Over the course of nine nights, Hindus celebrate Navratri, a festival honoring Goddess Durga, which represents the victory of virtue over evil. During this period, people all over India observe fasts and celebrate with great fervor. Many individuals fast on Navratri and eat vegetarian specialties that don’t include onions, garlic, or specific grains. Traditional fasting foods such as Aloo Ki Tikki, Paneer Makhani, and Sama kheer are part of the delicious Navratri Thali. By sharing these items, people can enjoy the traditional Navratri food with one another and get into the holiday mood. This year, the festival began on 10th April and will be observed till 17th April 2024.
It is clear that the festive season has taken over businesses and brands in every industry and in every way. McDonald’s India – North and East announced the introduction of a ‘no onion, no garlic’ McAloo Tikki Meal for a short time during the Navratri period. This announcement was made in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment. The announcement was made in response to a widespread demand from McDonald’s customers who are looking for different culinary options throughout the Navratri week, according to the statement. The McAloo Tikki Value Meal with ‘no onion, no garlic’ was made available at selected restaurants. This meal consisted of a McAloo Tikki burger, regular fries, and a regular beverage.
McDonald’s has been actively participating in local religious and cultural activities all over the world, and it has been adjusting its offers to accommodate the preferences and sensitivities of the local community. On the new track, Tarakote Marg and Ardhkuwari, McDonald’s India-North, and East opened restaurants that offered a menu that was entirely vegetarian. These restaurants were located in close proximity to the holy temple of Vaishno Devi. Not a single onion or garlic was used in the preparation of the food.
FSSAI Putting a Magnifying Glass
During the current Navratri festival season, senior officials of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have been instructed to strictly monitor the production and distribution of certain foods, including “kuttu atta, singhada atta, bhagar/samak ke chawal (barnyard millet)” within their respective regions.
To guarantee the items are safe to eat and meet all food product requirements, they have been requested to increase the frequency of their inspections and sampling drives.
During the festival season, many people choose to fast, which means that there is a higher demand for certain foods. These include samvat rice, buckwheat flour (kuttu atta), chestnut flour (singhara atta), fruits, vegetables, dry fruits and nuts (makhana), milk and dairy products, and ready-to-eat savory snacks like potato chips and sabudana namkeen mix.
Some dishonest food business operators (FBOs), motivated by greed, take advantage of the increase in demand by selling expired or low-quality goods, claims the regulator.
Additional cases have emerged where the aforementioned food items become contaminated as a result of improper storage and handling. According to a letter sent by FSSAI to their various state and UT units, this activity is both immoral and harmful to consumers’ health, as it desecrates the celebration.
Based on their analysis of historical data, the food safety regulator has concluded that kuttu atta is a common culprit in food poisoning during festivals like Navratri. This is likely due to the sale of outdated stock, which is stale and infested with fungus, which can introduce mycotoxins and other dangerous secondary metabolites into the food.
Delightful Navratri Feast Menu Revealed by Haldiram’s
Navratri Fasting Menu – Haldiram’s
Last year, during Navratri, Haldiram’s launched a unique feast menu to satisfy all of their customers’ cravings for fasting food. The firm was quite happy to unveil this campaign, which showcases mouthwatering foods that capture the essence of the event. Haldiram’s stands out for its innovative approach to preparing Navratri dishes with the highest level of cleanliness.
The Haldiram menu for fasting comprises a diverse array of dishes that are made available to satisfy a variety of tastes, from traditional favorites like Kurkuri Sabudana Tikki to more modern takes like the Tandoori Platter, Sabudana Papdi Chaat, and Purani Dilli Ki Tawa Aloo Chaat.
The brand has also introduced a similar concept this year, with a few minor adjustments. The brand is hoping to repeat its success from last year and is riding high on its momentum.
Once again, the outlook and sentiment among food industry operators are exceptionally bright this year. Due to the increased number of fasting individuals, FBOs anticipate a significant increase in their profit-sharing ratio during the current Navratri festival.
Whenever we talk about food companies, international brand names like Dominos, McDonald’s, or KFC come into our mind. However, we have an Indian brand that has surpassed all these brands by selling Indian products. Yes, the brand is none other than Haldiram’s. Haldiram’s had started as a small shop in Bikaner. It has now become the largest snack seller, selling its products in over 80 countries around the world.
Haldiram’s is a name that started in the city of Bikaner in Rajasthan with its delicious Bhujia, but its great business strategies and introduction of new products from time to time made it a global brand today. The brand has grown and expanded and made a huge place for itself in our hearts.
Temasek acquired about 10% of Haldiram Snacks Foods (HSFPL) for over INR 8,000 crore (~$1 billion), valuing the company at $9 billion as of 11 March 2025. This major deal follows interest from Blackstone and Bain Capital. HSFPL, formed by merging the FMCG operations of Haldiram’s Delhi and Nagpur branches, holds a 13% share in India’s $6.2 billion savory snacks market. Besides snacks, Haldiram’s runs restaurants in India and abroad.
The success story of Haldiram’s is not only an achievement for itself but also a great source of inspiration for many.
The Success Story and Business Strategies of Haldiram’s
Haldiram’s owes its success to the contributions, dedication, and strategies of mainly three people, Ganga Bishan Agarwal, Shiv Kishan Agarwal, and Manohar Lal Agarwal. These three are responsible for implementing great strategies that make the brand a lovable preference for many.
Haldiram’s Revenue from FY19 to FY23
Chapter 1: Ganga Bishan Agarwal Changed the Fate of Haldiram’s Forever
Ganga Bishan Agarwal – Founder of Haldiram’s
The history of Haldiram’s starts in 1941. Ganga Bishan Agarwal, also known as Haldiram Ji, established the foundation of Haldiram’s in that year. He belonged to a Marwari family in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Haldiram’s dream of establishing this company dates back to 1919 when he was only 11 years old. He had started working at his father’s bhujia shop in his childhood. Haldiram used to do odd jobs there but he always tried to learn how to make bhujia. At that time, bhujia was in demand. So, most shops in the market used to sell it. Every seller’s bhujia had the same quality and taste. Thus, the only competition was on the money.
Haldiram was the only person who was neither satisfied with the business nor with the taste of the bhujia. He wanted to make a bhujia that would be unique in the market. To achieve this, he started preparing bhujia with different ingredients. After many failed attempts, he succeeded in making a different kind of bhujia, the kind that the people of Bikaner had never tasted.
Here are the three changes that Haldiram brought that eventually changed the destiny of their business:
He started making bhujia with moth beans instead of gram flour. It changed its taste and made it more crispy.
Every seller was selling their bhujia at 2 paise/kg but Haldiram set his rate at 5 paise/kg. This made his bhujia a premium product in the eyes of the buyers.
He set his bhujia’s name to Dongar Sev, the name of Bikaner’s king. There was no relation between the two but that name served as a brand ambassador and people started believing it was a premium product.
Haldiram’s Dongar Sev became popular among the masses and its sales reached the sky. This was how Haldiram established his business, which is now known by his name. However, this was only the start.
Chapter 2: Shiv Kishan Agarwal, The Second Mastermind Behind the Success
Shiv Kishan Agarwal – The Man Behind The Success of Haldiram’s
The second chapter of the company’s growth started at the end of 1960 through Shiv Kishan Agarwal. He was the grandson of Haldiram.
At that time, in the 1960s, the Agarwal family was divided into three parts. Each lived in the cities of Bikaner, Kolkata, and Nagpur respectively. Their business in Kolkata and Bikaner was running well. However, Shri Krishan struggled a lot in Nagpur. In the 1960s, there was no demand for bhujia, not only in Nagpur but in entire Maharashtra.
So, he made it his determination to learn more about the food habits of the Maharashtrians. He organized market research and surveyed the entire Nagpur market. Through the survey, he found two big opportunities in the market.
The people of Maharashtra were not aware of the different types of snacks. Thus, he could introduce new snacks into the market.
There was a gap in the sweets market and only a few sweets were available in the market. Thus, he could introduce other sweets to the people.
He launched his favorite ‘Kaju Katli’ in the market. As it was a new sweet for the people of Maharashtra, he started giving out free samples. Due to this strategy, Kaju Katli became famous in Nagpur within just a few days. People loved the taste and the sales started reaching new heights. He then introduced many other sweets of Bikaner and Kolkata in Nagpur. This was how the sales increased by 400% in three years.
Soon enough, he realized that Nagpur people liked South Indian snacks like Idli and Dosa. This made him start a South Indian restaurant to attract more customers. Then, he started adding new snacks like samosa, kachori, and chole bhature to the menu.
If we examine it from a business perspective, when he entered the Nagpur market, he was a strange shopkeeper who was selling strange products to people. That’s why people didn’t trust him. So first, he won the trust of the Maharashtrians by selling the products they liked to win their trust, and then, he introduced his own products. This was how Shiv Kishan Agarwal contributed to Haldiram’s growth.
Chapter 3: Manohar Lal Agarwal’s Smart Strategies Made the Brand One of a Kind
Manohar Lal Agarwal – Chairman of Haldiram’s
The person who took this business even higher was Manohar Lal Agarwal. He is the current chairman of Haldiram.
When he joined Haldiram in 1973, Haldiram had only three shops in India – in Kolkata, Nagpur, and Bikaner respectively. Manohar Lal Agarwal opened another outlet in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk.
Giving Importance to the Packaging of the Products
During the 1990s, snack companies used to sell their products without any proper packaging. Haldiram was the first Indian company that gave great priority to the packaging and presentation of its snacks. It was Manohar Lal Agarwal who inspired the modern-day packaging methods including zip pouch, standee pouch packaging, and four-layer structure flexible packaging. This not only increased their brand awareness but also made the brand trustworthy and more popular amongst the masses. Haldiram stood out from the crowd and became a one-of-a-kind destination for sweets and snacks.
To expand its presence, Haldiram’s introduced sub-brands like Minute Khanna, Cup Shup, and Cookie Heaven, catering to different snack segments. Minute Khaana, for instance, focuses on the frozen food market. With a strong commitment to quality and market insights, Haldiram’s has grown from a small local shop into a globally recognized brand.
Opening More Stores and Spreading Across Cities
The second strategy was that he opened stores in various cities. He first targeted all the major cities and then moved on to the smaller ones as well. Having stores in pan-India hugely increased its popularity. People came to know more and more about the brand. The strategy increased the sales by a huge margin and made the business spread throughout the whole country.
Haldiram’s didn’t stop at domestic success and expanded globally. Today, it operates in over 60 countries, including key markets like the UK, Thailand, Australia, UAE, and Japan, solidifying its position as an international food brand.
Haldiram’s Funding
Temasek has finalized a deal to acquire nearly 10% of Haldiram Snacks Foods (HSFPL) for approximately $1 billion, reinforcing its focus on India’s growing consumer sector as of 11 March 2025. The transaction, one of the largest in India’s FMCG industry, follows months of negotiations. Blackstone also made a bid for a 20% stake but at a lower valuation.
HSFPL represents the combined FMCG businesses of Haldiram’s Delhi and Nagpur branches, making it a dominant player in India’s snacks market. The broader Haldiram brand operates through three separate family-run entities in Delhi, Nagpur, and Kolkata. This deal reflects the increasing interest of global investors in India’s food and beverage sector, particularly in the savory snacks category. The Haldiram story showcases how a family-run business evolved into a dominant player in India’s snacks market, with Haldiram Snacks Foods (HSFPL) now attracting global investors like Temasek.
Thus, this is how Haldiram’s has grown from a small shop in Bikaner to one of the most renowned snacks sellers in the world. The above-mentioned were the three founding pillars of Haldiram. Each held an important position in its foundation.
Today, Haldiram’s valuation has crossed $3 Billion and the business now has spread to 80+ countries. It was due to the efforts of these three generations of Agarwals that converted their small shop into the big business it is today. We surely have a lot to learn from the marketing strategies that each of them implemented along the way.
FAQ
When and where Haldiram’s was founded?
Haldiram’s was founded in Bikaner in the year 1937 by Ganga Bishan Agarwal (Haldiram Ji).
What is Haldiram most famous for?
Haldiram is the most famous for its Bhujias and Soan Papdi.
Who is the present Chairman of Haldiram?
Manohar Lal Agarwal is the present chairman of Haldiram.
Is Haldiram planning to launch its IPO (Initial Public Offering)?
Haldiram is likely to launch its IPO in 2025 according to various media reports.
The celebration of Holi, the festival of colors, goes beyond ordinary revelry; it reflects the spirit of unity, forgiveness, and joyful fellowship. Brands have noticed the cultural significance of this bright event and have effectively incorporated it into their advertising strategies. These commercials highlight the numerous principles linked with Holi, including advocating for ethical consumerism, promoting sustainability, and building harmony. This article will examine some of the most captivating Holi marketing campaigns from well-known corporations, exploring their messages, impact, and how they connect with viewers.
boAt and Swiggy Instamart bring fun to Holi with Veer Pahariya’s Rang hook step. The ad shows a Holi party where everyone wants Pahariya to dance.
A waiter serving thandai, an elderly couple making a reel, and many others join in. Things get funny when a friend tries to feed him gujiya while dancing but misses. Pahariya, wanting to change the vibe, orders boAt speakers through Swiggy Instamart.
Loud music, bright colours, and happy faces make the party even better. This ad captures the joy of Holi in a fun and quirky way.
Parachute Advansed Gold’s “Sirf Nariyal Kafi Hai!” campaign makes Holi hair care simple. The ad shows people using different tricks to protect their hair, while others trust coconut oil and enjoy the festival stress-free.
A lively music video featuring influencers like Iqlipse Nova and Naina adds to the fun. It playfully compares those who over-prepare for Holi with those who just use Parachute Advansed Gold. With music, colours, and a lighthearted vibe, the campaign delivers a clear message: coconut oil is all you need for Holi!
Edelweiss Mutual Fund, associated with Punctuate Productions, created a digital film to celebrate the festival of Holi and what the festival represents. The brand teamed up with Jeevan Samvardhan Foundation, the orphanage and rescue home for children, to celebrate a unique Holi. To create a core memory and carry them for a lifetime, the brand had a ‘Splashathon’. Kids with the brand team splashed the fabric paint on t-shirts. But the talented children took it even a step further and unleashed their creative work. The event was followed by a Holi celebration and mouth-watering food.
Noise
Noise – Best Holi Creative Ads
Noise launched its ‘Noise of India’ campaign by collaborating with a renowned artist, Idris Ahmed to make the festival come alive by bringing their artwork to its smartwatches with downloadable watch dials. Under the Noise banner, the campaign celebrated Holi not just by honoring the moments that make India great but also by showcasing diversity in cultures, traditions, and emotions. Idris Ahmed’s style as a photographer made him the perfect choice for Noise with his specialty in capturing the cultural vibrancy that connects with the brand’s synergy.
Pepperfry
Pepperfry – Best Holi Creative Ads
Pepperfry’s campaign ‘Let’s Play #BachpanKiHoli’ brings nostalgia, particularly to those adults who have lost their playful spirit over the years. The campaign invites people to share all the fun they had during Holi in their childhood. This interactive and engaging campaign by Pepperfry helped evoke memories and inspire adults to go back to being children, especially during the festival of Holi.
Crocs
Crocs – Best Holi Creative Ads
The Crocs Holi campaign featured its new ambassadors Vedang Raina and Rasha Thadani who celebrated Holi with the hashtag #ComeAsYouAre to celebrate individualism and self-expression. The film is a celebration of youthful joy filled with pranks, dance-offs, and merry-making.
Pepsi
Pepsi – Best Holi Creative Ads
Everything is about AI nowadays, and Pepsi has incorporated the theme into its latest digital Holi film. The 2-minute film humorously proposed the change of the name Pepsi to peps.ai, took references from the festival of colors, and used terms like thand.ai and mith.ai to make it more relatable. The film also includes the tagline ‘Yeh Dil Maange More’ which had been revived after two decades on the brand’s 125th anniversary.
Parle G
Parle G – Best Holi Creative Ads
Parle G’s new Holi ad showcases the tale of a young couple in Varanasi enjoying Holi away from home for the first time. It showcases the close-knit bond where friends and neighbors become a part of the extended family. The campaign highlights the message of ‘Parle G Genius wohi, jo auron ke khushi mein paye apni khushi.’
Fortune Foods
Fortune Foods – Best Holi Creative Ads
The latest Fortune Foods campaign created by Adani Wilmar is titled ‘Holi ke rang, Fortune ke sang’ and celebrates the connection between Hindi-speaking audiences. This 70-second ad highlights the festival of Holi, moving from the vibrant street to the kitchen, like making gujiyas.
Coke Studio Bharat
Coke Studio Bharat – Best Holi Creative Ads
Based on the bhajan, ‘Holi Re Rasiya’ Coke Studio Bharat recreated the melody with lively beats with traditional folk instruments to build the perfect festival soundtrack. With singers such as Maithili Thakur, Sonal Devraj, Saloni Gaur, and more, the track brings cheer to a whole new level and features the iconic Coca-Cola bottle.
Sony India launched their Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) campaign for Holi that has the latest products such as the XV800, and party speaker as the mood enhancer that aligned with their brand vision.
McCain
McCain – Best Holi Creative Ads
The frozen food brand McCain showcased the importance of coming together to celebrate Holi and emphasized how getting frozen food ready in a few minutes can enhance the festivities.
Goldmedal Electricals
Goldmedal Electricals – Best Holi Campaigns by Brands
The ad by Goldmedal Electricals promotes a responsible approach to celebrating Holi. It highlights a significant issue of wasting millions of liters of water during Holi celebrations, starkly contrasting the millions of people who lack access to clean water. The ad urges people to take action by reconsidering their approach to the festival. It encourages individuals to pledge to play Holi responsibly by shifting away from traditional water-intensive activities and adopting eco-friendly alternatives. This could include using dry or organic colors or celebrating with water-efficient methods like water guns or controlled water usage.
By aligning itself with the message of responsible consumption and sustainability, Goldmedal Electricals positions itself as a socially conscious brand that cares about environmental issues and the well-being of communities. This enhances its brand image and fosters goodwill among consumers who value companies prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility.
Nest-In
Nest-In – Best Holi Campaigns by Brands
The Tata Steel Construction Solution’s Nest-In advertisement captures the essence of resilience and togetherness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ad acknowledges how the pandemic has impacted our lives over the past year, recognizing the challenges and changes it has brought about. By tying the message to the festival of Holi, a celebration of colors and life, the ad encourages viewers to reflect on the importance of cherishing loved ones and embracing the vibrant essence of existence. It calls for celebrating the indomitable human spirit, which persists despite adversity and continues to move forward. By associating itself with messages of resilience, hope, and community, Nest-In positions itself as a brand that empathizes with the challenges individuals and society face.
Medimix Ayurveda
Medimix – Best Holi Campaigns by Brands
This Holi, give your skin a break from the harsh chemicals found in traditional synthetic products. That’s the primary goal of Medimix’s Holi advertisement. The #SkinFitHoli Campaign by Medimix offers a range of natural and affordable products that can be used as Holi colors. These natural products will help you stay colorful during the festivities without harming your skin or causing harm to your body in any other way.
One product worth mentioning is a do-it-yourself (DIY) product that allows you to enjoy the color festival virtually without causing any harm to your skin. Medimix’s #SkinFitHoli Campaign promotes a safe and enjoyable Holi experience for everyone. So, enjoy the festival of colors without any regrets or worries.
Surf Excel
Surf Excel – Best Holi Campaigns by Brands
This beautiful ad is all about contentment as both religions walk together with tenderness, and it is one of the most stirring 2019 ads from Surf Excel, which is continuing to date. This is why it says #RangAccheHain, so in this Festival of Colours, let’s paint lives with the goodness of love and acceptance.
The #RangAchheHain campaign saw a comeback again in Holi 2022. Conceptualized by Carlos Creatives, this year’s Surf Excel advertisement speaks of “Jo range bachpan lautaye” and features veteran Sheeba Chaddha and a little girl who requests her aunt (Sheeba Chaddha) to play Holi and ultimately succeeds in doing so.
Parachute Advansed – Best Holi Campaigns by Brands
The Parachute Advansed ad with the hashtag #KhulkeKheloHoli celebrates the vibrant festival of Holi by highlighting the significance of relationships and connections. The ad emphasizes the importance of the colors of Holi, not only as pigments but as symbols of the deep bonds between people.
The message “Ye Rang Hai Gaadhe Rishton Ke, Inhe Pheeka mat padne do” encapsulates the idea that the colors of Holi represent the depth and richness of our relationships. We should not let these connections fade away. This message aligns with the spirit of Holi, which is all about letting go of inhibitions, breaking barriers, and fostering camaraderie. By aligning itself with the celebration of Holi and the importance of preserving and nurturing relationships, Parachute Advansed positions its brand as more than just a product; it becomes a symbol of care, connection, and celebration.
Ghadi Detergent
Ghadi Detergent – Best Holi Campaigns by Brands
Ghadi Detergent is another detergent company that took Holi 2022 as an occasion to create an advertisement that appeals to Indian society. Through its #SaareMaelDhoDaalo campaign, Ghadi Detergent targets all the men who jump at once, seeing beautiful ladies to smear them with colors, and that too with a sinister intention underneath. In this Happy Holi creative advertisement, one such person targets another lady and smears her face with colors; in response, the lady, too, colors the person’s face, saying that the colors can be removed. Still, the souls’ dirt or stains cannot be wiped off.
Livpure
Livpure – Best Holi Campaigns by Brands
The Livpure ad, which uses the hashtag #BinaPaaniHoliManaani, raises awareness about water wastage during Holi celebrations and calls for a more sustainable approach to the festival. The ad acknowledges that playing Holi with water can be fun, but it also leads to significant water loss. By highlighting the contradiction between the enjoyment of the festival and the environmental impact of water wastage, the ad urges people to change their traditional practices—the message of water conservation and sustainability positions Livpure as an environmentally conscious and socially responsible brand. The ad promotes Livpure’s products and encourages viewers to take action toward more accountable and eco-friendly celebrations. It is essential during festivals like Holi when water usage spikes.
Haldiram’s
Haldiram – Best Holi Campaigns by Brands
Haldiram’s Holi film beautifully captures the essence of the festival and its spirit of togetherness. The storyline revolves around two estranged families and resonates with the theme of reconciliation and unity, which is often associated with festivals like Holi. The ad portrays how Holi transcends differences and brings people closer, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and letting go of past grievances.
By choosing Holi as the backdrop for the narrative, Haldiram’s taps into the festival’s cultural significance, making the message even more impactful. The families sharing a box of Gujia from Haldiram further reinforces the idea of coming together and celebrating with love and sweetness. Overall, Haldiram’s Holi film effectively conveys its message of unity, forgiveness, and the sweetness of shared traditions while subtly promoting its brand and products.
Goldiee Masale
Goldiee Masale – Best Holi Campaigns by Brands
The Holi ad of Goldiee Masale is a beautiful tribute to all the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes on every joyous occasion, such as chefs, caterers, and local sweet confectioners. The ad extends warm wishes to these culinary artisans, recognizing their crucial role in spreading happiness through taste. These individuals craft delicious dishes and infuse them with love and care, making every occasion memorable for millions.
Goldiee Masale is positioning itself as a brand that understands the importance of taste and happiness in building solid relationships. With its presence in kitchens across the country, the brand adds a dash of flavor and enhances the joy of every celebration. The ad emphasizes how Goldiee Masala has become the preferred choice of caterers and chefs, indicating the trust and reliability associated with the brand. It serves as a reminder to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and skill of those who bring flavors to life and make every celebration memorable.
The Holi advertising campaigns by various companies have highlighted several factors associated with this cherished holiday, ranging from its social influence to its cultural value. These companies have used imaginative storytelling to promote their products and express powerful themes of unity, sustainability, and compassion. As Holi continues to unite people in celebration, these advertisements serve as reminders of the festival’s eternal values and the advertising’s ability to effect positive change. Each commercial adds its color to the brilliant and meaningful celebration of life.
Seasonal advertising is advertising products or services at certain seasons of the year, mostly keeping in mind the seasonal flavors and its festivals.
Why are Holi wishes by brands essential during the festival?
The companies/brands should also wish their customers and potential customers a Happy Holi. These Holi wishes by brands can easily be in the form of interactive advertisements to attract the masses, where the brands can target a palpable societal issue or encourage people to do something good through their ad campaigns along with promoting their brands.
Why is a YouTube media campaign useful for brands in Holi?
Along with the Holi advertisements on television and YouTube, the social media campaigns in Holi are something that people simply cannot miss. Unique social media campaigns with Happy Holi creatives by brands can certainly help a brand get the best out of its initiatives.
Company Profile is an initiative by StartupTalky to publish verified information on different startups and organizations. The content in this post has been approved by Bikaji.
We Indians love food and snacks, and if there is anyone who doesn’t? then, it is quite untrue to believe it. As a land of diversified cultures, there are myriad options for food, snacks, and sweets.
Each region has got its version of dishes and cooking methods. The distinctive taste with unique flavours and spices is something nobody can resist eating. The list of snacks in India is rich and endless. Items such as bhujia, namkeen, papad, chana mixture, chat papadi, Bombay mix namkeen, and chatpata sev are some of the most loved snacks in India.
To offer what most Indians love is an achievement in itself. One such company has been consistent in offering the best quality of snacks for the entire nation and abroad, and that is Bikaji Foods International Ltd.
In this article, we are going to cover the journey of one of the most popular Indian snacks and sweets company, Bikaji. Know more about its founder, business model, revenue model, competitors and more.
In 1987, Shri Shivratan Agarwal founded the company Bikaji with a vision to reach every consumer in the world to give a taste of real India. Formerly, the brand’s name was Shivdeep Industries Ltd.
He was inspired by Bika Rao, the founder of Bikaner and Ji. Thus, the brand’s name Bikaji came into effect by giving a mark of respect to him. He thought of giving an easy name so that people can remember the brand name for generations to come.
The company was established during a period when technology was not that efficient to produce bhujia on a large scale. That was the beginning of Bikaji in India. In 1994, Shivratan decided to export his products to the UAE, commencing the first international export of Bikaji.
Bikaji uses all those raw materials, which are carefully selected and procured from the best category and market. These materials are processed in a very safe and hygienic environment, where there is no human allowed, and are packaged in an automated outlet.
Bikaji – Industry
Today, Bikaji is regarded as one of the leading brands in the FMCG sector in India and abroad. The main products of Bikaji are – bhujia, namkeen, papad, and frozen sweets.
In India, the revenue in the food and beverage industry is expected to show an annual growth rate of 14.2% by 2024. The market is generally set to be driven by growing urbanisation and the increase in the young population who are shifting consumer needs and wants.
Bikaji – Founders and Team
Shivratan Agarwal
Shivratan Agarwal, Chairman and Whole-time Director of Bikaji
A visionary entrepreneur and grandson of Haldiram’s founder, Mr. Gangabishan Agarwal, Shivrantan Agarwal started his dream in 1987 to offer the delicious Bikaneri Bujhia to every consumer. He used to sell the products under the label Shivdeep Industries Limited. He found the brand’s name in 1993 after the founder of the city.
Today, Bikaji is one of the most loved and preferred brands of most Indians in India and abroad. He thoroughly believed in his words,
“If you aren’t curious and excited, you can’t innovate, if you can’t innovate, you can’t survive.”
Shivratan Agarwal has around 25 years of experience in the food industry. He is the Chairman and Whole-time Director of Bikaji.
Deepak Agarwal
Deepak Agarwal, Managing Director of Bikaji
He is the Managing Director of Bikaji with 20 years of experience in the industry. He did his post-graduation from S.P Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai in Management.
Shweta Agarwal
Shweta Agarwal, Whole-time director of Bikaji
Graduated with Bachelor’s in Arts and a master’s degree in Arts (English) from Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer, Shweta Agarwal serves as the Whole-time Director of Bikaji.
Bikaji – Name, Tagline, and Logo
Bikaji Logo
As mentioned earlier, Shivratan came up with the brand’s name from the founder of the city, Bika Rao. A Rathore prince, who founded the city Bikaner, which is known for treating people with great hospitality. The city’s rich culture and cuisine flavours added a glorious touch to this city’s charm.
In 2019, Amitabh Bachchan was appointed as the brand ambassador of Bikaji with the tagline, “Amitji loves Bikaji”.
Bikaji – Mission and Vision
The brand aims to implement such best technologies in research and development to produce one of the finest raw materials. The company aspires to be among the top global leaders in the food and snacks sector.
Bikaji’s vision is to sustain globally by maintaining all customers’ and stakeholders’ satisfaction. They wish to gain customer loyalty by giving them high-quality products and fulfilling their ever-changing demands.
Bikaji – Business Model
The company has a total of six operational manufacturing facilities in India. With four facilities located in Bikaner (Rajasthan), one in Guwahati (Assam), and one in Tumakuru (Karnataka).
The major products manufactured by Bikaji are:
Bhujia
Bikaji is the largest manufacturer of Bikaneri bhujia in India. They use proper traditional methods of producing bhujia through traditional furnaces (made with hands) that gives an authentic and unique taste. Bujhia is exported to regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, and the Middle East.
Namkeen
The company manufactures several varieties of namkeen such as moong dal, soya stick, nutcracker, and more.
Papad
Bikaji is the second-largest manufacturer of handmade papad in India. All the papads are handmade, which is a speciality of the Bikaji company.
Western snacks
The brand also indulges in the manufacturing of western snacks such as chips, pellets, and other types of western snacks.
Packaged sweets
There are around 30 varieties of dry and wet sweets such as soan papdi, dry fruit barfi, ladoo, and wet sweets such as gulab jamun, rasgulla, and rajbhog among others.
Bikaji – Revenue Model
The brand earns its revenue by exporting to other countries like North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific to almost 35 countries outside India. The company boasts of having a high reach to every part of the country and world. They have their operation across 22 states and three union territories of India.
Bikaji – Funding and Investors
Avendus Future Leaders Fund has invested Rs 40 crore in Bikaji.
Bikaji – Acquisitions
Previously, Lighthouse Funds held 7.472% equity shares in Bikaji through its private equity funds (Maharaja Fund).
In 2021, CCI has approved the acquisition of Bikaji by Lighthouse India Fund III, Limited (Fund III) and Lighthouse India III Employee Trust (Lighthouse Employee Trust). The recent approval allows around 2.727% of equity shares in Bikaji.
Bikaji – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns
In 2019, Bikaji signed Amitabh Bachchan as their brand ambassador. They started a campaign with the tagline, “Amitji loves Bikaji” focusing on making the brand a preferred choice by the Bollywood superstar.
The brand aimed in making Amitabh their choice because he is loved by every generation and has a massive fan following. They want to encourage everyone to ethnic snacking so that every person can connect with the brand.
Bikaji – Challenges
One of the most challenging things for Bikaji is that the company has about 71.87% of its total sales in only three states, which are Rajasthan, Assam, and Bihar. If there is any form of disturbance in their operation due to unavoidable circumstances in these core market areas, that will pose a big threat to their revenue.
Most of their revenue comes from the sale of Bikaneri Bhujia (nearly one-third), as it is their highest-selling product. However, the major threat to them is that there is the only factory in Bikaner that produces bhujia, and if something happens to that one factory, then the situation for Bikaji will be disastrous.
Bikaji – Awards
The following are some of the awards won by Bikaji:
Rajasthan State Award for Export Excellence (2008)
Government of Rajasthan State Award for Export Excellence (2009)
Bikaji – Competitors
The top 3 competitors of Bikaji are:
Fatlite
Jethabhai & Sons Foods & Snacks
Yuvraj Food
Bikaji – Future Plans
The brand’s plan is to set a benchmark in the FMCG sector by offering good quality products throughout the globe.
For centuries, Indians have been renowned for their love of food. Even if the notion of restaurants is not new in our nation, it has seen a significant evolution in recent years. Restaurants in India have grown from humble beginnings as street vendors and one-room stalls to multibillion-dollar businesses.
Those businessmen who were foresighted enough to see the growth potential in this industry have made significant investments and are now enjoying the rewards. Moreover, because of the changing lifestyles of the people, more disposable money, favorable demographics, and an increase in the number of working women, the Indian food business has seen a major transformation.
One of the main reasons for the restaurant industry’s success in India is the rising popularity of dining out, which has virtually become a habit among the country’s working population. However, when it comes to the organized players, they’ve gone far beyond the metros and into small villages and cities.
The graph shows the approximate number of outlets in India for each brand.
Music, dancing, festivals, and, most importantly to us, cuisines all abound in India, making it a veritable melting pot of cultures. The cuisines of the south and east of India are quite distinct from those of the north. The Indian fast food and restaurant industry has benefited greatly from this strategy. Some of the chain restaurants in India may be found here:
If you’re in the mood for some sweets or a hearty dinner of some of the greatest fast food in India, Bikanervala has you covered. The Aggarwal brothers launched it in 1950. Bikanervala’s fast-food restaurants provide a wide range of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, Indo-Italian, and even Continental dishes.
It is common for Bikanervala stores to have multi-story structures. The lowermost level houses the sweets and dry takeaway snacks, such as samosas and kachoris, and the higher floors are allocated for dine-in services. This Indian cuisine business is always packed, regardless of the day of the week or the time.
Bikanervala is more than just a chain of sit-down eateries. It is their first into the packaged food market with Bikano, which includes chips, candies, curry and dal masalas, etc. Another multi-cuisine restaurant in Bikanervala, Bikano Chat Cafe, serves chaat and Angan. India’s greatest fast food may be found at these restaurants.
Many young people believe fast-food restaurants like Nando’s or Taco Bell are “cool.” However, Nirula’s was the best thing ever in the 1990s. Nirula’s is one of the oldest and most famous Indian fast-food chains, particularly in the Delhi NCR area.
Its hot chocolate fudge is still a favourite delicacy, decades after being first introduced (HCF). All ages are welcome at Nirula’s, including seniors, children, and the elderly. People would go there in the evenings with their friends or family to grab a Hot Chocolate Fudge.
However, this isn’t the end of the story. Burgers, pizza, salads, and other delectables are also available at this fast food joint. But it is most renowned for its ice cream sundaes and milkshakes. However, it was formed in 1934 under a different name, and its first store opened in 1977 at Connaught Place, the hub of New Delhi.
Nirula’s Potpourri — a restaurant distinct from the usual fast-food chain service – is another branch of Nirula’s, in addition to the Pegasus bars. They also have several smaller ice cream parlours and takeout locations dispersed around the nation.
India’s Cafe Coffee Day is one of the country’s most popular culinary franchises. This Cafe in Bengaluru is a favourite among locals. People come here to socialize and eat their specialities, not to work. So the greatest coffee in India may be found here.
There are roughly 1500 Cafe Coffee Day locations in India. Popular products on their menu include the chicken cheeseburger, the large crunch veg classic, hot brownie fudge, black forest cake, and double shots of coffee. The ice cream at Cafe Coffee Day is legendary.
TATA Starbucks Private Limited is the Indian name for the American coffee corporation Starbucks. It is well-known for producing some of India’s finest coffees.
Tata Global Beverages and Starbucks Corporation, which owns and runs all of India’s Starbucks locations, are partners in one of India’s biggest joint ventures.
Indian-inspired items such as Tandoori paneer roll, chicken Kathi roll, and elaichi mewa croissant are also available at Starbucks in India.
Starbucks ‘ espresso drinks in India are created using Tata coffee’s Indian roasted beans. It has stores in several of the country’s most popular malls and independent locations.
When it comes to franchising, Starbucks does not follow the conventional franchise business model. It does not give franchises to individuals to open a store. However, people do have the option to submit an application to open a licenced store. In this way, people can pay an amount to rent the brand.
One of the most popular Indian food chains is Haldiram’s, founded in the city of Bikaner in Rajasthan. But, there’s more to this chain than namkeens and mithais: (sweets and savoury snacks).
In addition to sweets, the firm also offers packaged chips and namkeens, including aloo bhujia and sesame seed sev and nav rattan mix and moong dal and peanuts.
However, there’s more to it than just that. Haldiram’s also offers packaged, ready-to-eat meals, making it easy to take them on the go. It began in Bikaner in 1937, but the first Haldiram store debuted in Delhi in 1982.
You may also visit one of Haldiram’s restaurants to sample chaat or other Indianized Chinese, Italian, or Continental cuisine.
Happy Meals, birthday parties at McDonald’s, and the joyous squealing of children as Ronald McDonald arrived at the celebration were a feature of the childhoods of Indian children in the 1990s.
When McDonald’s first opened in California in the 1940s, founders Maurice and Richard McDonald were looking for a place to open a fast-food restaurant. McDonald’s in India was the first to offer a menu devoid of meat and pork.
In consideration of Indian dietary preferences, McAloo Tikki, Pizza McPuff, and McVeggie were introduced to the menu. In addition, Non-vegetarians may choose from a wide variety of poultry and fish dishes.
McMuffin (burgers) in a vegetarian, chicken, and egg McMuffin choice are served till 10 a.m. at certain locations. In addition, the morning menu is available at some McDonald’s locations.
Many people in India say, “Let’s Party at Barbeque Nation.” Barbeque Nation was started in 2006 and has since grown into one of India’s most popular food franchises. After the launch of Barbeque Nation in India, the popularity of grill-based dishes such as barbecue and kebabs grew. The menu at restaurant has a variety of dishes that have been spiced up with various herbs and spices.
BBQ Nation’s menu includes a wide variety of mouthwatering foods such Veg Keema and Paratha and a variety of mutton and chicken dishes like Angra and Angra with Cajun spices. On this restaurant’s menu, customers can discover a wide range of items to choose from. Following its ascent to prominence, Barbeque Nation is regarded as one of India’s most notable restaurant brands.
One of the world’s most famous food franchises, Subway, is well-known and well recognized. You can’t get enough of the aroma and flavour of freshly baked bread with various toppings. This is the reason why Indians enjoy Subway so much.
Subway quickly rose to prominence in India as one of the country’s most popular fast-food restaurants. Subway’s cuisine is of the highest quality. As a precautionary measure, workers even make their bread for clients.
Pepperoni sandwiches, ham, and salami are among the most popular dishes. In addition, desserts like muffins and flatbread are available if you’re in the mood for something sweet.
Fast-food chain McDonald’s only rival is Burger King. Burger King is right up there with McDonald’s as one of India’s most popular fast-food restaurants in terms of quality. In the United States, Burger King is a well-known hamburger chain.
The burgers and meals offered by this establishment are known for their variety and uniqueness. The bacon King Jr., a variety of whoppers, cheeseburgers, and even crispy and curly fries are just a few mouth-watering options available at this fast food joint.
Burger King’s dessert menu includes pancakes, chocolate milk, Frappuccinos, ice creams, etc. Burger King has outlets in most major cities, including Bangalore, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, etc.
Barista Lavazza’s coffee has made it a household name in India, where it is now one of the most well-known food brands. Barista Lavazza uses freshly roasted coffee beans to make real and distinctive coffee. Even the coffee powder may be yours for a low price.
An Italian coffee was provided here, as you might know well. As a result of this, the company’s reputation soared. Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Myanmar, and many more nations are now served by Barista Lavazza. Oreo chocolate latte, caramel latte, and many other options are big sellers here.
Restaurants serve food and beverages. Restaurants differ in terms of menu style, preparation and serving methods, and price. In addition, restaurants can provide amenities such as restrooms, parking, a lounge, and a children’s play area.
The main purpose of restaurants is to serve the best quality food to the customers. In the above article, we have discussed the biggest restaurant chains in India that serves this purpose in the best possible way.
FAQs
Who is the owner of Subway?
Subway is owned by Elisabeth DeLuca and Peter Buck.
When was Burger King Incorporated?
Burger King was incorporated in 1953 in Florida.
How many outlets of Barbeque Nation are present in India?
Barbeque Nation has approximately 150 outlets as recorded in India.
Yash Taneja
