Unicharm to Enter Indian Pet Care Market

Unicharm Corporation (President and CEO: Takahisa Takahara) is pleased to announce its entry into the rapidly growing Indian pet care market starting July 2026, driven by the company's aspiration to realize a "symbiotic society where all people and pets can live comfortably," which is the vision of its pet care business.

In the Indian market, Unicharm will leverage its expertise cultivated in Japan, North America, and Asia to provide products and services tailored to local needs.

Example of products to be launched in India: Cat litter "Ezi-Lock Odour"

Background of Entry into the Indian Pet Care Market

In recent years, the pet care market in India has been expanding rapidly, driven by rising incomes due to economic growth and the increasing acceptance of the concept of "pets as family members." Demand for pet food and toiletries is particularly high, and the market size is expected to approximately double by 2030 compared to 2025. In light of this situation, the company views the Indian market as a crucial market for further growth of its pet care business, which is positioned as a "growth driver area" in the 13th Mid-Term Management Plan.

In May of this year, 2026, Unicharm announced its acquisition of Nutrire, a Brazilian pet food manufacturer, as a wholly-owned subsidiary, marking its new entry into Brazil, one of the world's leading pet markets. This entry into the Indian market is part of an initiative to further accelerate such global expansion, strengthening its business foundation in emerging markets with high growth potential.

About Unicharm's Pet Care Business

Since entering the pet care business in 1986, Unicharm has been committed to providing products and services that support the comfortable lives of pets and their owners. Currently, the company operates globally with bases in 11 countries and regions, primarily in Asia and North America.

Consolidated sales for the pet care business in fiscal year 2025 are projected to be 156.1 billion yen (a 5% increase year-on-year), making it a key business supporting the company's growth. Furthermore, in the 13th Mid-Term Management Plan, which began in 2026, the pet care business is positioned as a "growth driver area," accelerating global expansion.

By offering both pet food and toiletries, Unicharm proposes a unique total care approach that consistently supports pets from "feeding" to "excretion."

Going forward, Unicharm will continue to contribute to the realization of a "symbiotic society where pets and people can live comfortably together" by providing products and services tailored to the needs of consumers and pet ownership environments in each country and region.

(Related Sites)

Unicharm Corporation: https://www.unicharm.co.jp/ja/home.html

Unicharm India Private Limited: https://www.unicharm.co.in/en/home.html

<FAQ>

Question 1. What does Unicharm aim to achieve through its pet care business?

Answer 1. Unicharm aims to realize a "symbiotic society where all people and pets can live comfortably," including not only pets and their owners but also those who do not own pets. To achieve this goal, Unicharm offers a unique total care approach that consistently supports pets from "feeding" to "excretion" by providing both pet food and toiletries that meet diverse needs.

Question 2. Please tell us about Unicharm's pet care business.

Answer 2. Since entering the pet care business in 1986, Unicharm has expanded its operations through local subsidiaries in 11 countries and regions worldwide, including Asia and North America. In fiscal year 2025, consolidated sales for the pet care business are projected to be 156.1 billion yen (a 5% increase year-on-year). In the 13th Mid-Term Management Plan starting in 2026, the pet care business is positioned as a "growth driver area," and global expansion is being accelerated through new entries into the pet care markets of India and Brazil.

Question 3. Why is Unicharm entering the Indian pet market?

Answer 3. The Indian pet market is experiencing rapid growth due to rising incomes accompanying economic development and the increasing global trend of viewing "pets as family members." The market size is projected to reach nearly double that of 2025 by 2030, making it a crucial market for accelerating the global expansion of Unicharm's pet care business, which is positioned as a "growth driver area."

"SDGs 17 Goals" Contributed Through Entry into the Indian Pet Care Market

Unicharm believes that its entry into the Indian pet care market will contribute to the following among the 17 goals set forth in the "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015:

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Through its business activities, including the provision of products and services, Unicharm will continue to aim to solve environmental and social issues and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.