A Bond That Sparked a Dream
For Ipshit Bhattacharya, founder of Luvin, pets have always been more than companions; they are family. His journey began when he was just seven years old, welcoming his first dog into the household. That early bond ignited a lifelong passion for animals and eventually shaped his life’s work. Today, that spark lives on in Nuttie, his beloved dog and confidant, who continues to be his greatest stress-buster and source of joy amidst the demanding world of entrepreneurship.
From Passion to Purpose
With a background in food technology and a certification as a canine nutritionist, Ipshit was uniquely equipped to address a gap he saw in India’s pet food market. While working in the food industry, he realized that pet parents were increasingly seeking the same level of care and quality for their furry friends as they expected for themselves. That realization became the seed of Luvin, founded in September 2021, with the heartfelt tagline: “Loving back starts with us.”
But Luvin was never just about making pet food. Ipshit envisioned a movement that would encourage pet parents to think critically about what goes into their pets’ bowls, championing transparency, quality, and wellness above all else.
Building India’s Own Pet Food Brand
Unlike many players who rely on imported products, Luvin manufactures its own pet food, ensuring every product is designed with quality and trust at its core. The brand has carved out a niche with innovative offerings such as India’s first instant soup powder for dogs, alongside thoughtfully crafted ranges like:
- Nothing Else – limited-ingredient, clean-label pet treats that promise purity without compromise.
- EasyPleasyFresh – a homestyle wet food range that brings wholesome, balanced meals to pets in a convenient format.
These product lines reflect Ipshit’s belief that feeding pets should be as honest, safe, and nourishing as feeding one’s own family.
Overcoming a Closed Ecosystem
Breaking into the pet food industry in India has not been without hurdles. With nearly 85% of the market concentrated in specialty pet shops and veterinarians, reaching the wider base of pet parents required creative thinking. Ipshit leaned into his personal experiences as a pet parent to build trust, bridging the gap between technical expertise and genuine empathy.
“Pet parents are discerning. They want value, yes, but they also want assurance that they’re doing right by their companions,” he shares. This insight led Luvin to balance quality with affordability, making premium nutrition accessible without cutting corners.
A Shift in Mindset
One of the most exciting changes Ipshit has observed is the growing recognition of pets as family members. Much like the baby care industry, the pet industry is now seeing consumers invest not just in food but in overall wellness, grooming, and comfort. Ipshit believes this cultural shift is only just beginning and will shape the future of pet care in India.
More Than a Brand: A Community
Central to Luvin’s growth has been its community of engaged pet parents. Ipshit places immense value on listening to customers, learning from their feedback, and creating a sense of shared purpose. “It’s not just about selling a product it’s about building a relationship,” he explains. By educating pet parents about nutrition and fostering open conversations, Luvin has become more than a brand; it has become a trusted partner in the journey of pet parenting.
The Entrepreneur Behind the Brand
While his professional vision fuels Luvin, Ipshit is equally mindful of his own mental well-being. For him, unwinding with Nuttie after a long day is a ritual that keeps him grounded. He complements this with regular exercise and mindfulness, reminding himself that resilience comes from balance, both in life and in business.
Looking Ahead
As Luvin scales new heights, Ipshit remains committed to innovation. The brand is not only expanding its product portfolio but also exploring how technology can make pet parenting easier and more intuitive. While he keeps specifics under wraps, his vision is clear: Luvin will continue to push boundaries, always with pets’ best interests at heart.
His advice to budding entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: know your “why,” understand your strengths, and prepare thoughtfully for the journey ahead. “Have a backup plan,” he says. “Like carrying water on a hike, it’s not weakness, it’s wisdom.”
A Heartfelt Mission
At its core, Luvin is about love returned in kind. It’s about ensuring that pets, those who give us unconditional companionship, receive the same level of care and nourishment they so freely inspire. For Ipshit Bhattacharya, Nuttie, and the growing Luvin community, this journey is not just about food; it’s about fostering a culture where pets truly are family.
-By Muskan Dengra
