Story of RG Chandramogan – The Ice Cream Man of South India.
The story of RG Chandramogan is as rich as the flavors of his ice creams and as transformative as the dairy industry he helped shape. From humble beginnings in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, to becoming the architect behind a Rs 8,000 crore dairy and ice cream empire, Chandramogan’s journey is a testament to grit, innovation, and relentless determination.
Born into a struggling family in a town known more for its matchsticks than entrepreneurial success, RG Chandramogan faced hardships from an early age. His father’s small provision store struggled to make ends meet, and Chandramogan himself stumbled academically, failing in his favorite subject—mathematics. With traditional paths seemingly closed, Chandramogan chose an unconventional route, one guided by his own intuition and vision.
At the age of 21, armed with nothing but Rs 13,000 from the sale of his ancestral property, Chandramogan embarked on a venture that would later redefine South India’s ice cream market. In 1970, he set up shop in Royapuram, Chennai, naming his brand after the Tamil word for sun rays: Arun. Initially selling ice candies through pushcarts and tricycles, Chandramogan and his small team of three employees quickly found their niche among college students and local ship suppliers.
Innovating Beyond the Basics
While many might have been content with the modest success of a small-scale ice candy business, Chandramogan recognized that seasonal demand could limit growth. He set his sights on the larger and more competitive arena of milk-based ice creams. This move was no small gamble. The 1980s were dominated by well-established names like Kwality, Joy, and Dasaprakash. Moreover, Tamil Nadu was home to over 350 ice cream brands—breaking into this market would require more than just good products; it would require ingenuity.
Chandramogan didn’t just make ice creams—he reimagined how they were distributed. Using a simple yet effective method, he packed his products with rice and shipped them by train to rural areas, bypassing expensive cold storage facilities. This cost-effective approach allowed him to reach new markets and establish Arun Ice Cream as a household name across Tamil Nadu. By 1985, Arun Ice Cream had become the largest ice cream seller by volume in the state, a feat made all the more impressive given the stiff competition and lack of resources in his early years.
Scaling New Heights with Hatsun Agro Product
Chandramogan’s vision didn’t stop at ice cream. Recognizing the interconnected nature of dairy production, he launched Hatsun Agro Product, incorporating both ice cream and liquid milk marketing under the same umbrella. The introduction of Arokya, a trusted milk brand, further expanded Hatsun’s footprint in the dairy sector. By the late 1990s, Arun Ice Cream had cemented its position as the largest player in South India, and Hatsun Agro Product was well on its way to becoming a 100-crore enterprise.
Under Chandramogan’s leadership, Hatsun focused on delivering quality, freshness, and consistency. He introduced premium offerings like Ibaco ice cream parlors, where customers could enjoy unlimited scoops and indulge in a more sophisticated ice cream experience. At the same time, Chandramogan ensured that Arun Ice Cream remained true to its roots by offering flavors that resonated with local palates—traditional Indian tastes that made every scoop a reminder of home.
A Public Triumph
Hatsun Agro Product’s success eventually led to a significant milestone: a public listing on the NSE in 2014. By this time, the company’s revenues had soared to Rs 2,000 crore, supported by a loyal customer base, a wide distribution network, and an ever-expanding product range. The IPO wasn’t just a financial achievement—it was a validation of Chandramogan’s vision and hard work over decades.
Even after this milestone, Chandramogan’s ambitions remained as fresh as the dairy products his company churned out every day. By 2020, Hatsun’s revenues had crossed Rs 5,000 crore. The company’s network had grown to include 2,800 ice cream parlors, 10,500 milk banks, and operations in 12,000 villages. Hatsun Agro Product had become the largest private-sector dairy company in India, producing 60,000 liters of ice cream daily and employing over 50,000 people.
A Legacy of Innovation and Trust
What sets Chandramogan apart isn’t just his ability to scale a business, but the values and principles that underpin his success. From the very beginning, his focus was on quality and accessibility—bringing top-notch ice cream and dairy products to regions often overlooked by larger players. His innovative distribution methods, strategic expansions, and deep understanding of his customers allowed him to build not just a brand, but a legacy.
RG Chandramogan’s journey from a young man selling ice candies in a small Chennai neighborhood to the founder of an Rs 8,000 crore empire is more than a business story—it’s a tale of perseverance, creativity, and unwavering faith in one’s vision. Today, his brands aren’t just products on a shelf—they’re a part of everyday life for millions of Indians, a testament to the power of starting small and dreaming big.
