Shiv Ratan Agarwal, founder of Bikaji Foods International, died on Thursday at the age of 75, marking the end of an era for one of India’s most prominent packaged snack brands, the company said in a regulatory filing.
Agarwal reportedly complained of uneasiness and was rushed to a private hospital in Chennai, where he passed away, sources told news agency PTI.
His wife had recently undergone bypass surgery, and doctors had advised him to rest. He had been staying in Chennai during this period, they added.
Widely regarded as a pioneer in scaling traditional Indian snacks into a global business, Agarwal played a key role in transforming Bikaji into a household name. Under his leadership, the company grew from a regional player in Rajasthan into an internationally recognised brand, known for its bhujia, namkeen, sweets, and ready-to-eat products.
“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.
Born into the Agarwal family, founders of the Haldiram’s empire, Agarwal was the grandson of Gangabishan ‘Haldiram’ Bhujiawala. While his brothers continued to expand the family’s legacy business, he struck out on his own in 1986.
He began with Shivdeep Products and later launched the Bikaji brand in 1993, naming it after Rao Bika, the founder of Bikaner, with the aim of taking the authentic taste of the region to a global audience.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot condoled his demise, calling the news deeply saddening.
“Through the Bikaji brand, he brought global recognition to Bikaneri bhujia. His demise is an irreparable loss. I pray for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family,” Gehlot said in a post on X.