Drools, a leading pet food brand in India, has announced it has joined the unicorn club after Nestlé picked up a minority stake.
While the company did not reveal the deal’s value, it claims a valuation of over $1 billion. This makes Drools one of the rare unicorns in India’s pet-care industry — a sector still finding its feet in venture capital circles.
What does this mean for pet owners? For starters, more innovation and quality options are likely coming to India’s growing pet market.
Drools, founded in 2010 by Fahim Sultan, already sells in over 40,000 retail outlets and exports to 22 countries. It claims to be the top cat food seller in India, with over 650 product varieties ranging from high-protein to prescription diets.
Nestlé’s move is smart business. It strengthens their hold on the booming Indian consumer and pet-care sectors. Drools, meanwhile, gains access to Nestlé’s global expertise, helping it scale even faster. Despite new ownership stakes, Drools says it will keep running independently — a sign of confidence in its homegrown model.
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India’s pet food market is on fire. Imports of dog and cat food jumped six-fold in the past decade.
The commerce ministry reports India imported $69.8 million worth of pet food in the first half of 2024 — nearly triple the $25.5 million imported in the same period in 2019.
Urban pet parents are spending more on premium nutrition, and foreign players are paying attention.
Drools’ unicorn claim isn’t just numbers. Sultan says it reflects “the love and trust of millions of pet parents” and the company’s focus on science-backed, nutrition-first products. That’s something India’s fast-evolving pet owner demographic clearly values.
Here’s a quick reality check: unicorns usually mean startups valued at $1 billion or more, but without official confirmation, Drools’ claim is still waiting on the startup scoreboard’s seal of approval. Even so, it’s a proud moment for the pet care space, which rarely sees big venture funding or major exits.
In summary, Drools’ rise signals new energy for India’s pet food market. As Nestlé joins the party, pet parents can expect more choices and innovations backed by global resources but rooted in local know-how.
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