Bikaji Foods International was founded by Shiv Ratan Agarwal, grandson of the founder of the Haldiram brand . It is the third largest ethnic Indian snacks company with a 9% market share.
Source- India TV
Legend has it that in 1887, Maharaja Shri Dungar Singhji ordered a special variety of savory snacks or namkeen to be prepared for serving to the royal guests. It was then that the cooks of his royal kitchen came up with a light yellow coloured delicious snack named ‘Dungar Shahi Bhujia’. The ruler and his guests savored this crunchy and addictive snack. Soon, Bhujia became the trademark dish of Bikaner.
Shivratan Agarwal is the grandson of the legendary Gangabhisan ‘Haldiram’ Bhujiawala, who started his business from a small shop in Bikaner in the 1930s. Agarwal has been able to mesh Bikaji into the city where it originated, separating it from the clutter in the marketplace.
Today, Bikaji has a global footprint and stands tall as the largest producer of Bhujia in the world. It is also one of the largest manufacturers of ethnic snacks. These snacks are enjoyed by millions of foodies across 11 major European, American and Gulf Countries, Australia, Japan and Singapore. A few of its best-selling products include Bikaneri Bhujiya, Crusty Nuts, Baat Cheet Papad, Tana Tan Aloo Bhujia, Sohni Soan Papdi, Anjeer Dry Fruit Barfi, & Mom’s Special Combo.
Source- The Better India
In 2004, Agarwal’s only son Deepak expanded the business to include fast food and a dozen other products. Apart from increasing sales, introducing new packaging and sub-brands, he has also begun exporting frozen foods to international markets. He has got a positive response from the US and Canada markets for frozen rabdi, rasmalai and motichur ladoos.
Its major competitors include Haldiram (Delhi and Nagpur), and Haldiram (Kolkata), both promoted by other family members and Balaji Wafers. Bikaji’s core markets include Rajasthan, Assam and Bihar, where it enjoys 45 %, 58% and 29% market share, respectively.
The brand has set out very ambitious targets for itself in the coming years. It seeks to attain turnover of Rs 2,300 crores in the forthcoming 5 years. It is also planning to promote the presence of its upcoming brands Funkeen and Cafe. Further, it is planning to enter into new markets and territories, set up new manufacturing units at various points of India and diversify into new business areas.
