Nestlé Secures Strategic Stake in Drools to Dominate India’s Pet Food Market

In a landmark move set to redefine India’s pet food landscape, Nestlé S.A (the parent company of Nestlé India) has acquired a minority stake in Drools, one of the fastest-growing pet food brands in the country. Already the owner of global premium brand Purina, Nestlé’s strategic investment positions it to tap deeper into India’s pet care market—currently expanding at a rapid ~18% annually.

Advantages for Nestlé:

• Local Market Penetration: With over 40,000 retail touchpoints, Drools offers Nestlé unprecedented access to India’s vast and diverse consumer base, especially in tier-II and tier-III cities.

• Dual-Brand Coverage: The combination of Purina’s science-led premium appeal and Drools’ mass-market affordability allows Nestlé to serve the full consumer spectrum—from niche urban pet parents to value-conscious buyers.

• Faster Scalability: Backed by Nestlé’s global expertise and infrastructure, Drools can scale faster, allowing Nestlé to grow its overall pet food portfolio in India more aggressively.

Advantages for Drools:

• Global Credibility: Nestlé’s partnership enhances Drools’ brand credibility, both in India and in its 22 export markets.

• Technical Know-How: Access to Purina’s R&D capabilities can improve product innovation, quality, and nutrition standards.

• Operational Support: Nestlé’s backing offers operational leverage—from sourcing and logistics to marketing and retail expansion.

Meanwhile, Purina remains globally positioned, focusing on scientifically formulated nutrition for a premium, niche audience. This is a financial investment by the company, and Drools will remain strategically as well as operationally independent.

This dual-brand alliance is not a case of internal competition—it’s a strategic masterstroke. Together, Nestlé and Drools are poised to dominate India’s pet food market across all consumer profiles, geographies, and price points.