By Abhay Ray 
Introduction
Drools Pet Food Private Limited has officially become India’s first pet food unicorn. The company received a minority investment from global food giant Nestlé S.A., the parent of Nestlé India. Although the exact amount of the investment and the final valuation are not public, this achievement marks a major milestone in India’s consumer goods sector.
Drools, India Pet Food Unicorn
Despite the funding, Drools will continue to operate independently in both strategy and daily operations. This new investment follows a $60 million deal in June 2023 from L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by Louis Vuitton. That earlier round helped Drools grow as India’s top domestic brand in the pet food market.
Founded in 2010 by Fahim Sultan, Drools started as a small manufacturer and has grown into a key player in the fast-growing pet care industry. The company now offers more than 650 different products and sells through over 40,000 retail outlets across India. Drools also exports to 22 countries and holds a strong position in online markets, especially in the cat food segment on Amazon.
Company’s Founder Shares Vision
Fahim Sultan credits the company’s success to the love and trust of Indian pet parents. “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,” said Fahim Sultan, founder, Drools Pet Food.
Drools now runs six manufacturing units and operates a vast warehousing network spread over 1.6 million square feet. The company employs around 3,400 people, with nearly half working in sales and customer service.
Nestle’s Role in the Deal and Why Nestle’s Investment Matters ?
Nestle’s confirmed the investment but said Drools will still make its own decisions and stay independent. Nestle did not share how much money was involved in the deal. The main goal is to support Drools financially while keeping its original team and strategy.
Nestle is known worldwide for its pet food brand Purina, but it has not had a big role in India’s pet market until now. By investing in Drools, Nestle can enter the Indian market without changing how it runs its global operations. This deal also gives Drools a chance to learn from Nestle’s experience and global business methods.
Fast-Growing Industry
According to company estimates, India’s pet care market is set to grow by 20% every year and could reach $1.2 billion by 2028. Though only about 10% of Indian households currently own pets, rising incomes, urban living, and increased pet awareness are expected to drive major growth in the coming years. With backing from Nestlé and L Catterton, Drools is ready to expand further, offering high-quality nutrition and trusted pet products to customers across India and beyond.
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.”
The broader pet care sector has seen a rise in homegrown brands selling food, toys and accessories. Last August consumer products company Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) announced plans to enter the pet food market in FY26 with the launch of its subsidiary Godrej Pet Care. GCPL will invest ₹500 crore in Godrej Pet Care over the next five years, partnering with Godrej Agrovet Ltd (GAVL) for manufacturing and R&D, the company said at the time. Other major pet food sellers include Mars Pet Nutrition, the maker of Pedigree and Royal Canin, and Nestle India.
Conclusion
Drools’ emergence as India’s first pet food unicorn marks a transformative moment in the country’s pet care industry. With strategic investments from global players like Nestlé and L Catterton, the company is well-positioned to lead market growth and innovation. As India’s pet ownership continues to rise, Drools is poised to meet evolving consumer demands with its science-backed nutrition, wide product range, and strong retail presence. This milestone not only cements Drools’ leadership but also signals growing investor confidence in India’s pet care sector, paving the way for further industry expansion and competition.
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