How is Reliance Consumer Products working to capture India’s $25 billion pet care market?
Synopsis: A large conglomerate has entered India’s $25 billion pet care market with affordable, science-backed brands targeting unbranded households, aiming for incremental expansion, premium products and rapid adoption amid surging urban pet ownership.
A large company that operates across everything from oil to chemicals, oil and gas exploration, retail and digital services has captured the spotlight after entering the pet care market, a $25 billion opportunity.
The market capitalization is Rs. 18,70,323.04 crore shares. Reliance Industries Limited It closed at Rs. It recorded 1,380.70 won, down 0.83% from the previous day’s closing price of 1,380.70 won. 1,392.20 per equity capital.
Reliance Industries is a diversified conglomerate founded in 1957 and headquartered in Mumbai, India. The company offers products such as refined petroleum fuels, petrochemicals, polymers, fiber intermediates and textiles across petrochemicals, oil and gas exploration, retail and digital services.
It also operates a large network of retail stores and an e-commerce platform, while its digital division offers telecom connectivity, fiber services, devices, apps and enterprise digital solutions along with interests in media and entertainment through Network18.
pet care market in india
The pet care sector is booming globally, with a value expected to reach $320 billion by 2023 and $500 billion by 2030. India’s pet care market, currently valued at $3.6 billion, is expected to double by 2028 and reach $25.03 billion (Rs 21,000 crore) by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 20%. By 2025, India is expected to host 100 million pets, including 30 million in urban households, indicating strong growth potential.
Changing Consumer Behavior in India
Indian urban consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly treating their pets as essential family members. These evolving perceptions are driving demand for premium food products, wellness products, beauty services and lifestyle accessories. Consumers are showing a preference for organic diets, dietary supplements, technology-based care solutions, and designer products, creating a modern, premium-focused pet care market.
India’s Competitive Landscape
The Indian pet care market has both global and domestic players. Foreign companies such as Mars Petcare, which has brands such as Pedigree, Royal Canin and Whiskas, have been investing heavily in local manufacturing and R&D. Meanwhile, domestic brands such as Heads Up For Tails (HUFT), Drools, Fresh for Paws and Just Dogs focus on nutrition, wellness and lifestyle products. Luxury pet products remain largely imported, creating opportunities for domestic brands like Waggies to serve both the mass market and premium segments.
Reliance enters pet care business with Waggies
In November 2025, Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), the FMCG arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), officially entered the pet care market with the launch of Waggies, an affordable pet food brand. The portfolio includes Waggies at Rs 199, Waggies Pro starting at Rs 249 and a 100g trial pack at Rs 20 to attract new consumers. Designed with scientific formulations, Waggies products aim to promote overall pet health by being rich in herbs, DHA for brain development, essential vitamins and easily digestible ingredients.
The strategy reflects Reliance’s FMCG approach.
Reliance’s approach reflects a successful FMCG strategy, focusing on making quality products available to a wider audience. The company is targeting the largely unbranded pet food segment in India, which accounts for about 90% of households who feed their pets home-cooked food. The initial launch is focused on South India, with plans to expand northward, with the aim of gradually converting the unorganized market into brand consumption.
Third-party manufacturing and Phase 2 expansion
For production, RCPL is collaborating with a third-party manufacturer based in Chennai. In the second phase, we plan to expand our portfolio beyond dogs by introducing cat food. This strategy ensures scalability while maintaining cost efficiency, enabling Reliance to penetrate the market effectively.
Long-term opportunities for Reliance
Reliance aims to tap the $25 billion growth potential in India by entering the pet care market early. With a strategy built on affordable pricing, scientifically-backed formulas, and phased portfolio expansion, Waggies has positioned Reliance as a significant player in the emerging pet ecosystem. As India’s pet economy continues to expand, brands are poised to convert cluttered homes into brand consumption and build a strong foothold in the segment.
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