Despite leaving school in class 8, Shivratan Agarwal has built a legacy that few can match. Today, he stands as the proud owner of a company worth Rs 19,621 crore. This is the extraordinary journey of the visionary founder of Bikaji Foods International. Through determination, innovation, and unwavering resolve, he transformed his company into one of the most renowned names in the Indian food industry. Let’s read the inspiring story behind his remarkable success.

Background

Born in Bikaner, Rajasthan, Shivratan Agarwal hailed from a family deeply rooted in the namkeen industry. His grandfather, Ganga Bishan Agarwal, was the founder of the iconic Haldiram brand, a household name in India’s namkeen and sweets market. However, Shivratan Agarwal was determined to carve out his own identity. In 1986, he launched Shivdeep Products, named after himself and his son. Seven years later, in 1993, he rebranded his company as Bikaji, drawing inspiration from Raja Bika Rao, the founder of Bikaner.

Bikaji Foods International

The creation of Bikaji Foods International was driven by Shivratan Agarwal's vision to blend traditional namkeen and sweets with modern technology and packaging. His company successfully introduced iconic Indian treats such as Bhujia, packaged sweets, Papad, and other traditional food items to the global market. A key factor behind Bikaji Foods' success was its strategic marketing approach. The inclusion of eminent personas such as Amitabh Bachchan as brand ambassadors helped propel Bikaji's recognition to household names across India.

Journey to success

Shivratan Agarwal’s journey was far from easy. He began on a small scale, focusing intently on the quality and packaging of his products. In the early days, the market was fiercely competitive, particularly with established giants like Haldiram. However, Shivratan stood out by presenting traditional flavours in a modern, innovative style. Through his dedication and creativity, Bikaji Foods not only made its mark in India but also gained recognition in international markets. Over the years, the company achieved remarkable milestones, firmly establishing itself as a leader in the industry.

Global success

Bikaji Foods made an impressive debut on the stock market, with its shares listed at an 8 percent premium over its IPO price. Today, Bikaji Foods products are not only available across India but also in international markets such as the US, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. Shivratan Agarwal, however, didn’t limit his entrepreneurial spirit to just Bikaji Foods. He also serves as the director of ventures like Basant Vihar Hotels Private Limited, Mastkin Foods Private Limited, and the Beechhwal Eco-Friendly Foundation. Currently, Bikaji Foods International boasts a market capitalisation of Rs 19,621 crore.