The market reaction to Unicharm’s entry into the Indian pet care market has been highly positive, with industry analysts viewing it as a timely move to capture one of the fastest-growing pet demographics globally.
Unicharm's full range of pet care products became available in India in July, Unicharm Corp. President and CEO Takahisa Takahara announced. Unicharm did not announce a specific capital investment figure for its entry into the Indian pet care market; instead, it made a full-scale launch of its pet care division. The move is part of the company's 13th Mid-Term Management Plan, which positioned its global pet care business as a core growth driver rather than detailing a specific local cash injection for the launch.
Takahara said the move was driven by the company's vision to create a "Cohesive Society" where all humans and pets can live comfortably together. The Japan Pet Food Association espouses the same concept. By leveraging its extensive knowledge and expertise in Japan, North America, Asia and other regions, Unicharm will deliver products and services tailored closely to the needs of local consumers in the Indian market.
Pet care as a global growth engine
Unicharm is betting on its pet care segment as its key global growth driver, following its entry into Brazil in May through the acquisition of Nutrire Indústria de Alimentos Ltd., a Brazilian pet food manufacturer that produces dry food and snacks for dogs and cats, which became a wholly owned subsidiary.
Unicharm's pet care business reported 2025 consolidated net sales of 156.1 billion yen (US$963.4 million).
While multinationals such as Mars Petcare dominate the low- to midtier food segment in India, Unicharm will cater to the growing middle class with its high-quality Japanese hygiene and nutritional products.
Unicharm's 40-year-old pet care business has a presence in 11 countries.
