From a humble street stall to a global brand, the Bikanervala success story is a testament to the power of tradition, innovation, and family values. The journey began in 1905 with Shri Lal Chand Agarwal, who established a small sweet shop called Bikaner Namkeen Bhandar in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The shop gained popularity for its unique sweets and namkeen, tailored to the tastes of the local Bikaneris.
In 1950, Kedarnath and Satyanarayan Aggarwal, sons of Shri Lal Chand Agarwal, embarked on a mission to expand their family business beyond Bikaner. They moved to Delhi and set up a stall in Chandni Chowk, a bustling hub of commerce and culture. With limited resources, they sold their snacks on the streets, relying on the quality and flavor of their offerings to attract customers. The brothers' dedication and authentic recipes, passed down through generations, soon won the hearts of Delhi residents. Their shop, initially known as Bikaner Bhujia Bhandar, became fondly known as Bikanervala. Signature items like Moong Dal Halwa, Bikaneri Bhujia, and Kaju Katli became synonymous with the brand.
As demand grew, Bikanervala expanded its presence in Delhi, opening shops in areas like Karol Bagh. Recognizing the evolving culinary landscape and the entry of Western fast food chains, Shyam Sunder Aggarwal, the son of Kedarnath, joined the business in 1968 at the age of 16 and saw an opportunity to promote traditional Indian products. He learned the art of making sweets from his father. In the 1980s, Bikanervala strategically opened outlets across the country. To cater to a global audience, the company launched Bikano in 1988, offering packaged sweets and namkeen. This move allowed Bikanervala to reach international markets and Indians living abroad. In 1995, Bikanervala entered an agreement with PepsiCo's Lehar brand to produce namkeen, further solidifying its position in the packaged food industry.
Bikanervala continued to innovate, introducing Bikano Chat Cafes in 2003, quick-service restaurants serving fast food. The company also operates Bikanervala and Angan restaurants, offering traditional Indian snacks, sweets, and meals. Diversifying further, they launched a boutique hotel in Hyderabad. Today, Bikanervala boasts over 150 locations in India and internationally, including countries like the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Nepal, Qatar and the UAE.
Bikanervala Foods Private Limited, incorporated on October 25, 1988, is an unlisted private company based in Delhi. The company's operating revenue is over ₹500 crore. Bikanervala offers a wide range of products, including Indian sweets, namkeen, vegetarian fast food, cookies, snacks, beverages, and gift packs. The Bikanervala group has a net worth of ₹1,300 crore. Kedarnath Aggarwal passed away on November 14, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of entrepreneurial success. His vision and commitment to quality continue to guide the company. The success of Bikanervala can be attributed to its commitment to quality, innovation, and strategic expansion. The brand has adapted to changing consumer preferences while preserving the authentic taste of its traditional offerings.
