Johannesburg – What began as a personal endeavor to create unique ice cream recipes has blossomed into a successful artisanal ice cream enterprise. Kamal Manilal, a former architect, has transformed his passion for ice cream into Roska Artisan Ice Cream, a business now featured in prominent retailers across South Africa.
Manilal’s journey from architect to ice cream entrepreneur started with a gift: an ice cream machine. During a challenging period marked by career setbacks and personal loss, Manilal found solace in experimenting with ice cream recipes. His efforts, initially aimed at delighting friends and family, soon garnered attention beyond his kitchen.
“Just before the Covid-19 pandemic, I was struggling both professionally and personally. The loss of my father and a series of retrenchments left me disheartened,” Manilal recalls. A serendipitous Facebook post featuring an ice cream machine reignited his creative spark. “I began experimenting with recipes and sharing them with my colleagues. The positive feedback quickly led to orders,” he adds.
In March 2020, Manilal leveraged Instagram to showcase his ice cream, generating consumer interest that propelled his business forward. By October 2021, Roska Artisan Ice Cream had expanded beyond the confines of his home kitchen to a commercial facility. The business has since grown to serve 140 customers and outgrew its initial premises, necessitating a move to a second location equipped with modern facilities.
Despite the success, the path has not been without challenges. Manilal cites cash flow as a significant hurdle. “Securing funding for essential equipment like freezer rooms and generators was crucial. Cash flow issues are tough, especially when payments are delayed but expenses remain constant,” he explains. The business relied on a combination of personal savings and external investment to sustain operations.
Manilal co-founded Roska Artisan Ice Cream with his wife, Roshni Morar, who has played a key role in brand development. The business received funding from the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition, which covered approximately 30% of the expansion costs, while a private investor provided the remainder.
A notable highlight for Roska Artisan Ice Cream was its presentation at the Paris Food Show. The exposure led to a partnership with Checkers Hypermarket, culminating in a dedicated store within the Checkers Hyper in Sandton City.
“The move to our second premises and the opportunity to work with Checkers have been significant milestones. Our new facility includes state-of-the-art equipment and storage solutions, positioning us for continued growth,” Manilal says.
Roska Artisan Ice Cream, now a prominent name in Johannesburg, continues to build its reputation with high-quality, artisanal products available at SUPERSPAR outlets, popular stockists, and upscale restaurants. As the business expands, Manilal remains focused on delivering exceptional ice cream while navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.
