Shiv Ratan Agarwal’s amazing journey: from eighth grade to overseeing Bikaji Foods International, which is valued at Rs 13,430 crore

Stories abound in the history of the Indian industry of people who, in spite of their minimal formal education, defied expectations and created enormous success stories. A notable figure in the Indian snack and confectionery industry is Shiv Ratan Agarwal, the inspirational founder and chairman of Bikaji Foods International.

Agarwal, who hails from the ancient Rajasthani city of Bikaner, is a living example of the strength of resiliency and willpower. With only an eighth-grade education, he set out to make a name for himself in the highly competitive business sector, without even bothering to get official credentials.

Agarwal started his business career in 1986 by founding Shivdeep Products, which was the forerunner of Bikaji Foods International. Driven by an insatiable curiosity for new ideas and a resolute dedication to excellence, he launched the Bikaji brand in 1993, launching a revolution that would reshape the snack market in India.

After more than 25 years of unwavering commitment and tenacity, 72-year-old Agarwal has led Bikaji Foods to previously unheard-of levels of achievement. The company’s astounding market valuation of Rs 13,430 crore now is proof to Agarwal’s strategic aptitude and visionary leadership.

Thanks to its large range of products, which includes packaged sweets, papad, and other delicious snacks in addition to the well-known bhujia and namkeen, Bikaji Foods has become a household name among customers all across the country. Notably, Bikaji Foods has become a strong competitor in the market, standing up to multinational behemoths like PepsiCo, which is evidence of Agarwal’s unrelenting dedication to quality and innovation.

The moniker “Bikaji” honors Bika Rao, the notable forerunner of Bikaner City, and captures Agarwal’s abiding love for his birthplace and its rich cultural legacy. An incredible milestone occurred when Bikaji Foods debuted on the stock market in November 2022, seeing an astounding 8% premium to its initial public offering (IPO) price. This further cemented Agarwal’s position as a visionary leader and innovator in the corporate world.

Agarwal’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide, highlighting the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and unwavering determination in the pursuit of success. Agarwal has received accolades and recognition, including a coveted spot on Forbes’ “World’s Billionaires” list for 2024.