From Rs 13,000 to a Sweet Empire: Arun Icecreams’ Inspiring Journey
BUSINESS
In the scorching summer of 1970, a young man in Chennai dared to dream big with just Rs 13,000 in his pocket. That man was Mr. Ganesan, and his dream was Arun Icecreams—a brand that would grow from a tiny ice candy shop into one of India’s most cherished ice cream empires. This is the story of resilience, innovation, and a family’s unwavering vision that turned a modest start into a multi-billion-dollar legacy, inspiring entrepreneurs and ice cream lovers alike.
The Spark of a Dream
Born near Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, Mr. Ganesan faced a tough start. His father struggled to run a small provisional store, and Ganesan himself stumbled in Mathematics, a subject he loved. But setbacks didn’t dim his spirit. At 21, he sold his ancestral property for Rs 13,000, dropped out of school, and rented a 250 sq ft space in Royapuram, Chennai. Naming his venture “Arun,” after the Tamil word for “Sun rays,” he set out to bring cool, affordable joy to college students through stick and cup ice candies sold via pushcarts. This humble beginning, as noted in Wikipedia, was the seed of a revolution.
Rising Above Challenges
The early years were tough. Competing with established brands, Ganesan relied on quality and grit. By 1985, Arun Icecreams had topped ice cream sales by volume in Tamil Nadu, a feat driven by its innovative flavors like tender coconut, mango, and cardamom, which resonated deeply with Indian tastes, according to Icons of Indian Business. These unique offerings, paired with a focus on authentic taste, set Arun apart in a crowded market.
The 1990s brought expansion. By 1999, Arun had 700 outlets across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Refusing to buckle under pressure from giants like Hindustan Unilever, Ganesan introduced refrigerated vehicles in 1995 for efficient delivery, as detailed in BusinessLine on Campus. By 2018, the brand boasted over 2,300 parlors, reaching Maharashtra and Odisha, with products like tubs, cones, bars, and family packs available online at Arun Icecreams.
A Son’s Vision: R.G. Chandramogan’s Legacy
The baton passed to R.G. Chandramogan, Ganesan’s son, who transformed Arun Icecreams into a flagship brand of Hatsun Agro Product Ltd., India’s largest private dairy company. Starting in 1986 with a dairy business to ensure a steady milk supply, Chandramogan built a robust supply chain, making Hatsun a Rs 27,000 crore empire by 2023, per Sovrenn. His strategic vision and commitment to quality earned him the Padma Shri in 2025, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for contributions to trade and industry, as noted in Wikipedia.
Chandramogan’s personal touch—his love for badminton and reading, shared in a Sify interview—reflects a grounded leader who never forgot his roots in Thiruthangal, Virudhunagar. His journey from helping his father to leading a billion-dollar company is a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Milestones of Success
Arun Icecreams’ growth is marked by impressive milestones:
Year Milestone
1970 Founded with Rs 13,000 in Chennai.
1985 Topped Tamil Nadu ice cream sales by volume.
1999 Expanded to 700 outlets in South India.
2018 Reached over 2,300 parlors, including Maharashtra and Odisha.
2025 R.G. Chandramogan awarded Padma Shri.
These milestones, drawn from Wikipedia and Icons of Indian Business, highlight a journey of relentless growth and innovation.
More Than Ice Cream: A Symbol of Hope
Arun Icecreams is more than a brand—it’s a story of defying odds. From Ganesan’s Rs 13,000 gamble to Chandramogan’s billion-dollar empire, it shows that dreams, no matter how small, can flourish with perseverance. The brand’s strong distribution network ensures its flavors, like Kesar Pista and Butterscotch, reach every corner of India, bringing smiles to millions, as celebrated in The Hindu.
Every scoop tells a story of a family that dared to dream, innovated boldly, and built a legacy that cools the heart and soul. As Madras Musings recalls, the cry of “Pal Ice-cream!” from pushcarts in the 1970s has evolved into a national anthem of joy.
Conclusion: A Sweet Lesson in Resilience
Arun Icecreams’ journey from a 250 sq ft shop to over 2,300 parlors is a masterclass in turning challenges into opportunities. It reminds us that success isn’t about where you start but how far you’re willing to go. So, the next time you savor an Arun Icecream, let it inspire you to chase your own dreams—because if a Rs 13,000 start can build an empire, your vision can too.