India’s pet food market is growing, but for homegrown brands looking beyond domestic demand, the next opportunity could lie overseas. Drools, one of India’s established pet nutrition brands, is now looking to make international markets a bigger part of its business, targeting triple-digit export growth in FY27.
The company’s immediate focus is the UAE, followed by the wider Middle East and Southeast Asia. Exports currently contribute less than 5% of Drools’ overall business, leaving considerable room for international expansion. The strategy is also being supported by newer product categories, particularly cat food and wet nutrition, as the company looks to reach a wider base of pet parents across markets.
From Domestic Distribution To Global Ambitions
Founded in 2010 by Fahim Sultan, Drools has built its business around making packaged pet nutrition accessible across different consumer segments. Its portfolio spans dry food, treats, wet food and specialised nutrition for dogs and cats.
The company currently claims a presence in 22 countries, while its domestic distribution network covers more than 2,000 cities and nearly 50,000 retail touchpoints, according to CEO Dr. Shashank Sinha.
Its international strategy is now centred on three regions: the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Southeast Asia and Africa.
Within the GCC, Drools already operates across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are its priority markets, with the company also maintaining a dedicated team and operating entity in Dubai.
The opportunity is particularly relevant in the Gulf, where cat food represents a significant part of the pet-care category. Drools is looking to tap this demand through products such as Cat Mousse and Cat Gravy Chunks, while strengthening its distribution and market presence.
Product Innovation Supports The Expansion
International growth is not just about entering more countries. It also requires products that match changing consumer preferences across markets.
Drools is therefore expanding beyond conventional dry pet food into wet nutrition and fresh meals. In April 2026, the company announced a ₹180 crore investment in fresh pet food processing and packaging infrastructure through a collaboration with Tetra Pak.
Its Fresh Food range, which uses shelf-stable packaging, represents an attempt to bring more convenient meal formats into India’s evolving pet nutrition market.
The shift towards specialised nutrition is supported by broader category trends. India’s pet population increased from approximately 28.4 million in 2020 to 39.2 million in 2025. Cat ownership has been growing particularly quickly, with the cat population rising 13.6% annually over the same period.
This is creating opportunities for brands to expand their cat-food portfolios alongside their established dog-food businesses.
A Growing Market, But An Export Opportunity To Build
India’s pet food industry is also becoming more organised, supported by rising pet ownership, greater awareness of animal nutrition and the growing preference for packaged food.
However, there is another opportunity worth noting: India remains a net importer of pet food. In 2025, the country imported approximately C$192.9 million worth of pet food, against exports of C$110.2 million. This highlights the opportunity for Indian manufacturers to strengthen domestic production capabilities while building a larger international business.
Drools is positioning itself to participate in this shift. Its affordability-led approach, manufacturing capabilities and expanding product portfolio could help it compete in markets where demand for packaged pet nutrition is growing.
Over the next two to three years, the company aims to sustain double-digit growth while deepening its domestic presence and improving customer retention.
For Drools, the next phase is about turning an established Indian pet food business into a stronger international brand. With the UAE serving as its immediate export growth engine and Southeast Asia offering another expansion opportunity, the company’s ability to adapt its products and distribution to different markets will determine how quickly exports become a more meaningful contributor to its business.
Sources: Indian Retailer, Tetra Pak, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Business Standard and publicly available company information.
