cream vending machines, ensuring customers can enjoy their favorite treats 24/7.
A Lasting Legacy
Raghunandan Kamath passed away in 2024 at the age of 75, leaving behind not just a thriving business, but a legacy of quality, trust, and perseverance. From a modest shop in Juhu to a brand adored by millions, Kamath’s journey is a testament to the power of a simple idea, pure ingredients, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Naturals Ice Cream, now valued at over Rs 300 crore, stands as a lasting monument to Kamath’s vision and determination, bringing joy to generations of ice cream lovers across India.
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