Kerala couple turns coconut milk into thriving ice cream business
In Malappuram’s Manjeri, a Payyanad-based couple has transformed a homely tradition into a fast-growing venture. Abdul Nazar and Jasmin, the duo behind the food startup Cocolicious, are reinventing dessert with rich, coconut milk-based ice creams that spotlight Kerala’s beloved ingredient in a fresh, innovative form.
From a family favorite to a full-fledged brand
Before entrepreneurship, Abdul managed agricultural lands and operated a private bus service. When the pandemic halted public transport, he pivoted to explore opportunities linked to Kerala’s agricultural bounty. The spark came from home: Jasmin’s coconut milk ice cream, a family favorite, proved both delicious and scalable with the right approach. That kitchen experiment became the foundation of their flagship brand, Kera King, under Cocolicious.
A healthier scoop powered by coconut milk
Traditional commercial ice creams often replace dairy fats with cheaper vegetable oils to cut costs. In large-scale production, this can mean significant quantities of processed oils—ingredients that many health-conscious consumers now try to avoid. Abdul and Jasmin took a different route, using fresh, nutrient-rich coconut milk to create a cleaner label, dairy-free alternative that delivers indulgence without relying on artificial additives or hydrogenated fats.
Science-led scaling without losing the homemade charm
Translating a winning home recipe into a product that performs consistently at scale is a major challenge. To bridge that gap, the couple sought technical guidance from the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) in Kasaragod. By integrating scientific recommendations with Jasmin’s culinary know-how, they developed a stable, creamy formulation suited for commercial production. The result is Kera King, a brand that keeps the taste and texture consumers love while maintaining a clean ingredient list.
Sixteen natural flavors—and counting
Kera King stands out in a market dominated by big dairy labels by committing to naturally derived ingredients. The ice creams are crafted without artificial colors, preservatives, or synthetic stabilizers. Real fruit pulps and thoughtfully sourced inclusions drive flavor, helping the brand win over customers who pay close attention to ingredient lists. Beyond scoops, Cocolicious also offers coconut milk-based sip-ups, expanding their reach to on-the-go consumers seeking refreshing, plant-based options.
Building value beyond ice cream
Cocolicious aims to maximize the potential of every coconut. Observing that large volumes of coconut water often go unused at local copra-processing units, Abdul set out to reclaim this nutritious resource. In collaboration with CPCRI and Agropark in Piravom, Ernakulam, the team developed a shelf-stable, naturally carbonated coconut water beverage. Crisp and refreshing, it has been warmly received by customers looking for better-for-you drinks with minimal processing.
Another standout is their tender coconut pulp concentrate. Made by blending tender coconut meat with water and sugar, this thick, versatile base allows users to whip up milkshakes or juices at home with ease—one liter can yield up to 18 glasses. It’s a smart way to deliver café-style beverages from a single pack while reducing waste and adding value to locally sourced coconuts.
Institutional support that accelerates growth
The couple credits a smooth launch to strong institutional backing. The Malappuram District Industries Centre helped expedite licenses and clearances, cutting through red tape at a critical moment. Financial support through a subsidized loan from the Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC) provided the capital required to scale production facilities and invest in quality control. Together, these partnerships demonstrate how grassroots innovation can flourish when technical guidance and timely financing align.
A Kerala success story with room to grow
From a home kitchen in Payyanad to supermarket freezers and café counters, Cocolicious illustrates how tradition and innovation can blend to meet modern tastes. With Kera King’s naturally flavored, coconut milk-based ice creams at its core—and a growing lineup of value-added coconut beverages and concentrates—the brand is carving out a distinct niche in the better-for-you dessert and drinks category. As consumer demand continues to shift toward clean labels and plant-based options, this Kerala-born venture appears well positioned to expand its footprint while staying true to its roots.
