Swiss food conglomerate Nestlé SA, the parent company of Nestlé India, has acquired a minority stake in Drools Pet Food Private Limited, an Indian pet food brand. The company, known for global brands like Kit Kat and Milo, confirmed that Drools will continue to operate independently post-investment.
This move comes after Drools raised $60 million in 2023 from L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by LVMH. At that time, L Catterton’s investment represented 10% of Drools’ valuation, making it one of the most significant deals in India’s pet care sector.
Founded in 2010 by Fahim Sultan, Drools specializes in high-protein and prescription pet diets. The brand has established a strong presence, with its products available in over 40,000 retail outlets across India and exported to 22 international markets.
Drools operates six manufacturing facilities and maintains a widespread warehousing network. It holds a strong position in India’s cat food segment and ranks among the top sellers on major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon.
Nestlé has a significant presence in the global pet food market. In fact, in 2024, its pet care division generated sales of 18.9 billion Swiss francs, thereby contributing 20.7% to the company’s total annual revenue.
According to Nestlé’s 2024 annual report, the company sells dog and cat food under well-known brands like Purina and Felix. Notably, Purina Petcare entered the Indian market in 2017 as a separate entity. Subsequently, in 2022, Nestlé India acquired Purina Petcare India for approximately ₹125.3 crore, aiming to manage and further expand the brand’s footprint across the country.
Pet ownership in India saw a significant rise during the pandemic, as more people turned to animal companionship while confined to their homes. Today, households in India own approximately 30 million of the country’s estimated 100 million pets.
India’s pet food market, currently valued at $551 million, is on a strong growth trajectory and is expected to reach $1.8 billion within the next seven to eight years.
Anjana Sasidharan, partner and head of India at L Catterton, said, “Drools has achieved significant growth since we invested in the company two years ago, through high-quality in-market agility and execution, and a range of operational initiatives we have been working on with its management team to create value. We are thrilled that Nestle, which has such a renowned position in the global pet care and consumer brands space, joins as a minority partner.”
Fahim Sultan, founder of Drools Pet Food, said, “This is a testament to the love and trust of millions of pet parents and to our unwavering commitment to quality… 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.”
Nestlé’s strategic investments and acquisitions in India’s pet food market clearly demonstrate its commitment to capitalizing on the sector’s rapid growth. Moreover, by partnering with established brands like Drools and expanding its Purina presence, the company aims to meet increasing consumer demand. Furthermore, with pet ownership rising significantly in India, Nestlé’s continued focus on innovation and market expansion will likely drive sustained success in this evolving industry.
