The inspiring journey of Naturals Ice Cream began in the vibrant city of Mumbai when R.K. Gupta, a former advertising professional, set out to find premium-quality ice cream. Despite searching across the city, he couldn’t find a product that matched the level of freshness and taste he was looking for. This disappointment sparked an idea—to create an ice cream brand that focused on natural ingredients, purity, and truly memorable flavors.
Starting with a small investment and a dedicated team, Naturals began its journey by selling ice cream through simple pushcarts and kiosks. What started as a humble effort quickly gained popularity among customers because of the brand’s commitment to using fresh ingredients and introducing unique, innovative flavors that stood apart from regular ice creams.
A major turning point came in 1992, when Naturals opened its very first retail outlet in Mumbai. This milestone marked the beginning of its transformation into a beloved brand, earning the trust and admiration of ice cream lovers across the city.
Franchise Requirements
Space Requirement
| Infrastructure Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Store Location | High footfall area (e.g., malls, busy streets, or commercial zones). Preferably a place with visible signage and parking. |
| Store Size | 300–500 square feet (varies based on location and business volume). |
| Interior Design | Clean, minimalistic design with ice cream counter, seating area, and storage. Natural and pleasant lighting to enhance the customer experience. |
| Seating Arrangement | Small seating (optional) to accommodate 10-20 people. Depending on store location, outdoor seating may be considered. |
| Kitchen Equipment | – Ice Cream Freezers (Storage freezers) |
Batch Freezers (for ice cream preparation)
Storage Refrigerators
Display Freezers
Mixer and Blenders
Packaging Machines (for take-home packs) |
| POS and Billing System | A point of sale (POS) system for billing and inventory management, preferably cloud-based for easy tracking and reporting. |
| Staffing | – Ice cream counter staffStore manager
Cleaning staff
Delivery team (optional, for large stores or those offering delivery services) |
Required Documents
| Document Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Franchise Agreement | A formal agreement between the franchisee and Naturals Ice Cream outlining terms, responsibilities, and obligations. |
| Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) | Provides detailed information about the franchise system, fees, legal obligations, and financial performance. |
| Lease Agreement | Legal document that details the terms for renting or leasing the location for the ice cream parlour. |
| Business Registration Certificate | Government-issued certificate that formally registers the business with the relevant local authority. |
| Food License (FSSAI Registration) | A mandatory license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. |
| GST Registration Certificate | Certificate confirming registration under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for tax purposes. |
| Trade License | Issued by the local municipal corporation or authority, allowing the business to operate legally in the area. |
| Health and Safety Compliance Certificates | Documents verifying the store complies with local health and safety regulations, including sanitation, food preparation, and employee welfare. |
| Employee Contracts | Agreements detailing the terms of employment, roles, compensation, and benefits for all employees. |
| Fire Safety Certificate | Issued by local fire departments, confirming that the premises meet fire safety standards. |
| Shop and Establishment License | A registration with the local labor department, ensuring the business complies with labor laws. |
| Trademark Registration | If applicable, this document certifies the intellectual property rights of the store’s brand name or logo. |
| Insurance Policies | Includes liability insurance, property insurance, and worker’s compensation insurance. |
| Electrical and Plumbing Certification | Verification that the store has been set up with proper electrical and plumbing systems, compliant with local building codes. |
| Signage Permit | Required for placing store signage in public areas, ensuring the store complies with municipal regulations. |
| Bank Account Documents | Documents needed to open a business bank account, including proof of identity, business registration, and tax details. |
| Health Insurance for Employees | If applicable, proof of health insurance coverage for employees, especially if mandated by law in the area of operation. |
| Food Handling and Hygiene Certification | Certification ensuring that employees are trained in proper food handling, hygiene, and food safety standards. |
