Big News in India’s Pet Industry! Nestlé Takes Strategic Stake in Drools to Power Dual-Brand Growth 

In a major development shaking up the Indian pet care sector, Nestlé S.A (the parent company of Nestle India) has acquired a minority stake in Drools, one of the country’s fastest-growing pet food companies. While Nestlé already owns Purina, its globally recognized premium brand, this bold move marks a calculated step to strengthen its footprint in India’s booming pet food market, which is growing at an impressive ~18% annually.

What makes this even more impactful? Drools operates independently and brings immense local strength—over 40,000 retail outlets, exports to 22 countries, and a deep understanding of Indian pet parents. Its premium product line, Drools Signature, is tailored for Indian tastes, emphasizing local preferences, grain-free and rice-based variants, high-quality proteins, and “Make in India” affordability.

“This is a testament to the love and trust of millions of pet parents and to our unwavering commitment to quality,” said Mr. Fahim Sultan, Founder of Drools Pet Food Pvt. Ltd. “Backed by a strong focus on science-based nutrition, Drools continues to drive innovation and build meaningful engagement with the evolving demographic of Indian pet parents, positioning itself at the forefront of the country’s pet care industry.”

Meanwhile, Purina remains globally positioned, focusing on scientifically formulated nutrition for a premium, niche audience.

This is a financial investment by the company, and Drools will remain strategically as well as operationally independent.

Nestlé’s backing gives Drools access to global expertise and credibility, likely accelerating its growth, especially in tier-II and tier-III cities. Together, the two brands cover the full spectrum of premium and value-driven pet food—a rare advantage in such a competitive market.

This dual-brand strategy reflects a masterstroke by Nestlé, reshaping India’s pet food landscape and solidifying its dominance across price points, geographies, and consumer profiles.