Entrepreneur Revives Family Tradition with Organic Ice Cream Start-up

The journey of Suhas B Shetty from a pharmacy graduate to a successful entrepreneur is marked by his innovative approach in reviving a family tradition. Iceberg Organic Ice Creams, his venture based in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, has flourished into a network of over 120 outlets supported by a solar-powered factory worth ₹10 crores. “While my academic background is in pharmacy, entrepreneurship is in my bloodline,” Suhas remarked, reflecting on his upbringing in a family running textile and ice cream businesses.

Having relocated to Bengaluru in 2007 for his studies, Suhas eventually returned to Nellore, determined to make a mark in the less explored Tier 2 city markets. His journey in the field began in 2013 with a modest investment of ₹3 lakhs to open a small ice cream store, leveraging the recipes and business insights passed down by his father and grandmother.

What sets Iceberg Organic Ice Creams apart is the commitment to organic ingredients, making use of A2 milk and organic butter, and sweetened with dhaga mishri. The use of gondh, a natural preservative, allows the ice creams to last up to six months. “When we launched, we were using chemical stabilizers but after deciding to go organic in 2017, I researched natural preservatives and found gondh to be perfect,” explained Suhas.

With an expansive range of over 36 flavors, the company has made waves with both traditional selections and innovative tastes such as charcoal, malai khurma, and gulab jamun. Recently, inspired by innovations in Dubai, Suhas introduced ice creams made from goat, camel, and donkey milk, sourced from various parts of India, which, despite their premium pricing, have attracted a niche market in Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh.

Building on his success, Suhas is poised to launch ‘Organic Creamery by Iceberg’ in Hyderabad, a premium segment offering an extensive product line sold by weight. “We will also retail organic chocolates, cold-pressed juices, and ice cream cakes,” he shared. Furthermore, he plans to diversify with a grocery brand, Proud Farmer Organics, retailing farm-sourced products like ghee, honey, and liquid jaggery.