Latest news with #SalilMurthy
Fashion Value Chain
5 days ago
- Climate
- Fashion Value Chain
Mars and Instamart Expand Paw Protecc to Hyderabad and Chennai to Shield Homeless Pets from Monsoon Hardship
As the monsoon rains sweep across India, Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in pet care products and services and Instamart – India's pioneering quick-commerce platform – have expanded their joint initiative, PAW PROTECC, to support homeless pets. PAW PROTECC is a first-of-its-kind intervention that installs mobile shelters exclusively built for community dogs and cats. These shelters provide them with safe, dry, and shaded spaces during harsh weather, especially the monsoon season. After an impactful rollout in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore in August last year, the initiative now extends to Chennai and Hyderabad. With this expansion, the total number of shelters deployed has crossed 700 across the country. Paw Protecc reaches Hyderabad and Chennai These specially designed shelters have since become safe resting spaces for community pets, offering protection during both monsoon and winter months. Over the past year, they have been appreciated by local pet lovers and feeding groups, with heartwarming images and videos shared widely across social media. India has one of the largest populations of homeless pets in the world. According to the State of Pet Homelessness Report released by Mars in 2023, there are more than 69 million homeless pets in India. Many live without consistent access to shelter, food, or clean water. During the monsoon season, this vulnerability increases sharply. Heavy rain, flooding, and a lack of dry resting spaces put these pets at risk of illness, injury, and neglect. Salil Murthy, Managing Director of Mars Petcare India, said, 'PAW PROTECC is now a movement shaped by compassion and community. What makes it meaningful is the way local NGOs, feeder networks, and citizens have embraced and maintained these mobile shelters. With this new expansion to Hyderabad and Chennai, two cities that experience intense monsoons and have large homeless pet populations, we are reinforcing our belief that we can build a better world for pets with the support of the larger ecosystem.' Arjun Choudhary, Vice President at Instamart, said, 'We are delighted to continue our partnership with Marsâ¯for the PAWâ¯PROTECC initiative, which is an attempt to make things a bit easier for the homeless pets in our communities, especially during harsh weather conditions. We've seen a strong response from Instamart users in the pet supplies category, which highlights the deep care people have for their pets companions. This initiative is our way of giving back and supporting the pets that bring so much joy to our lives.' Amala Akkineni, actor, animal welfare advocate, and founder of Blue Cross of Hyderabad, said, 'It warms my heart to see initiatives like Paw Protecc grow with such care and clarity of intent. Homeless animals live among us. They are part of our neighborhoods and cities. Giving them shelter is not just an act of kindness but a statement of shared humanity. When individuals, organizations, and communities act together, we move closer to a world where dignity and empathy are extended to all living beings. As dogs get territorial – we do advise the shelters are placed away from busy roads and human parks, or pathways, so the animals are not disturbed, nor exposed. I look forward to more cities make this their own.' The shelters are being installed in partnership with NGOs such as Friendicoes SECA, Blue Cross of Hyderabad, and Madras Animal Rescue Society. These shelters are placed in high-need areas with large homeless pet populations and limited access to natural cover. The initiative has already been recognized for its practical design and visible impact. Earlier this year winter shelters were also deployed to protect homeless pets during the cold season across northern cities. For more information about Mars, please visit⯠Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn andâ¯YouTube.
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Mars' new campaign shifts narrative from emotional feeding to informed feeding
Mars, incorporated, pet care products and services, has launched 'Feed Them Like Cats and Dogs,' a campaign each for the Pedigree and Whiskas brands on raising awareness about the specific nutritional needs of dogs and cats. The message is simple and universal: pets may be family, but their nutrition requirements are biologically different. In the Pedigree brand film, a pet parent realises that dogs respond to their own natural instincts, especially around food. The Whiskas brand film captures a quiet bonding moment where the pet parent comes to understand that while we treat cats as part of the family, their nutritional needs are uniquely their own. The campaign has been created by BBDO India and BBDO Guerrero, respectively. The campaign is supported by a recent survey conducted among Indian veterinarians, which captured observations on what pets are being fed and the impact this has on their health. According to the findings, nutrition gaps are widespread among pets fed home prepared diets. Most vets recommend complete and balanced packaged pet food as a safer and more consistent option. Many vets report visible improvements in digestion, energy, and coat health when pet parents transition to packaged pet food. Salil Murthy, managing director, Mars Petcare India, said, 'Our campaign is helping pet parents bring the two together and shift the narrative from emotional feeding to informed feeding . As market leaders, we believe it is our responsibility to educate pet parents on what feeding right truly means and counter the common misconceptions regarding pet nutrition .' Ayesha Huda, chief marketing officer, Mars Petcare India, said, 'India needs a step change in how we think about pet nutrition. Despite rising pet ownership and growing affection towards pets, over 90 per cent of Indian pet parents still feed home-cooked food—unaware that it lacks all the essential nutrients pets need to live a healthy, happy life. It is time to shift from emotional feeding to evidence-based care. Backed by Mars 90 years of global nutritional expertise in pet care, the Pedigree and Whiskas brands ensure complete and balanced nutrition when fed as recommended.' The campaign will be visible across pet stores, ecommerce platforms, social media, digital platforms, veterinary clinics, retail environments and the distribution network of Mars. It invites Indian pet parents to reflect on what goes into the bowl — and whether it truly reflects what their pet needs, to lead a healthier life. Watch the videos here:
Fashion Value Chain
12-06-2025
- Health
- Fashion Value Chain
Mars x Calm Survey Reveals How Pets Are Quietly Powering a Mental Health Paradigm Shift in India
Mars, a global pet care, snacking, and food company with a 100+ year legacy, has partnered with Calm, a leading mental health company, to unveil the largest-ever global survey underscoring the powerful potential of human-animal interaction to enhance wellbeing. Conducted by YouGov, the research* spans 30,000+ pet parents across 20 countries – including in India. Key India & Global Findings: A Powerful Case for Paws and Presence Mental Health Boost: 79% of Indian pet owners say their pet positively impacts their mental wellbeing. Most Preferred companions in times of stress: 57% prefer spending time with their pet when stressed – more than with their partner (37%), family (44%), or friends (38%). Work-Life Reset: 93% say their pet prompts them to take a break from work or chores, with 55% saying this happens daily. Digital Detox: 92% report their pet helps them unplug from screens, while 74% say they spend less time on social media because of their pet. Sleep Support: 79% say their pet improves their sleep – a powerful reminder of the comfort and calm pets bring. Combating Anxiety: 88% Indians say pets help reduce anxiety or overthinking, offering presence without pressure. Social Connectors: 69% pet parents in India say their pet has improved their social life. While the mental health benefits of having pets have been acknowledged before, this global survey offers a deep dive into the many ways pets are helping pet parents – in India and worldwide – cope more effectively with anxiety, work-life stress, disrupted sleep patterns, social media fatigue, and overall emotional wellbeing. What is remarkable is not just the consistency of these findings across markets like the US, UK, Australia, and Germany – but how strongly India stands out. Indian pet parents ranked among the highest globally when it came to screen-time reduction (92% vs. global ~74%), taking regular breaks from work (93% vs 77% global), feeling more relaxed by talking to their pet (82% vs 77% global), and improved sleep quality (79% vs. 55% in the US and 43% in the UK). Furthermore, 88% of Indian pet owners say their pets help reduce overthinking – significantly higher than most Western markets – while 76% Indian pet parents report they feel more present and mindful because of their pets. These standout numbers underscore the unique depth of the human-animal bond in India and its powerful role in enhancing daily wellbeing. Salil Murthy, Managing Director, Mars Petcare India, said, 'This survey arrives at a defining moment. India, as the rest of the world, is navigating the twin challenges of digital burnout and a growing mental health burden – and what we have found is both moving and urgent. 82% of pet parents surveyed globally say talking to their pet helps them feel more relaxed. 81% pet parents globally feel calmer when their pet settles beside them – a moment of shared peace. 76% of those surveyed say their pet encourages them to stop overthinking while 75% are more likely to go outdoors, and 74% spend less time on social media due to their pet's influence. These are not just statistics – they reflect a transformative, under-recognized role pets play in our lives.' Salil added, 'At Mars Petcare India, we believe in our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS which also means creating stronger, more compassionate communities. Through our work in driving adoptions, raising awareness about pet homelessness, we're helping shape a more pet-inclusive India. This commitment begins in our own workplace. Our Hyderabad office is designed to welcome pets – and our in-house pet associates, Maya and Milo, are an integral part of our Mars Petcare family. They receive care, nutritious food, and affection from our associates and their families. Their presence brings a unique sense of warmth, happiness, connection, and wellbeing to the workplace – a reflection of the culture we are proud to foster at Mars. As a business deeply rooted in science-backed pet care and purpose-led growth, Mars wants more and more people to adopt and welcome pets in their homes and partner with communities, policymakers, and shelters to build more pet-inclusive environments.' The survey marks the launch of a first-of-its-kind partnership between Mars and Calm which aims to explore and celebrate the deep connection between people and pets as a force for everyday wellbeing. Turning insight into action, Mars and Calm have teamed up to create new content to help support wellbeing while nurturing the bond with your pet. The Mars x Calm content collection is a series of pet-inspired content to help you relax, reflect and recharge. This is Calm's first collection created just for pet lovers and inspired by the mutual relationship between people and their pets. Greg Justice, Chief Content Officer, Calm said, 'Yet another reason to love our pets: the data shows they have a profound impact on mental health. That's why we're proud to partner with Mars, the global leader in pet care, to celebrate how pets enhance wellbeing for millions worldwide and to highlight diverse approaches to mental health support. Together, we are helping more people – and their pets – experience the proven benefits of the human-animal bond through real stories, science-backed tools, and supportive content.' The survey marks the beginning of a long-term global collaboration between Mars and Calm. The new Mars x Calm content collection – now available on the Calm app – includes guided meditations, sleep stories, and mindfulness tools inspired by the human-animal bond. By combining Mars' deep commitment to pet care with Calm's leadership in mental wellness, the initiative encourages a shift in how society views pets: not just as part of the family, but as part of our mental wellness toolkit. The research was conducted by YouGov Plc on behalf of Mars. Total sample size was 31299 adults across 20 markets (UK: 2507, Brazil: 2502; Canada: 1347; Germany: 1584; Indonesia: 2510; India: 1001; Mexico: 1567; Malaysia: 1036; Poland: 1349; US: 3748; China: 1054: Belgium: 1084; Australia: 1525; New Zealand: 1066; Spain: 1322; Netherlands: 1074; France: 1526; Denmark: 1093; Sweden: 1070; Italy: 1334). Fieldwork was undertaken between 19th February – 31st March 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted at an individual country level to be representative of all dog and cat owners (aged 18+) in the respective markets.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Want better mental health? Get a pet
Chennai: Having a pet helps boost mental health, cuts down screen time, improves sleep and reduces anxiety. Indian pet parents have recorded some of the highest rankings in all these categories in a just released global survey. According to a survey by MNC petcare company Mars and mental health firm Calm, Indian pet parents ranked among the highest globally when it came to screen-time reduction (92% compared to around 74% globally), taking regular breaks from work (93% as compared to 77% globally) and feeling more relaxed by talking to their pet (82% as compared to 77% globally). Indian pet parents also ranked highest in improved sleep quality (79% compared to 55% in the US and 43% in the UK) and 88% of Indian pet owners said that their pets help reduce overthinking — significantly higher than most Western markets. Also 76% Indian pet parents reported they feel more present and mindful because of their pets. Said Salil Murthy, MD, Mars Petcare India, 'According to this survey, 82% of pet parents globally said that talking to their pet helps them feel more relaxed while 81% pet parents globally feel calmer when their pet settles beside them. Also 76% of those surveyed said their pet encourages them to stop overthinking while 75% are more likely to go outdoors, and 74% spend less time on social media due to their pet's influence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo These are not just statistics — they reflect a transformative, under-recognized role pets play in our lives.' In fact, 79% of Indian pet owners said that their pet positively impacts their mental wellbeing. In fact, 88% Indians said pets help reduce anxiety or overthinking, offering presence without pressure and 69% said their pet has improved their social life. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
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Business Standard
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India's petcare industry booms with startups, investors, and new mindsets
With landmark deals, like Nestle's investment in Drools, and expanding interest from diverse sectors, the industry looks poised for its next big leap Sarthak Choudhury Delhi Listen to This Article About a week ago, Bengaluru-based pet food brand Drools made headlines by becoming a unicorn — a startup valued at over $1 billion — following an investment from Nestlé SA. It was the Swiss food and beverage giant's first investment in India, and at 10 per cent, also one of the largest investments the country's petcare industry has seen. For those within the sector, this was hardly surprising. 'India's pet economy is undergoing a fundamental shift — from an unstructured sector to a high-growth industry,' says Salil Murthy, managing director of Mars Petcare India, the company behind popular
