Founding Flavors Emerge
The narrative of a prominent Indian ice cream enterprise begins with Iqbal Krishan Ghai, who established Kwality Ice Creams, a brand that became synonymous
with childhood joy for many. His son, Ravi Ghai, after graduating from Cornell University, took the helm and significantly expanded the business. Ravi's vision was instrumental in transforming Kwality into a household name, introducing iconic flavors like chocobars and mango duets that are deeply embedded in the Indian dessert culture. Beyond Kwality, Ravi Ghai played a pivotal role in introducing international dessert experiences to India, bringing Baskin-Robbins to the country and the SAARC region in 1993. This initiative exposed Indian palates to a wider array of global flavors and elevated the perception of premium ice cream. His entrepreneurial spirit also extended to the hospitality sector, where he revitalized the InterContinental Hotel on Mumbai's Marine Drive. Today, Ravi Ghai leads Graviss Hospitality Ltd as Non-Executive Chairman, with Graviss Food Solutions reporting substantial revenues of Rs 624 crore for FY23-24 and a net worth estimated between Rs 800–1,000 crore, showcasing a diverse portfolio spanning both luxury hospitality and mass-market food brands.
A New Age of Dessert
Shivaan Ghai, representing the fourth generation of this ice cream dynasty, embarked on a path of innovation rather than merely perpetuating existing ventures. His endeavor, The Brooklyn Creamery, launched in 2016 in Brooklyn, New York, was born from a desire to create a contemporary and health-focused dessert brand. Shivaan identified a growing consumer desire for guilt-free indulgence, a market segment seeking to enjoy treats like ice cream without the usual caloric concerns. The brand's core proposition is straightforward: deliver exceptional taste while significantly reducing the calorie count. By combining his family's extensive heritage in the ice cream industry with a modern, forward-thinking approach, Shivaan aimed to carve out a unique niche. While previous generations focused on market expansion and introducing foreign brands, Shivaan's primary focus is on health-conscious indulgence and cleaner ingredients. This new venture has achieved considerable global reach, with availability in 9 countries, over 1000 points of sale worldwide, and more than 60 stock-keeping units spanning ice creams, milkshakes, and milk. To date, The Brooklyn Creamery has served over four million scoops.
Competitive Edge & Adaptability
The Brooklyn Creamery operates within a fiercely competitive market, facing challenges from 91 active competitors, including both funded startups and those that have already exited the space. Prominent rivals in this landscape include brands like Go Zero, NOTO, and Get-A-Way. The company's annual revenue reached ₹624 crore as of March 31, 2024. What truly distinguishes The Brooklyn Creamery is its strategic positioning. It's not just another ice cream provider; it actively targets urban, younger demographics who are mindful of their calorie intake but refuse to compromise on flavor. The brand's communication is characterized by a clean, modern aesthetic with a global appeal. This evolution mirrors a broader transformation in dietary habits across India, illustrating how the Ghai family has adeptly navigated changing consumer preferences across generations, transitioning from traditional favorites like cassata to contemporary, low-calorie options.
