Pet Care Leaders Chart Future Directions at World Food India 2024

For the first time, the World Food India 2024, organized by MOFPI, included pet food as a core agenda item. This significant step aims to foster a comprehensive ecosystem for the pet food processing industry. The session, titled “Shaping the Future of the Pet Food Industry,” took place at the Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss future growth, challenges, and innovations in India’s rapidly evolving pet food sector.

The expert panel featured leaders from both domestic and international companies, including Dr. Umesh Kallahalli (Senior Veterinarian, Mars Petcare), Satinder Singh (General Manager, Royal Canin), Pallavi Anand (Business Head, Nestlé Purina Petcare), Varun Sadana (Co-Founder, Supertails), Dr. Makrand Chavan (General Secretary, FSAPAI & PPAM), and Geeta Seshamani (CEO, Friendicoes SECA). Neetu Bansal (Senior Client Director, IPSOS) moderated the discussion. These industry pioneers provided valuable insights as the Indian pet food market is projected to reach $800 million by the end of 2024.

The panelists emphasized the sector's rapid growth, noting the shift of pets from functional animals to beloved family members. Key discussion points included the necessity of government regulations to ensure quality and safety, as well as the role of technology in personalized nutrition. Market trends highlighted during the session included the demand for human-grade ingredients, vegan options, and innovations in pet diagnostics. Additionally, discussions on animal welfare, supply chain enhancements, and infrastructure improvements underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation for the industry’s future.

The panelists discussing the changing Indian Pet Food Market

Satinder Singh of Royal Canin stated, “India's pet population is growing rapidly, but the pet food industry is still in its infancy compared to global markets. While demand for pet care and nutrition is rising, we have only begun to explore the potential. To fully unlock this potential, we must make pet ownership more accessible and sustainable for first-time pet parents. This involves addressing challenges in infrastructure and veterinary care, as well as establishing consistent quality standards. At Royal Canin, we believe that high manufacturing standards and government support are crucial to ensuring safe, nutritious food for every pet.”

Dr. Umesh Kallahalli, Senior Vet, Mars Petcare said, “There are over 31 million pet dogs in India. There are 2.44 million pet cats in India. Pets have evolved from being functional animals to cherished family members, and with this shift, pet parents have become far more discerning in their choices. Today's pet parents are not just focused on feeding but are prioritizing balanced, personalized nutrition that aligns with their pets' unique lifestyles and needs. As a result, the pet food industry has seen a growing demand for high-quality, tailored products that offer premium ingredients like human-grade protein and vegan options. At Mars Petcare, we believe that good nutrition is the foundation of a pet's long and healthy life, and our mission is to meet the increasing expectations of pet parents by offering innovative, science-backed nutrition solutions.” 

Pallavi Anand of Nestlé Purina Petcare commented, “The Indian pet food industry is experiencing a fundamental shift driven by changing consumer behavior and a growing sense of responsibility among pet parents. Today’s pet parents are informed and seek tailored nutrition for their pets’ long-term health. Technology is crucial in simplifying the pet ownership experience and helping owners make informed choices. To support personalized care, we need science-based regulatory frameworks. Collaboration is key to improving the quality and safety of pet food in India.”

The panel discussion reinforced the importance of industry collaboration, government support, and innovation to advance the Indian pet food market and align with global standards. Emphasis was placed on developing regulatory frameworks that prioritize safety and quality, utilizing technology for nutrition, and fostering partnerships to create a sustainable pet food ecosystem. By aligning with global best practices and driving innovation through collaboration, India has the potential to emerge as a significant hub for pet food manufacturing and exports.

About World Food India 2024

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, recognizes the transformative potential of the food processing sector in positioning India as a global food leader. Efforts are being made to attract investments across various food processing subsegments, including equipment, research and development, cold chain solutions, and logistics.

World Food India was first launched in 2017 to showcase India’s rich food culture and promote investments in the food processing sector. Following the success of the inaugural event and in celebration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, the second edition was held last year. World Food India 2024 is scheduled for September 19-22, 2024.