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.
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.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January-February 2019-Ausgabe von MARWAR India.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January-February 2019-Ausgabe von MARWAR India.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
HAUTE HOROLOGY
Luxury timepieces from around the world
Yas, Please!
Abu Dhabi's Yas Island is the family-friendly wonderland you never knew you needed! With a mix of amusement parks, mouth-watering eats and non-stop fun, it is the perfect spot to kick off the New Year too.
Brides in Time
No wedding in India is truly complete without an investment in jewellery. From heirloom pieces that tell stories of the past to modern designs symbolising new beginnings, jewellery holds a sacred place in Indian weddings.
padhaaro saa
With wedding season in full swing, we decided to delve into the art and intricacies of invitation design. To get an insider's view, we turned to some of the leading names in the field: Itchha Talreja, founder of Itchha Talreja Designs, Sanjana Chatlani, founder of The Bombay Lettering Company, and Puneet Gupta, designer and creative director of Puneet Gupta Invitations.
Band, Baajaa, Budget
MARWAR India spoke to three industry insidersDevanshi Patel, Founder of Shreem Events, Neha Shroff, Partner at Momente Weddings, and Anjali Tolani, Assistant Vice President - Weddings at Tamarind Global-to get an insight on what truly goes into planning a Marwari wedding that's nothing short of #GOALS.
RARE Collectibles
Highlights of dart events & ExMBILS
How Smriti Rajgarhia Makes Serendipity Shine
Director of the Serendipity Arts Foundation and the Serendipity Arts Festival, Smriti Rajgarhia, is trained as an architect with a Masters in Design. She began her career in the arts more than two decades ago by working with a private archive in New Delhi. While creating a museum space, her interest expanded into bringing art to the public and contextualising it through education and awareness. Smriti has also curated exhibitions on subjects that reflect the history and relevance of archives.
Multifaceted LITTERATEUR
In conversation with MARWAR India, acclaimed writer, author, poet and communications consultant Supriya Newar talks about her multifaceted career, her books and passions.
REDEFINING MUMBAI'S SKYLINE
When it comes to family legacies, following in footsteps of those who came before is often the norm - but not for this father-daughter duo. Meet Ashish and Amrita Deora.
HOBBY STORE HAULS to Hermis Bags
Meet Kanika Ranka Adani, the founder of The Studio Project, a Fine Arts graduate from The Art Institute of Chicago, who discovered her love for art in the delightful mess of her childhood. Now, she is on a colourful quest to redefine the realm of wearable art.