In a landmark development that underscores the growing influence of India’s homegrown brands, Nestlé has taken a minority stake in Drools, the pet food unicorn founded by Fahim Sultan. This move marks Nestlé’s first direct entry into the Indian brand ecosystem, highlighting not only its growing appetite for expansion in high-growth categories but also a clear vote of confidence in India’s booming pet care industry. With Drools already present in over 40,000 stores and 22 countries, the investment represents far more than capital it’s global validation of a brand that was built from the ground up with Indian insight and international aspiration.
What makes this alliance noteworthy is the operational and strategic independence Drools will continue to enjoy. Rather than absorbing the company into its global machinery, Nestlé appears focused on empowering localized growth, allowing Drools to remain agile and consumer-focused in a rapidly evolving market. This approach reflects a new-age investment mindset backing the vision, not just the numbers—and affirms that legacy giants are ready to learn from agile Indian disruptors rather than dictate terms.
As India’s pet population grows and spending on pet nutrition surges, this collaboration could redefine the standards of quality, scale, and innovation in the pet food sector. It also signals a shift in how international brands view Indian ventures not as mere distribution hubs, but as innovation engines in their own right.
From humble beginnings to global recognition, Drools’ journey now has the backing of one of the world’s most trusted names in nutrition. And while the company may have fetched international attention, its roots remain deeply Indian, creating a blend of local insight and global expertise that could shape the future of pet care far beyond the subcontinent.
