Interzoo Special Zoomark for website | Page 47

International Edition 2019 We feel it is high-time the Government as well as industry associations take the Pet Industry seriously. In most major industries, there is always consultation among stake holders taking place before any major law is passed or changed would be the right fi t for us as a company to start as we felt a great connection with their products and the company. Yes we do have pets currently. W hat are the factors that are helping the Indian Pet Industry grow? With a rise in nuclear families, there is growing need for companionship. Th is could be one of the major factors for increasing adoption leading to the rise in the number of pets. Moreover, with the rise of the internet, more and more people are becoming aware of what is good for the pets and what is not. People are increasingly becoming aware of brands and why they should buy quality food or even a toy for that matter. Th is could be termed as a factor leading to an increase in average spend per dog. Both these lead to an overall growth in the size of the Industry. W hich countries do you import your products? How do you assess the need of a particular products? What support in terms of knowledge and marketing do you get from your suppliers? We work with KONG in the toys segment & Pawz Boots which are from the US, Wagg & Purr treats from UK, GiGwi again in toys from Hong Kong and M-Pets which is a Belgian brand which has products across categories. Th e fi rst step is to see what brands are available in the category we have identifi ed and see if there is a gap. Once we feel there is a gap, we do a thorough research on the brand, the products, how well they are doing in markets around the world and the source of ingredients / materials. Th e brands support to a certain extent possible with regards to knowledge and marketing and over and above that we do our share when it comes to marketing and promotions. H ow do you see the growth of pet accessories business in India? In the branded space, the pet accessories market is still a very small market. Th ere is growth in the segment but also increased competition with new brands coming in. We feel healthy competition is always good as it keeps us quality conscious and increases the choices for pet parents. T he Indian Pet Industry is growing at 25 to 30% per annum perhaps one of the fastest growing industries in India. Still the Government as well as industry associations such as FICCI and CII have not taken the industry seriously? What is your take on this? We feel it is high-time the Government as well as industry associations take the Pet Industry seriously. In most major industries, there is always consultation among stake holders taking place before any major law is passed or changed. Th is does not happen in the pet industry because of which steps are taken which are favorable neither to the industry players or the pet parents. If the pet industry is taken seriously these instances would reduce. W hat is your most important goal towards contribution to the pet industry? Th e Indian pet industry is still in its nascent stage and we believe that there is a lot we can contribute to this industry and help it grow. Th ere is a responsibility we all have as being part of this industry which is not to only make it grow in terms of monetary value and size but to improve the overall well-being of pets from a holistic perspective. When it comes to us being importers for now, our goal is introduce products which are healthier and safer for our pets and to promote responsible selling. 47 Creature Companion | • Noida