Bikaji Foods International Limited (BFIL) saw a significant rise in its share price, reaching a record high on Monday, September 23, 2024. The snack company’s stock jumped 4.20%, hitting an all-time high of ₹987.95 per share. This surge in the share market came after the company announced the incorporation of a new subsidiary.
New subsidiary drives market optimism
The company’s shares soared following the approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary, Bikaji Foods Retail Limited (BFRL). According to an exchange filing, Bikaji Foods International stated, “We hereby inform you that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has approved the incorporation of a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company in the name and style of ‘Bikaji Foods Retail Limited’ on Friday, September 20, 2024.”
This strategic move has been well-received by the share market, as investors see this expansion as a promising opportunity. For those interested in share market investment, this development opens up avenues for potential growth as Bikaji Foods continues to diversify its portfolio.
Focus on diversification and new ventures
Bikaji Foods Retail Limited (BFRL) is set to explore various new business ventures, with a focus on cafés, quick-service restaurants (QSRs), and other food-related services. The company’s official statement emphasised the potential for diversification, saying, “BFRL will be dedicated to presenting a significant strategic opportunity by pursuing new business ventures specifically in areas like cafés, QSRs, restaurants, food catering services, ice cream catering, travel catering, kiosks, and more."
This diversification effort is a critical step for the company to stay competitive and capture new markets, making it an appealing option for share market investment. Expanding into the restaurant and catering space is expected to drive future revenue and enhance shareholder value.
Bikaji Foods: A leading FMCG brand
Bikaji Foods International Limited has established itself as a major player in the Indian food industry. The company is known for its wide range of ethnic snacks, sweets, and frozen foods. Their flagship products include bhujia, namkeen, papad, and a variety of sweets and cookies. The company's robust product portfolio and expansion plans have made it a popular choice for investors looking for opportunities in share market investment.
In addition to its presence in India, Bikaji Foods has built a strong export network, serving over 25 countries, including the United States, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. This international presence has further solidified the company’s reputation and boosted investor confidence.
A legacy of excellence
Founded in the late 1980s by Shivratan Agarwal, Bikaji Foods traces its roots to the heritage of Bikaner, a city famous for its snacks. The company’s name, derived from Bika Rao, the founder of Bikaner, reflects its deep cultural roots. Bikaji Foods has grown exponentially since its inception, and today, it operates six manufacturing units across India.
With production sites in Bikaner, Guwahati, Tumakuru, Kolkata, and Mumbai, Bikaji Foods is among India’s leading FMCG brands. It is recognised as the world’s largest producer of bhujia and the second-largest manufacturer of handmade papad, further enhancing its appeal to those involved in share market investment.
Stock performance and future outlook
At 10:28 AM on Monday, September 23, 2024, Bikaji Foods shares were trading 2.65% higher at ₹973.25 per share, while the BSE Sensex showed a modest 0.25% increase at 84,753.22 levels. The stock’s performance reflects growing investor confidence, especially with the recent announcement of the new subsidiary.
As Bikaji Foods continues to expand its operations and explore new ventures, the company remains a solid contender for share market investment. Investors are optimistic about the company's growth prospects, making it a key player to watch in the FMCG sector.