Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath, the founder of Naturals Ice Cream and affectionately known as the 'Ice Cream Man of India', passed away on May 18, 2024, at the age of 70 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife and two sons, including Siddhant Kamath, the director of Naturals.
The Origin of Naturals
Kamath's journey from a mango vendor's son in a Mangaluru village to the founder of a Rs 400 crore ice cream empire is truly inspirational. In 1984, he opened the first Naturals Ice Cream shop in Juhu Koliwada, Mumbai. To attract customers, he initially sold pav bhaji alongside ice cream. Today, Naturals boasts over 160 outlets across 15 states in India.
Announcement of Demise
The dessert company announced his passing on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "A smile that will never be forgotten. A smile that will keep inspiring us that his era will never end. To the Ice Cream Man of India, who will forever stay in our hearts and yours." Kamath's legacy continues to inspire many in the industry and beyond.
We pay our respects to the entrepreneurial spirit of Sri Kamath and wish strength to his family and loved ones. The legacy that he leaves behind is a testament to how great businesses often need a simple idea backed by a strong vision to scale new heights.
