Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath, the beloved founder of Naturals Ice Cream, passed away on Friday night at the age of 70. His last rites were performed on Saturday evening at Amboli, Andheri West. Kamath, born to a mango vendor in Mulki district, Dakshina Kannada, became a celebrated figure in the ice cream industry, inspiring many with his entrepreneurial journey.
Kamath’s journey began when he moved to Mumbai (then Bombay) from Mangaluru (then Mangalore) at the age of 14. After working at his brother’s restaurant, he envisioned an ice cream brand that used real fruits instead of just flavors. This idea led to the founding of Naturals Ice Cream in 1984 in Juhu, Mumbai. Initially, he offered pav bhaji as the main dish with ice cream as an add-on, but the unique concept of using real fruits quickly became the star attraction.
Naturals Ice Cream started with a menu of around 12 flavors, each reflecting the knowledge Kamath gained from assisting his father in Mangaluru. Today, Naturals is a Rs 400 crore brand, known for its authentic fruit flavors and innovation in the industry.
The news of Kamath’s passing led to an outpouring of tributes on social media. Actress, writer, and home chef Tara Deshpande shared her appreciation for Naturals Ice Cream, recounting her discovery of the brand’s history while creating a YouTube feature on Mumbai’s top ice cream brands.
Kamath’s story is also featured in the book “Intelligent Fanatics of India,” co-authored by Mumbai-based journalist Pooja Bhula. Bhula recalled her conversations with Kamath and highlighted his pioneering efforts at a time when kulfis dominated the market, and ice creams with natural fruits were a rarity. She noted Kamath’s passion, understanding of market risks, and technological innovations that led to the brand’s success.
“People will remember him for his warmth, loyalty, and the rewarding relationships he created with his franchisees, which contributed significantly to Naturals’ growth,” Bhula said. “His humility and sense of humor were also integral to his character.”
Kamath is survived by his wife and two sons, including Siddhant, the director of Naturals Ice Cream. His legacy continues through the beloved brand he built, leaving a lasting impact on the Indian ice cream industry.
