By Saksham Arora Bikano was founded in 1968 and has grown into one of India’s most popular and trusted brands for Indian sweets, namkeens (savory snacks), chocolates, bakery items and packaged foods. Over decades of retailing and packaged goods distribution, Bikano became a household name associated with quality snacks and festive gifting. With organised food retail and snack culture expanding across the country, many entrepreneurs explore opening a Bikano franchise.
This article explains the franchise model, investment cost, cost breakdown, space requirements, profitability and how to operate a Bikano franchise outlet in India.
About the Bikano Brand
Bikano offers a wide range of traditional Indian sweets like gulab jamun, rasgulla, barfi, peda and kaju katli, along with popular namkeens such as bhujia, mixture, sev and chivda. The brand also sells bakery goods, ready-to-eat snacks and festive gift packs. Known for consistent taste and quality, Bikano appeals to families, festival shoppers, gift purchasers and everyday snack lovers. Because product freshness, presentation and service are essential, franchise partners must follow brand standards for store operations, display and customer interaction.
Is Bikano a Franchise or Company-Owned Model in India?
Bikano operates through a franchise/retail partner model that allows independent entrepreneurs to open branded outlets in approved locations.
Franchise formats generally include:
- Standard Bikano Sweet & Snack Shop – full range of sweets, namkeens and snacks
- Express / Counter Format – compact takeaway-focused counter
- Mall / Food Court Outlet – smaller format inside retail complexes
All franchise outlets are owned and run by partners who follow brand operations, product handling and service standards.
Total Bikano Franchise Investment Cost in India
Investment varies depending on outlet size, city and location. Typical ranges include:
- Express / Counter Format: ₹12 lakh – ₹20 lakh
- Standard Retail Outlet: ₹20 lakh – ₹40 lakh
- Large Store / Flagship Outlet: ₹40 lakh – ₹70 lakh+
Most franchise partners plan within the ₹20 lakh – ₹40 lakh range for a standard Bikano sweets and snack store in a busy neighbourhood or commercial market.
Bikano Franchise Cost Breakdown
Here’s a typical breakdown of initial costs:
- Franchise / Brand Onboarding Fee: ₹4 lakh – ₹8 lakh (one-time)
- Store Interiors & Fit-Out: ₹6 lakh – ₹18 lakh
- Display Counters & Refrigeration Units: ₹4 lakh – ₹12 lakh
- Initial Inventory & Stock: ₹4 lakh – ₹10 lakh
- Furniture & Seating (if included): ₹2 lakh – ₹5 lakh
- POS & Billing System: ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakh
- Signage & Branding: ₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh
- Staff Training & Onboarding: ₹1 lakh – ₹2 lakh
- Working Capital: ₹3 lakh – ₹8 lakh
- Rental Deposit: varies by city and location
Interior setup and display equipment (especially for sweets and refrigerated items) form the largest portion of the initial investment because product visibility and freshness are key in bakery and sweet retail.
Space & Location Requirement
Typical space needs include:
- Express / Counter Format: 150 – 300 sq ft
- Standard Retail Outlet: 300 – 800 sq ft
- Large Store / Flagship Outlet: 800 – 1,500+ sq ft
Ideal locations include busy high streets, neighbourhood markets, malls, near offices, transit hubs and residential areas where footfall is frequent and shoppers seek sweets, snacks and gifts.
Profit Margin & ROI for Bikano Franchise
Sweet and snack retail often sees strong repeat purchases, especially during festivals.
- Net Profit Margin: 15% – 28% depending on product mix
- Monthly Revenue Potential: ₹4 lakh – ₹15 lakh+ depending on location and size
- ROI Timeline: 18 – 30 months once customer base stabilises
High demand during festive seasons, gifting months and celebrations significantly boosts average sales.
Royalty & Ongoing Charges
Franchise partners handle ongoing costs including:
- Royalty / Brand Fee: typically a monthly percentage of sales
- Rent and utilities
- Staff salaries
- Inventory replenishment
- Local marketing and promotions
Brand quality checks ensure consistent taste, hygiene and service standards across outlets.
Support Provided by Bikano
Franchise partners generally receive:
- Assistance with store layout and interior design
- Standardised product training and handling protocols
- Staff training on service and merchandising
- POS and billing system setup
- Branding and launch marketing materials
This structured support helps franchise partners deliver a consistent customer experience from launch.
Who Should Invest in a Bikano Franchise?
- Entrepreneurs with ₹12 lakh – ₹70 lakh+ investment capacity
- People passionate about food retail and confectionery
- Investors targeting high-footfall neighbourhoods or malls
- Retail business owners seeking a brand with festive appeal
This model suits partners focused on repeat purchases, gifting and everyday snack demand.
Risks & Challenges
- Competition from local sweet shops and snack brands
- Managing perishable inventory
- Staff training and retention
- Seasonal swings in demand
Despite these challenges, sweets and savoury snacks are daily staples and see high repeat purchases.
How to Apply for a Bikano Franchise
- Prepare your business profile with financial details
- Identify a high-visibility location with good footfall
- Submit your franchise application with space and investment plan
- Brand evaluates feasibility and partner capability
- On approval, sign the franchise agreement
- Complete interior setup and equipment installation
- Hire and train staff under brand standards
- Launch the outlet with local promotions and brand support
Once operational, your outlet offers sweets, snacks, celebration cakes and festive gift packs to walk-in and takeaway customers.
Conclusion
A Bikano franchise offers a compelling opportunity in India’s organised sweets, snacks and confectionery retail segment. With investment typically ranging from ₹12 lakh to ₹70 lakh or more depending on outlet size and location, franchise partners benefit from consistent daily sales, strong festive demand and structured brand support. For entrepreneurs focused on retail food, gifting and repeat customer traffic, Bikano presents a promising long-term business opportunity.