From animal rescue to artisanal gelato: Vantara's pivot raises eyebrows

As the wildlife rehab initiative diversifies into premium desserts, the brand extension has sparked questions around ideological consistency.

Manifest Media Staff

May 14, 2026, 11:22 am

Screen grab of Vantara Creamery's AI-generated campaign

Vantara, the Anant Ambani-led wildlife-focused initiative, has ventured into an unexpected new category of premium desserts with the launch of Vantara Creamery.

The move marks a significant diversification for the Reliance Foundation-backed project, which was launched in 2024 as a 3,500-acre animal rescue and conservation initiative in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The launch at Mumbai's Jio World Drive was announced through an AI-generated campaign film shared on Vantara’s official Instagram handle. The film features an animated tiger driving a Vantara Creamery van through the streets of Mumbai, attempting to visually bridge the ice cream venture with the brand’s established wildlife conservation identity.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Vantara (@vantara)

The brand debuted a portfolio of 17 artisanal flavours including Filter Coffee, Lemon Sorbet, Guava Chilli and Malai Kulfi, made using premium dairy sourced from A2 Gir cows’ milk, as per reports.

However, the launch has also triggered sharp reactions online. Social media users questioned the overlap between an animal welfare initiative and a dairy-led commercial business, with comments ranging from concerns around animal exploitation to accusations of ideological contradiction. Several users also pointed out the irony of a conservation-focused entity monetising animal-derived products while advocating animal care and rehabilitation. 

Meanwhile, the campaign itself further amplified the disconnect for some viewers. While the AI-led execution attempts to create intrigue and social chatter, the film’s visual treatment and storytelling lacked the sophistication expected from a premium artisanal brand launch, especially one carrying the weight and visibility of the Vantara name, as noted by a section of netizens.

What we think about it: Vantara’s expansion into the ice cream category feels strategically confusing because it directly clashes with the emotional foundation of its core idealogy: animal welfare and protection. The association risks diluting the credibility of the conservation initiative, especially when dairy sourcing becomes part of the conversation. The AI film too feels visually amateurish and conceptually shallow, making the premium positioning harder to buy into. Our take? Separating the creamery from the Vantara identity may have helped avoid the ideological conflict and inevitable backlash.

Source: MANIFEST MEDIA

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