Natural Ice Cream Parlour is a distinguished brand in the ice cream industry, celebrated for its commitment to natural ingredients and innovative flavors. Founded in 1984 by R S Kamath in Mumbai, India, the brand quickly gained popularity for its unique approach to ice cream making. Unlike conventional ice cream brands that rely heavily on artificial flavors and preservatives, Natural Ice Cream stands out by using only fresh, natural ingredients.
The philosophy of Natural Ice Cream revolves around simplicity and purity. The brand sources high-quality fruits, dry fruits, and milk directly from farms, ensuring that every scoop of ice cream is bursting with authentic flavors. Over the years, Natural Ice Cream has expanded its flavor repertoire to include a wide range of options, from classic mango and tender coconut to exotic sitaphal (custard apple) and chikoo (sapodilla).
Franchise Fees
Starting a Natural Ice Cream Parlour franchise involves a series of financial commitments, beginning with the franchise fee. The franchise fee is an upfront payment made to the parent company, granting the franchisee the right to operate under the Natural Ice Cream brand. This fee typically covers initial training, marketing support, and the use of the brand’s trademarks and business model.
As of the latest data, the franchise fee for a Natural Ice Cream Parlour ranges between INR 5 lakhs to INR 10 lakhs (approximately $7,000 to $14,000). This fee may vary depending on the location and size of the outlet. It’s important to note that this is a one-time fee, and franchisees are not required to pay any royalty fees on sales, which is a significant advantage compared to other franchise models.
In addition to the franchise fee, franchisees should also be prepared for other initial costs, including the cost of setting up the outlet, equipment, and inventory. The total investment required to start a Natural Ice Cream Parlour franchise can range from INR 15 lakhs to INR 20 lakhs (approximately $21,000 to $28,000). This investment ensures that the outlet is fully equipped to deliver the high-quality products and services that customers expect from the Natural Ice Cream brand.
Franchise Conditions
Natural Ice Cream has established a set of conditions that potential franchisees must meet to qualify for a franchise. These conditions ensure that the franchisee aligns with the brand’s values and is capable of maintaining the high standards that Natural Ice Cream is known for.
Financial Stability
Potential franchisees must demonstrate financial stability and the ability to make the required initial investment. This includes having access to sufficient capital to cover the franchise fee, setup costs, and working capital for the initial months of operation.
Location and Space Requirements
The success of a Natural Ice Cream Parlour heavily depends on its location. The brand prefers locations with high foot traffic, such as shopping malls, busy streets, or commercial areas. The outlet should have a minimum area of 300 to 500 square feet to accommodate the kitchen, storage, and customer seating.
Commitment to Quality
Natural Ice Cream places a strong emphasis on quality and consistency. Franchisees must commit to upholding the brand’s standards by using approved suppliers for ingredients and adhering to the prescribed recipes and processes. Regular audits and inspections are conducted to ensure compliance.
Operational Experience
While prior experience in the food and beverage industry is not mandatory, it is considered an advantage. Franchisees with a background in hospitality or retail are better equipped to manage the day-to-day operations of the outlet and deliver a superior customer experience.
Training and Development
Franchisees and their staff are required to undergo comprehensive training provided by Natural Ice Cream. This training covers various aspects of the business, including product preparation, customer service, inventory management, and marketing. Ongoing support and refresher courses are also provided to keep franchisees updated on new products and best practices.
See Also: Mövenpick Ice Cream Franchise Opportunities: Things You Need To Know
Franchise Process
The process of acquiring a Natural Ice Cream Parlour franchise is straightforward and designed to ensure that both the franchisee and the franchisor are a good fit for each other. Here are the key steps involved:
Initial Inquiry
The process begins with an initial inquiry, where the potential franchisee expresses their interest in the franchise. This can be done through the Natural Ice Cream website or by contacting the franchise team directly.The interested party will need to fill out a preliminary application form, providing basic information about their background, financial status, and preferred location.
Franchise Application
Upon receiving the initial inquiry, the Natural Ice Cream franchise team reviews the application and, if found suitable, invites the applicant for further discussions. The potential franchisee is required to submit a detailed franchise application form, which includes more comprehensive information about their business experience, financial capabilities, and plans for the franchise.
Meeting and Discussion
Once the application is reviewed and approved, the franchise team schedules a meeting with the potential franchisee. During this meeting, detailed discussions take place regarding the franchise terms, conditions, fees, and support provided by the franchisor. This is also an opportunity for the franchisee to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the business model.
Site Selection
Location is critical for the success of a Natural Ice Cream Parlour. The franchise team assists the franchisee in selecting a suitable location based on factors such as foot traffic, visibility, and accessibility. A thorough site evaluation is conducted to ensure that the chosen location meets the brand’s requirements.
Agreement Signing
Once the location is finalized, the franchise agreement is drafted and signed by both parties. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the franchise, including the franchise fee, duration of the contract, and operational guidelines. The franchisee is also required to make the initial payment at this stage.
Training and Setup
After signing the agreement, the franchisee and their team undergo comprehensive training provided by Natural Ice Cream. The training covers all aspects of running the franchise, from product preparation to customer service. Simultaneously, the setup of the outlet begins, including interior design, equipment installation, and inventory procurement.
Grand Opening
Once the setup is complete and the staff is fully trained, the outlet is ready for the grand opening. Natural Ice Cream provides marketing support to ensure a successful launch, including promotional materials, advertising, and social media campaigns. The franchise team also offers on-site assistance during the opening period to address any operational challenges.
Franchise Advantages
Owning a Natural Ice Cream Parlour franchise comes with several advantages that make it an attractive business opportunity. Here are some of the key benefits:
Established Brand Reputation
Natural Ice Cream is a well-established brand with a strong reputation for quality and innovation. Franchisees benefit from the brand’s recognition and customer loyalty, which translates into a steady stream of customers from day one.
Unique Product Offering
The brand’s unique selling proposition lies in its use of natural ingredients and innovative flavors. This sets it apart from other ice cream brands and appeals to health-conscious consumers looking for a natural and wholesome treat. The diverse range of flavors also caters to different tastes and preferences, ensuring a wide customer base.
Comprehensive Support
Natural Ice Cream provides comprehensive support to its franchisees, from initial training to ongoing assistance. Franchisees receive guidance on various aspects of the business, including site selection, marketing, inventory management, and customer service. Regular audits and feedback help maintain high standards and address any operational issues.
No Royalty Fees
Unlike many other franchise models, Natural Ice Cream does not charge royalty fees on sales. This means that franchisees can retain a larger share of their profits, making it a more lucrative business opportunity.
Marketing and Promotional Support
The brand invests heavily in marketing and promotional activities to drive customer awareness and engagement. Franchisees benefit from national and local marketing campaigns, social media promotions, and seasonal offers that help attract and retain customers.
Sustainable Business Model
Natural Ice Cream is committed to sustainability and ethical practices. The brand sources its ingredients responsibly and ensures that its operations have minimal environmental impact. Franchisees who share these values find it fulfilling to be part of a business that prioritizes sustainability and social responsibility.
Strong Growth Potential
The ice cream industry continues to grow, driven by increasing consumer demand for premium and natural products. Natural Ice Cream is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering franchisees strong growth potential and the opportunity to expand their business over time.
Community and Network
Being part of the Natural Ice Cream franchise network provides franchisees with a sense of community and support. Franchisees can connect with other franchise owners, share experiences, and learn from each other. The brand also organizes regular events and meetings to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Conclusion
Investing in a Natural Ice Cream Parlour franchise is a promising business opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the food and beverage industry. With its strong brand reputation, unique product offering, and comprehensive support system, Natural Ice Cream provides a solid foundation for success. Franchisees benefit from the brand’s established presence, innovative approach, and commitment to quality and sustainability.
By meeting the franchise conditions and following the outlined process, potential franchisees can become part of a thriving network of Natural Ice Cream outlets. The advantages of owning a Natural Ice Cream Parlour franchise, including no royalty fees, extensive marketing support, and a sustainable business model, make it an attractive investment for those passionate about delivering exceptional ice cream experiences to customers.
For those ready to embark on this exciting journey, Natural Ice Cream offers the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, ensuring that every scoop served is a testament to the brand’s dedication to natural goodness and customer satisfaction.
