RAGHUNANDAN KAMATH

In 1984, Raghunandan Kamath stumbled upon an opportunity to venture into the world of business. Filled with a desire to do something unique and extraordinary, he decided to deviate from the norm and embark on a “sweet” journey…

Coming from a family of fruit vendors, the idea of creating ice cream using luscious fruits struck him like a delicious revelation. Kamath’s childhood home was always brimming with the aroma of fresh fruits. The tantalizing scent and the joy of indulging in delectable, ripe fruits sparked a thought in his mind—why not turn these fruits into frozen delights?

And that’s when the idea of fruit-based ice cream was born.

He chose the bustling neighborhood of Juhu in Mumbai as the home for his ice cream venture. Kamath set up his very first outlet—a modest 200 sq. ft. space facing the magnificent Juhu Beach.

Little did he know that this small outlet would become a turning point – not just for him but for Naturals as a whole.

In those early days, the shop opened its doors to the legendary actress Jaya Bhaduri. From there, it was a journey filled with celebrities, cricketers, and even the privilege of serving ice cream at Amitabh Bachchan’s residence for Abhishek’s 5th birthday celebration!

But the path to success was not without its fair share of challenges.

Opening an ice cream shop was no piece of cake, and introducing the concept of standalone ice cream parlors required some serious hassle. It was a challenge finding skilled labour, and the ones who were skilled found it difficult to keep the quality consistent!

Kamath realized the need for innovative solutions to maintain the quality of their ice cream.

Applying his engineering skills, Kamath developed machines that could replicate the process of manually churning ice cream with the same love and care. It was crucial to ensure that the traditional flavors and quality remained intact

The button analogy perfectly encapsulates Kamath’s philosophy—if the first button is wrongly placed, the entire garment goes awry.

Fast forward to today, Naturals has grown to become the largest player in the Indian premium parlor format market, capturing a significant 31.6% market share. With 160 retail outlets and 60 cloud kitchens spread across 15 states in India, Naturals has become a brand synonymous with consistency and quality over its 40-year journey.

What sets Naturals apart is their commitment to artisanal ice cream. They take pride in using only the purest ingredients—milk, fruits, and sugar—to create their delectable flavors. No cream, no butter, and no artificial additives find their way into their ice cream. It’s a true celebration of the authentic flavors of India, with unique creations like tender coconut, custard apple, and mango, alongside timeless classics like butterscotch and vanilla.

As Naturals grew, so did the aspirations of Kamath’s sons, Srinivas and Siddhant Kamath, who joined him in the business. They decided to take it a step further by adopting the franchise model. Initially hesitant, Kamath eventually embraced their enthusiasm and supported their endeavors. Today, Naturals has witnessed successful growth through its franchise model, with multiple outlets dotting the map.

But let’s address the elephant in the room—copycats. In a world filled with imitations, Naturals stands tall as an original. Their unique flavors and premium quality set them apart. People can try to replicate their names, but they can’t replicate their art. Naturals are the artists who paint with ice cream, crafting flavors that evoke nostalgia and delight taste buds.

Over the years, Naturals has been through ups and downs. Tax raids and bureaucratic red tape tried to hinder their progress, but they persevered. They learned that staying true to their values, maintaining transparency, and dealing with any issues head-on could overcome any obstacles.

So, what advice does Kamath have for all the business owners out there? First and foremost, he encourages them to dare to be different. Don’t settle for being just another brand; strive to be unique. Offer something that sets you apart from the crowd – that’s half the battle won.

Secondly, he suggests treating the business like a baby and the customers as your children. Nurturing them with utmost care, providing them with the best quality and experience possible. Embrace the role of a parent and understand that customer satisfaction is the top priority.

Lastly, Kamath believes that success lies in balancing control and giving space to successors. As a first-generation business owner, he knows the struggles of letting go and entrusting decisions to the next generation. But it’s essential to have faith in their abilities and provide them with the freedom to grow and innovate. Find the balance between guidance and autonomy, and watch the business flourish.

Naturals’ journey fills Kamath with immense pride! From a humble outlet in Juhu to an extensive franchise network they have today, it has been quite a ride for them! They have created a brand that not only appeals to the taste buds but also represents the true values of India—a brand that stands for family, authenticity, and the love for good ice cream.

They are testimony that with dedication, honesty, and a sprinkle of innovation, you too can scoop up sweet success.

And remember, when life gives you ice cream, make it Naturals!

SIDDHANT KAMATH

Once upon a time, in the bustling world of second-generation business owners, there was a young and spirited entrepreneur named Siddhant Kamath. He found himself facing the unique challenges that come with stepping into the shoes of his predecessor and living up to the legacy his father had created.

Siddhant’s journey into the family business was not a decision thrust upon him; it was a choice driven by his passion and love for the ice cream industry.

It all began back in 1994 when an income tax raid created quite a stir.

Siddhant’s father, a clever and forward-thinking businessman, realized the importance of understanding the law and saving on legal expenses. He hatched a plan to groom Siddhant’s brother into a lawyer, but little did he know that this decision would shape Siddhant’s path as well.

Fast forward to the turn of the millennium, when the internet boom and social revolution were sweeping the nation. Siddhant’s father had an epiphany – Naturals, their family business, needed to prioritize customers and focus on innovative products. Recognizing Siddhanth’s knack for hospitality and customer-centric thinking, his father encouraged him to pursue a degree in Hospitality Management. It was a field that would fuel Siddhant’s passion and also perfectly align with the family’s vision.

Joining the family business in 2013, fresh out of his hospitality course, Siddhant found himself facing sky-high expectations.

Imagine having your boss sit across from you at the dinner table every night! It was an amusing yet challenging situation – striking the balance between work and family. But Siddhanth was determined to make his mark and prove himself in the industry.

Starting his journey at Naturals was like diving into an ocean without knowing how to swim. He had to learn on the go.

Being a customer himself, he had a deep understanding of what customers wanted. He drew inspiration from international brands like McDonald’s and Haagen-Dazs. Vision sharing and professionalism became the guiding principles as Siddhant strived to align his franchise’s vision with his own.

In 2019, during an annual meeting, Siddhant’s brother introduced them to Rajiv, a renowned business mentor. Little did they know that Rajiv’s programs would transform their approach and lead to remarkable success for many attendees. It was a turning point for Siddhant and his team too!

Of course, there were challenges being part of a second-generation business. In Indian households, there could be a lack of respect passed down from father to son. But Siddhant and his brother had a clever solution – they let their mother, a true emotional powerhouse, take the reins as the CEO – the Chief Emotional Officer – to navigate emotional flare-ups in the household.

Positioning themselves within the larger framework of the business was another task at hand. Siddhant and his brother, Srinivas, shared a strong bond from the beginning. Together, they shifted their mindset from being mere managers to focusing on development and growth. They learned the importance of embracing their culture, valuing honesty, and ensuring their team upheld those values.

Failures were not unfamiliar to Siddhant’s journey. From store selection to franchise operations and even flavors, there were moments when things didn’t go as planned. But through it all, Siddhant and his team embraced their father’s wisdom – make mistakes, learn from them, and never lose sight of their “why.”

And so, Siddhant Kamath continued his entrepreneurial adventure, navigating the twists and turns of the ice cream industry with a professional yet casual and fun approach. With his touch of whimsy, he carved out his path in the family business, building a legacy of innovation, adaptation, and delicious frozen treats for generations to come.