Industry Connect
Mr Prithvi Jayakaran,
Industry Connect
In Conversation with
Mr Prithvi Jayakaran,
Importer, Glenand Pet Products, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Q: Who are your major suppliers? My suppliers come from different parts of the United States( US), the United Kingdom( UK), Europe, Republic of China, Ukraine, Thailand and Malaysia and include both small and large companies. They include small companies that have been in the Industry for about a decade, to larger ones that have been responsible for the growth of this industry across the world.
Q: What has been the learning about Indian pet owners’ preferences? Indian Pet owners are a mixed lot and include people from small towns and villages as well as people who have relocated here from different parts of the world. Accordingly, you have people looking for bargains and essentials and those who seek luxury pet products people. Indian consumers are now aware of the wide range of pet products and search information online; they cannot be made fools of.
Today, cats, dogs, rabbits, birds and fish are widely accepted as pets in India and surprisingly pets are taking the place of a child in the urban household— such pet-parents look for every imaginable product to pamper their pets with. Pet pampering has also improved the grooming industry and all kinds of luxury and lifestyle pet products are being indulged in. The luxury segment for pet products is growing in India.
Q: Based on your learning, how do you choose your suppliers and products? What are your parameters? After being in the Industry for over three decades as a dedicated pet-product manufacturer, retailer and importer, I have realised that quality is one thing that the consumer does not compromise on. This has been a huge learning experience for me and at Glenands we do not compromise on quality.
Today, as one of India’ s major importers of premium pet products, I have learnt that quality products do not come cheap. Therefore my suppliers are chosen from among those who have a strong reputation in the market and an established commitment to the industry.
As for selection of products, I go with the trend. Necessities are coupled with fashion. I keep myself abreast of what is happening in the pet industry globally, with new innovations and inventions introduced in various pet product categories. I also visit all the international Pet Trade Fairs to keep myself updated with the latest technology and products.
Q: Are you satisfied with the growth of the Indian Pet Industry? What steps would you suggest the Industry take to accelerate growth? The Indian Pet Industry has always been growing and it has been a wonderful experience to be a part of it. Yes, we would definitely like it to move at a faster pace, to keep ourselves on par with the growth of the Pet Industry across the world. However, our economic situation slows the growth that is required.
To accelerate the growth of the Pet Industry, it is imperative to educate pet parents, breeders, veterinarians and trainers / groomers to be aware of innovative products that are being introduced on a day-to-day basis. We also need the Government to be proactive and not to tax the pet products at the maximum.
Q: What are your suggestions for foreign companies that are planning to enter India? The Indian Pet Industry is growing; it is accepting changes and advancements and is coming up with new ideas for improvement. Foreign companies from any walk of this industry will be well accepted with open arms.
Dog food, accessories, exercise equipment and similar products are just some examples that are coming into India from around the world and are here to stay.
Q: Is e-commerce helpful to your business and how? The world is changing because of ecommerce. Products are able to reach different parts of the country, which was otherwise difficult. Yes, we have realised this and have made use of e-commerce to grow.
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Interzoo Special 2018 | Creature Companion