India’s ice cream market is transforming at a rapid rate, with the industry projected to reach ₹44,230 crore by 2027 and growing at a year-on-year CAGR of 13.2%, according to IMARC Group. The Indian ice cream market generated over ₹28,800 crore in revenue alone in 2023, and it is a staggering consumer movement towards frozen desserts derived from natural ingredients. Urbanization, changing food patterns, and rising disposable incomes are fuelling the transformation, especially in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities.
In this wider canvas, Naturals Ice Cream has made a niche for itself. With its preservative-free, fruit-based products and spartan branding, Naturals has expanded from one shop in Mumbai (1984) to more than 160 across the country. This has been propelled largely through word of mouth and customer loyalty, something for a brand that spends virtually nothing on advertising.
If you are a budding entrepreneur looking to venture into the food and beverage industry, then this book will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Naturals Ice Cream franchise cost in India, profit margins, location strategy, market scenario, and business feasibility as of 2025.
Ice Cream Industry in India: A Growing Opportunity
The Indian frozen dessert industry is not a seasonal industry anymore. It has turned into a year-round industry due to lifestyle, health-conscious individuals, and love for artisanal foods. The per capita consumption of ice cream in India is still below 400 ml a year, far below the 2.5 liters global average, offering a lot of scope for expansion, according to Statista.
Naturals is at the crossroads of trend and tradition. Its focus on fewer ingredients, indigenous fruit flavors such as Sitaphal, Anjeer, and Tender Coconut, and traditional yet classy presentation is attractive to the young and the old generation. In this segment that is over-saturated, the brand’s USP is that it is preservative and synthetic-free yet heritage-based.
Naturals Ice Cream Franchise Cost in 2025
To start a Naturals Ice Cream franchise in India, you will be required to have several cost heads other than the franchise fee itself. Here is the elaborate explanation:
- Franchise Fee: ₹5 to ₹7 lakh (one-time, non-refundable)
- Outlet Setup & Interiors: ₹20 toYRO ₹25 lakh, depending on where and how complex the decor is
- Equipment and Refrigeration: ₹5 lakh to ₹7 lakh (deep freezers, display cases, etc.)
- Beginning Inventory: ₹2 to ₹3 lakh
- Licensing, Permits & Branding: ₹1 to ₹2 lakh
- Working Capital: ₹3 to ₹5 lakh
- Total Investment Bracket: ₹36 lakh to ₹49 lakh
Compared to other ice cream business franchises like Baskin Robbins (₹20–40 lakh) or Cream Stone (₹30–50 lakh), Naturals is more in the middle-premium segment with both brand value and viability to operate. Manufacturing is not an issue for franchisees—ice cream is manufactured at the brand’s central plant and delivered directly to the outlets, with quality remaining consistent.
Profit Potential: How Much Can You Earn?
Naturals Ice Cream franchises may be profitable-margin ventures if managed well. Profitability depends on location, traffic, rent, and retention. Below is an estimated earning by city type:
Average Monthly Revenue:
- Metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore): ₹12–15 lakh
- Tier-1 Cities (Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad): ₹8–12 lakh
- Tier-2 cities (Nagpur, Bhopal, Lucknow): ₹6–9 lakh
Monthly Operating Expenses:
- Rent: ₹1.2–2 lakh
- Salaries (4–6 employees): ₹1–1.5 lakh
- Utilities, Maintenance & Miscellaneous: ₹70,000–1 lakh
Net Profit Margins:
All the franchises have 15–25% net profit margin, subject to operational efficiency and customer flow. It means profit of ₹1.5–3 lakh per month after setup (generally within 12–24 months). The return on investment opportunity every year is ₹18–36 lakh with a payback of 2–3 years in case of ideal operations.
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Ideal Location Strategy
Where you locate your store will make or break your business. Naturals stores are most effective in busy areas with good repeat traffic.
Recommended Websites:
- Luxury residential areas
- Malls or high-end shopping centers
- Local colleges, offices, or common workspaces
- High street shops with good visibility
Suggested Space: 300–500 sq. ft., preferably air-conditioned, well-lit, and with a minimum of dine-in space. Hip locations with frequent evening business are more likely to succeed. For optimum traction, look for areas that have younger populations, like student neighborhoods or areas with a history of recreational dining.
Naturals’ Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Naturals is not a conventional ice cream brand. That is why it is different in India’s value-oriented dessert market:
- Single-source Manufacturing: No compromise on taste and hygiene is ensured by centralized manufacturing.
- Natural Flavors: No artificial color, no stabilizers or preservatives, just milk, sugar, and fruits.
- Brand Trust: Over 40 years of trust, with repeat customers who refer to their preferred flavors.
- Minimum Wastage: Efficient operations and batch-controlled stock minimize loss to expiry and spillage.
- Low Staff Requirement: Processes are comparatively straightforward in relation to cafes or QSRs and need fewer employees.
These all lead to brand loyalty and also to more efficient operations and avoided overheads.
Business Model Analysis: Is It Sustainable?
From the perspective of a business analyst, Naturals Ice Cream occupies a sweet spot between mass popularity and premium positioning. Below is a brief SWOT analysis:
Strengths:
- Reputable legacy brand
- Low-cost operations
- Unique flavour profile
Weaknesses:
- High-end pricing can deter price-sensitive consumers
- Limited dine-in choices
Opportunities:
- Development of Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities
- Growing demand for clean-label food
- Strategic partnerships with food ordering websites
Threats:
- Seasonal dependency (despite year-round operations)
Greater artisan competition is a revealing statistic
Naturals generated more than ₹300 crore in revenues in 2024, with almost 12% YoY growth in same-store sales in key cities. The model is simple—minimal inventory wastage, bulk buying, and zero HR expense. Naturals enjoys a high franchisee-retention ratio, with more than 70% of partners having more than one unit. Overall, the Naturals’ franchise is a strong and sustainable one in India’s quick-service food retailing segment, especially with shifting consumer preferences towards healthier sweets.
How to Apply for a Naturals Ice Cream Franchise
Naturals follows a curated franchise onboarding process to maintain quality and brand consistency.
Step-by-Step Application:
- Visit naturalicecreams.in
- Go to the “Franchise Enquiry” section
- Fill out the franchise form with basic business information
- Submit proposed store location details
- Await a call from the Naturals team for screening and further discussion
- Upon approval, you’ll receive a full onboarding kit and training schedule
Naturals does not support sub-franchising or area developers and chooses partners based on business awareness, not just capital.
Conclusion: Is Naturals Franchise Worth It in 2025?
If you want the top franchise business under ₹50 lakhs in India, Naturals Ice Cream is a strong contender. The firm has legacy trust, sells natural products of the highest quality, and needs comparatively lean operations. With the increasing demand for preservative-free food and the Indians’ penchant for sweets, the model is one of relevance and scalability.
The franchise allows you to drive a proven concept without needing to reinvent the wheel. For aspiring entrepreneurs who value stability, simplicity of operation, and ethical branding, Naturals offers a low-risk, high-reward opportunity.
Before you hit submit, test your location, business goals, and budget alignment. If they check out, this could be your scoop of success in 2025.
FAQs About Naturals Franchise in India
Q1. Is the Naturals franchise profitable in Tier-2 cities?
Yes. While sales may be slightly lower, the lower cost of real estate and operations can result in equal or higher margins compared to metro locations.
Q2. How does Naturals price its ice cream for franchisees?
Franchisees procure products at fixed wholesale prices. The retail markup (MRP) is determined centrally, allowing the franchisee to retain the net margin after local expenses.
Q3. Can I apply without prior food business experience?
Yes. While experience helps, Naturals offers operational training and ongoing support, making it beginner-friendly.
Q4. Does Naturals help with store setup and branding?
Absolutely. They assist with design, equipment procurement, staff hiring, and launch strategy.
Q5. What are the risks of opening a Naturals outlet?
As with any business, risks include location mismatch, seasonal demand drops, or local competition. However, the brand’s loyal customer base and established processes mitigate many of these risks.
Q6. Are there marketing fees or royalties?
Naturals typically does not charge monthly royalties or marketing fees. Franchisees are responsible for local promotions, while the brand handles national visibility.
