Bikaji Founder Shiv Ratan Agarwal Passes Away at 75

New Delhi: Shiv Ratan Agarwal, the founder and chairman of Bikaji Foods International Limited, has passed away at the age of 75, the company confirmed in an official communication on Thursday.

The development was disclosed through a formal intimation to stock exchanges, marking the demise of a key figure behind one of India’s most recognisable traditional snack brands.

Bikaji Foods International stated that Shiv Ratan Agarwal, who served as promoter, chairman and whole-time director, passed away on April 23, 2026.

The company expressed deep sorrow over his demise, calling it an irreparable loss for the organisation. It also stated that his contributions laid the foundation of the Bikaji brand and played a crucial role in shaping its growth trajectory.

Visionary Behind Bikaji’s Growth

Agarwal's journey began in the late 1980s when he set out to create an independent identity beyond the family's traditional business. At a time when large-scale production of bhujia was considered unfeasible due to a lack of suitable technology, he took on the challenge of building Bikaji from the ground up. Determined to preserve the authentic taste of Bikaneri snacks, he travelled across the world to co-develop the right technology for mass production while ensuring the product retained its traditional flavour.

The brand name itself reflected his vision. "Bikaji" is derived from Bika Rao, the founder of Bikaner, combined with "Ji" as a mark of respect, a nod to both heritage and cultural pride. 

Agarwal's mission was to take the "Aslee Parampara" of Indian snacking to consumers across the globe, blending authenticity with modern packaging and diverse product offerings. 

Under his leadership, the company evolved from a regional player rooted in Bikaneri snacks into a nationally and internationally recognised brand. By blending authentic taste with modern business practices, he expanded Bikaji’s footprint across India and into global markets.

Today, the company operates six manufacturing facilities – four in Bikaner, Rajasthan, one in Guwahati, Assam, and one in Tumakuru, Karnataka, through its subsidiary Petunt Food Processors Private Limited to serve southern markets. It also runs a contract manufacturing unit in Kolkata to cater to eastern and northeastern India, along with a facility in Mumbai for its restaurant sales.

His strategic vision and leadership were central to the company’s expansion and operational strength.

The company stated that it remains committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Agarwal and will continue to uphold the values and vision established by him.

Bikaji Foods International added that it will strive to sustain its growth trajectory while maintaining its position as a responsible and trusted brand in the industry.

Further, the Board of Directors, management and employees of the company also conveyed their deepest condolences to the family of Shiv Ratan Agarwal.

The company's growth reflects his belief that Indian snacking traditions could hold their own on the world stage. From bhujia to papad, namkeen to packaged sweets, Bikaji's portfolio now caters to diverse consumer preferences while staying rooted in India's culinary heritage.