The Power Of Authentic Taste

As the architect of the enormous growth that Bikaji Foods has achieved in recent years, Deepak Agarwal has much to be credited for. The scion talks to MARWAR about the company’s three-decade journey and his ambitious plans for the future, as it heads for brighter times.

- Joseph Rozario

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT that even the humble Bhujia could command a worldwide presence! Thanks to the sustained efforts of Bikaji Foods International Ltd, which now has Deepak Agarwal at its helm as CEO and director, the company’s bid to take the authentic taste of bhujia to every corner of the world has paid rich dividends. As we talk to Agarwal, the Young Turk takes us through the early days of brand Bikaji (named so in memory and honour of Raja Bika, the founder of Bikaner) and its trailblazing journey to earn name, fame and distinction.

How it all began

“It was my father Shivratan Agarwal’s vision and efforts that led to the foundation of Bikaji Foods in 1987,” says Agarwal. “After his father’s death in 1985, he continued with the family business of making bhujia in Bikaner and established his company, while his brothers set up businesses outside Bikaner,” says Agarwal.

Growth and consolidation

Shivratan Agarwal, who had joined the family business at the age of 14, felt that the authentic taste of Bikaneri bhujia could only be preserved by using home-grown ingredients (moth dal and dew beans). He also envisioned mechanised production of bhujia, which largely was a handmade product, and this took him to Australia to gain technological know-how and then return home to revolutionise bhujia making by setting up the world’s first bhujia factory in 1987. Now in his 60s and the chairman of Bikaji Foods International, the bhujia baron’s childhood passion and enthusiasm for bhujia continues unabated. His uncompromising stand of offering the genuine taste of Bikaneri bhujia has paid off manifold in the meanwhile, having won over both Indian and foreign taste buds to establish a worldwide presence. From bhujia, the company has also diversified into other products such as namkeens, sweets and snacks.