Some people often say that they do not have a big degree, they have not studied from a big college, so they are unable to move forward in life. However, the son of a mango seller in a small village in Karnataka showed this feat. He created a successful business for much less money without any degree, which is recognized across the country today.
The name of that person was Raghunandan Kamat. You might have also heard the name of Kamat’s brand, Naturals Ice Cream. His value today is more than Rs 300 crore.
Who was Raghunandan Kamat?
Raghunandan Kamat was born in a small village in Mangaluru district of Karnataka. There he used to help sell mangoes with his father. He was not interested in studies since childhood. He left school at the age of just 14. He then started working in a small hotel of his elder brother.
It was here that he learned the art of identifying and using ripe fruits. On the basis of this experience, he thought of making the idea of making natural ice cream with fruit pulp.
A new journey starts in Mumbai
A year after leaving school, Kamat moved to Mumbai in 1984 in search of better opportunities. He started a small ice cream parlor. Located in Vile Parle area of Juhu Scheme, the shop initially had only 6 employees, including Kamat himself.
He launched ice cream of 12 flavors made of real fruits like mango, jackfruit and watermelon. It soon became famous among locals and tourists.
Machines made with inspiration from mother
According to the website of Naturals Ice Cream, Kamat was inspired by his mother’s household techniques. He created innovative machines that would make the process of making ice cream easier, without compromising the quality.
Vivian Richards praised
Kamat never resorted to traditional advertising or marketing. But in 1986, when West Indies legendary cricketer Sir Vivian Richards praised his ice cream, his shop came into the limelight and became famous in every household. Many top film and TV actors became customers of his ice cream.
This was mentioned by Kamat himself. He had told, ‘In 1986 I was watching the TV program The Sunny Days presented by cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. During an interview, former West Indies cricket captain Vivian Richards said that he had gone to the natural ice cream outlet and liked Sapodila (Chiku) and Custard Apple Ice Cream. This was a very thrilling, unexpected back patting experience for us. ‘
Where is natural today?
By 1994, Kamat opened 5 more outlets in Mumbai. He always used to say that he never resorted to publicity, but the natural taste of his ice cream pulled customers.
Today Naturals Ice Cream is one of the largest ice cream companies in the country with over 165 outlets and more than 125 flavors in 15 cities of India.
Extraordinary heritage of ordinary person
Raghunandan Kamat just raised a successful brand on the strength of hard work, experience and true dedication. He died of illness last year (2023) due to illness. At that time he was 75 years old.
Also read: Mango Man of India: 350 varieties of mangoes on the same tree, who did this feat?