Fur-tune 500: The Thriving World of Pets
The World Food India 2024, organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI), included the pet food category for the first time as part of the agenda. This milestone is a step to create a wholesome ecosystem for the pet food processing industries, marking a significant milestone for the sector.
The session, titled “Shaping the Future of the Pet Food Industry,” was held at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan on 20th September. The session was held with Satinder Singh (General Manager, Royal Canin), Pallavi Anand (Nestle Purina Petcare), Varun Sadana (Co-Founder, Supertails), Dr. Makrand Chavan (General Secretary FSAPAI & PPAM), Dr Umesh Kallahalli (KOL & Pet Food Expert), Geeta Sheshamani (CEO Friendicoes SECA), and Neetu Bansal who moderated the session (Senior Client Director IPSOS).
Keynote was given by Govind Suryawanshi (Corporate Affairs, Royal Canin) who stated how pet food as a sector is playing a pivotal role. The pet population is growing at a rate of 12 %- with 35 million pets in India as on 2023. The industry is poised at a growth rate of 15 % CAGR and is worth 600 million $ in 2023 and by 2026 it will grow to 1.3 billion $.
Mr. Satinder Singh, General Manager, Royal Canin, commented, “India’s pet population is growing rapidly, but the pet food industry is still in its early stages. While demand for pet care is rising, there is untapped potential. Challenges include improving infrastructure, veterinary care, and setting quality standards for pet food.”
Dr. Umesh Kallahalli, Senior Vet, Mars Petcare added his inputs, “India’s pet food industry is transforming as pet parents seek personalized nutrition for their pets’ well-being. Technology aids informed decision-making, while the future of pet nutrition lies in science-based, customized care. Collaboration and regulatory improvements are vital for ensuring high-quality and safe pet food.”
Ms. Pallavi Anand, Business Head, Nestle Purina Petcare commented, “India’s pet food industry is shifting as informed pet parents seek tailored nutrition for their pets’ long-term health. Technology is helping simplify pet care, and the future lies in personalized, science-backed nutrition. Collaboration and strong regulatory frameworks are key to ensuring the quality and safety of pet food in India.”