Shiv Ratan Agarwal founder of Bikaji Foods International passed away on Thursday. The founder was 75 and was known for turning a traditional regional snack business into a globally recognised brand. According to a regulatory filing by the company, Agarwal had been unwell before his demise. Sources cited by news agency PTI said he complained of discomfort and was taken to a private hospital in Chennai, where he passed away.
Agarwal had been staying in Chennai in recent weeks, as his wife was recovering from bypass surgery and doctors had advised him to rest. His sudden passing has come as a shock to many in the business community.
The company acknowledged Agarwal’s pivotal role in its growth, highlighting his leadership and strategic foresight. "Shri Shiv Ratan Agarwal was a guiding force of the Company since its inception and had built the foundation o fthe brand ‘Bikaji’. He has been pivotal in steering the Company towards success and growth, who transformed the traditional Bikaneri snacks business into the internationally recognized Bikaji brand by combining authentic taste with modern business practices. His strategic acumen and ability to adeptly handle complex challenges have significantly bolstered our operational sustainability," the company said in a statement.
Agarwal’s journey in the snack industry was deeply rooted in legacy yet defined by independent ambition. Born into the Agarwal family, known for establishing Haldiram's, he was the grandson of Gangabishan 'Haldiram' Bhujiawala. While other family members expanded the original enterprise, Agarwal chose a separate path.
In 1986, he began his own venture with Shivdeep Products. Several years later, in 1993, he launched the Bikaji brand—named after Rao Bika—with a vision to take the authentic flavours of Bikaner to a wider audience. Over time, Bikaji became synonymous with bhujia, namkeen, sweets, and ready-to-eat offerings.
Under his guidance, Bikaji evolved from a regional player into a brand with international visibility, blending traditional recipes with modern manufacturing and distribution systems.
She is working as a Chief Copy Editor at Times Now’s Business Desk, where she covers key developments in the stock market, Indian corporates across se...View More
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