World Food India 2024: Experts Call for Support in Pet Food Industry - News

World Food India 2024, organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI), Government of India, created history by including a pet food category in the agenda for the first time. The expert-led session titled ‘Shaping the Future of the Pet Food Industry’, held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, brought together industry leaders to discuss the future of India’s pet food market.

The expert panel featured prominent leaders from domestic and international companies, including Dr Umesh Kallahalli, Senior Veterinarian, Mars Inc; Satinder Singh, General Manager, Royal Canin India Pvt Ltd; and Pallavi Anand, Business Head, Nestlé Purina Petcare. 

The panel also included Varun Sadana, Co-Founder, Supertails; Dr Makarand Chavan, General Secretary, Pet Practitioners Association of Mumbai-Federation of Small Animal Practitioners Associations (PPAM-FSAPAI); Geeta Seshamani, Vice President, Friendicoes SECA (Society for the Eradication of Cruelty to Animals); and Neetu Bansal, Senior Client Director, Ipsos, who served as the moderator.

Kallahalli noted that the country’s pet population is about 19 million and is projected to grow at 9 percent annually over the next five years. He emphasized the increasing demand for personalized nutrition as pets become regarded as family members, highlighting quality nutrition as essential for a healthy pet life.

Singh discussed the nascent stage of India’s pet food industry compared to global markets. He stressed the need for a supportive environment for first-time pet owners, highlighting the importance of high standards to ensure safe and nutritious food. Whereas Anand pointed out that technology is crucial in helping pet owners make informed nutritional choices and advocated for science-based regulations to improve food safety.