Pioneering Pet Care In India: A Journey of Innovation and Excellence
Dr. J. P. Gurbuxani, a veteran in the pet care industry, has been a trailblazer for nearly four decades. At the age of 80, his zeal and commitment to improving pet care in India remain unwavering. Collaborating with major companies like Amalgam and Nitta Gelatin, he has spearheaded initiatives that have revolutionized the pet food and pet care segments. – By Smita Dwivedi
Venturing into Pet Food with Amalgam
When Amalgam, a company primarily involved in human food, decided to explore the pet food segment, they sought his expertise. Recognizing a significant gap in the wet pet food market in India, he advised Amalgam to venture into this uncharted territory. Leveraging his network and industry experience, he facilitated the introduction of wet pet food under various Indian brands. This initiative not only filled a market void but also established a successful wet food business with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Kochi.
Introducing Collagen for Pet Care with Nitta Gelatin
Simultaneously, Nitta Gelatin, known for promoting collagen in the human segment, turned to him to introduce collagen for pet care. Understanding the need to educate and create awareness among veterinarians, he organised product launches across major cities like Lucknow, Delhi, and Mumbai. These efforts highlighted the importance of collagen for pets, paving the way for its acceptance nationwide in the veterinary community.
Introduced Stainless Steel Non-Skid Bowl
In the early 1990s, he collaborated with Sidharth Modi of Avanti to develop India’s first stainless steel non-skid bowl. This innovative product has since gained international recognition, with samples now being sent worldwide. Today, the bowl is exported by numerous Indian companies to markets across the globe.
Championing Freeze-Dried Pet Food
He identified freeze-dried pet food as the future of the industry. Amalgam, equipped with excellent facilities for manufacturing freeze-dried food, embraced this opportunity. This innovative approach, already popular in the USA, Europe, and China, is now making its way to India.
Pioneering Canine Vaccines in India
In 1987, he introduced the first canine vaccine in India, overcoming significant challenges and educating veterinary practitioners about its importance. His collaboration with Virbac France in 1990 further solidified his role in the vaccine segment. For 16 years, he led Virbac’s distribution and marketing efforts in India, culminating in the establishment of Virbac India.
Collaborating with WHO on Oral Rabies Vaccine
In a groundbreaking project with the WHO, he conducted trials for an oral rabies vaccine manufactured by Virbac. Despite initial refusals from other regions, India embraced this initiative. The successful trials, completed over four years, resulted in the vaccine’s registration with the Government of India in 2005.His work was recognized globally, and his research papers are now widely referenced in academic circles, contributing significantly to the field of veterinary science.
Pet Grooming in India
During his visits to international pet trade fairs, he identified a unique opportunity to introduce English-labelled pet shampoos to the Chinese market. Recognizing the language barrier, he collaborated with local designers and artists to create labels for products like Long Coat Shampoo, Short Coat Shampoo, and Aloe Vera Shampoo. These English-labelled shampoos gained popularity in China, and he later imported them to India, bringing quality grooming products to India.
Exploring Insect Protein for Pet Food
He is now exploring the use of insect protein, particularly from black soldier fly larvae, as an alternative to traditional chicken protein. Recognizing the potential health benefits and sustainability of insect protein, he is working on developing and marketing pet food products that incorporate this ingredient.
Continuing this journey
His dedication to improving the well-being of pets and supporting the pet professionals continues to inspire and pave the way for future advancements in the industry.