Naturals Ice Cream Founder Raghunandan Kamath Passes Away at 70
The Indian ice cream industry mourns the loss of Raghunandan Kamath, the visionary founder of Naturals Ice Cream. Kamath, affectionately known as the ‘Ice Cream Man of India,’ passed away at the age of 70 due to a brief illness. The company confirmed his passing in a somber social media post.
Naturals Ice Cream has established itself as a beloved brand, renowned for its use of fresh fruits, dry fruits, milk, and sugar, without any preservatives or additives. Kamath’s passion for ice cream stemmed from his childhood in Mangalore, where he learned the art of distinguishing and selecting the finest fruits from his father, a mango vendor. Inspired by this knowledge, he envisioned an ice cream that would delight consumers with the taste of real fruits, rather than just artificial flavors.
Leaving his father’s business behind, Kamath embarked on a journey from Mangalore to Bombay (now Mumbai) in pursuit of his dream. In 1984, he opened the first Natural Ice Cream outlet in Juhu Koliwada, Mumbai. Initially, he also sold pav bhaji alongside the ice cream, a clever marketing strategy that quickly attracted attention. The unique combination and quality of the ice cream soon made Naturals a popular destination.
By 1994, Naturals had expanded to five outlets, becoming well-known as the ‘Ice Cream of Juhu Scheme.’ The love for Naturals Ice Cream spread beyond Mumbai, leading to the opening of over 100 outlets across India. Kamath’s legacy will continue to delight ice cream lovers across the nation, as Naturals Ice Cream remains a testament to his passion for quality and innovation.
Raghunandan Kamath is survived by his wife and two sons. The entire Naturals family expresses their heartfelt condolences for this irreplaceable loss, and his memory will forever be cherished by the Indian ice cream industry and beyond.
