Raghunandan Kamath, who built the Rs 400 crore company Naturals Ice Cream, passes away at 75

Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath, the founder of Naturals Ice Cream, passed away at the age of 75 in a Mumbai hospital after a brief illness.

According to a report by Vijay Karnataka, Kamath had been ill for several days and was admitted to the hospital.

Natural Ice Cream also shared a post on X. "Our thoughts on the sad demise of our patron and founder of Naturals Ice Cream, Late (Shri) Raghunandan Kamath. Indeed a very sad and unfortunate day for us," the company wrote on X.

Our thoughts on the sad demise of our patron and founder of Naturals Ice Cream, Late (Shri) Raghunandan Kamath. Indeed a very sad and unfortunate day for us.

Regards,
The Naturals Family.
Date: 18th May, 2024. pic.twitter.com/6x5guC5ae8

— Natural Ice Cream (@Naturalicecream) May 18, 2024

Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath's journey

Kamath's journey began in Mulki, a town in Mangalore taluk of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka. Born to a fruit vendor, Kamath assisted his father in the fruit business during his early years, gaining invaluable knowledge about fruits. At the age of 14, he left his village and moved to Mumbai, where he found work at his brother’s restaurant.

In February 1984, Kamath ventured into the ice cream business with the help of just four workers. Initially, his company offered only 12 flavours of ice cream. To attract more customers, Kamath cleverly served Pav Bhaji alongside the ice cream, which quickly became popular and drew in many customers.

As Naturals Ice Cream gained popularity, Kamath decided to focus exclusively on the ice cream business. This decision allowed him to refine his products and expand his brand.

By 2020, Naturals Ice Cream had grown to include 135 outlets across India. One of its unique selling points is that the company uses natural ingredients without artificial flavouring.

Today, Naturals Ice Cream is valued at approximately Rs 400 crore, a testament to Kamath's vision and hard work.

"A phenomenal journey comes to an end🙏🏽 Saddened to know of the demise of ‘Icecream Man’ Shri Raghunandan Kamath, the founder & force behind Natural Icecreams. From Mulki to Mumbai with just a dream to creating a brand that became a ‘natural’ choice for every icecream lover, his life is a huge lesson & inspiration for every entrepreneur. Prayers for his sadgati & strength to all his loved ones in this hour of grief. Om Shanti 🙏🏽," Captain Brijesh Chowta, secretary of BJP's Karnataka unit wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

A phenomenal journey comes to an end🙏🏽

Saddened to know of the demise of ‘Icecream Man’ Shri Raghunandan Kamath, the founder & force behind Natural Icecreams.

From Mulki to Mumbai with just a dream to creating a brand that became a ‘natural’ choice for every icecream lover,… pic.twitter.com/nPRw8CHZZj

— Captain Brijesh Chowta (Modi Ka Parivar) (@CaptBrijesh) May 18, 2024

So sad to hear this. @Naturalicecream has been the go to brand for years, for many of us. Their tender coconut, sitaphal, chickoo flavors were to die for. A fantastic brand. Go gently Raghunandan ji. Om Shanti.@PadmajaParulkar

— Srikant Kesnur (@srikantkesnur) May 18, 2024

"The Ice Cream Man of India " Mr. Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath, Son Of A Fruit Vendor from the Icecream Capital of India - Mangalore,  who Built The Rs 400 Crore Company Naturals Ice Cream is no more. Om Shanti 🙏," a user wrote. 

Very very sorry to hear about Shri Raghunandan Kamath, the owner of @Naturalicecream attaining Haripada!

Raghunandan Kamath maam was not only an entrepreneur who built a successful icecream brand, he was a philanthropist who supported several community initiatives.

Born in a… pic.twitter.com/b3wSe8SWIS

— Shefali Vaidya. 🇮🇳 (@ShefVaidya) May 18, 2024

"Sri Raghunandan Kamath, founder of #NaturalIceCream left for heavenly abode. We met last on 29th Feb at Walkeshwar Kashi Math, Mumbai. Extremely sad news. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Let us all pray for the sojourn of the soul to Lords Lotus Feet at Vaikunta." another wrote.