Milesstones
1893 - An entrepreneur arrives
Shuparshad Bansal Agarwal is born near Agra, in Uttar Pradesh, North India. In 1910, he emigrates to Taiping in Perak, Malaysia to assist his uncle in running a provisions shop. Shuparshad moves to Tapah at the foot of the hills. He buys a rubber estate and sets up a provisions store supplying provisions to the workers building the road into the Cameron Highlands.
1933 - First flush, first sale
Shuparshad sets up the Bharat Company. He acquires land from the British Government and starts selling tea leaves from this first estate to a neighbouring factory.
1937 - Survival in tough times
With Shuparshad’s death, his brothers Nandkishore and Kailashchand take over the running of the business as his son Brijkishore is merely nine years old. Later, Brijkishore travels to India to study.
1944 - The War Years
The Japanese occupation of WW2 cannot weaken the business. The Bharat Group provides vital provisions like rice and sugar to the entire Cameron Highland’s community.
1952 - Chop rusa, the first brand
Brijkishore returns to Malaysia aged 20, and soon takes over the running of the business. He wins a contract to run a factory at the Agricultural Research Centre. The Bharat Group produces its own processed and packaged tea called “CHOP RUSA”.
1957 - MERDEKA!
Brijkishore is joined by his younger brother Mr. Shriniwas. The Bharat Group celebrates Merdeka! Malaysia is free from foreign rule, and while others are just beginning to set up businesses, the well-established Bharat Group is a key contributor to the economy of the Cameron Highlands region.
1963 - New Horizon
The Bharat Group acquires the Shalimar Tea Estate, along with its own factory for processing tea leaves. This expands the operations signficantly. The company builds its formidable reputation for supplying quality tea to various wholesalers and other brands.
1965 - Respect and honour
Brijkishore is given the title ‘Justice of the Peace’ and later Is recognized by the Malaysian Sultanate with the Honorary title of ‘Dato Sri’. Dato Brijkishore will remain the Chairman of the Group, while his sons work hard to grow the business.
1972 - Shuparshad and sons
Brijkishore and his uncle,Nandkishore develop the business rapidly. Eventually Brijkishore consolidates the various businesses and acquires Nandkishore’s shares. Thus from the original “Shuparshad and Bros.” the company becomes known as “Shuparshad and Sons”, within the Bharat Group.
1990's - 3rd Generation
Dato Sri Brijkishore will remain the Chairman of the Group, while his sons work hard to grow the business.
1994 - Retail revolution
The Bharat Group goes nationwide in the retail space with the Cameron Valley brand.
2002 - Serving a refreshing cuppa
Moving from the plantation to the table, the Bharat Group launches the first Cameron Valley Tea House, near Tanah Rata. The second and third tea house are consecutively opened over the next few years.
2008 - A Legend passes
Dato Sri Brijkishore passes away, and his sons Dato Sri Kesav and Dato Indera Vinod continue to run the business together.
2010 - Generation Next
The 4th generation continue the family legacy.
