Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair - A proven and inimitable global platform

Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair [IHGF] held biannually for Spring and Autumn seasons in February and October respectively with a vision to offer an international business platform to its member exporters. Now IHGF is
recognised as Asia's largest show for gifts & decorative offerings. IHGF is better known as a 'One Stop Sourcing' show for a variety of indigenous crafts. 

The 32nd edition in the series, held from 15th - 18th October, 2011 openedwith 2300 exhibitors attracting buyers from Germany, Italy, France, Latin American countries, USA, Canada, the Middle East, Australia, UK, Belgium, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Hungry, Japan and Singapore. Beside a growing interest from African countries', particularly buyers from South Africa, there were also representatives from Asian nations like Indonesia, China, and Sri Lanka.

This edition of the fair bought a myriad of product lines vying for attention. Divided into five comprehensive sectors, the show offered housewares, decorative and gifts, furniture and home accessories, home textiles, furnishing and floor coverings, cane, bamboo and eco-friendly products, Christmas decorations, candles and incense and fashion jewellery, accessories and bags.

Two regions J & K and India's North Eastern States featured in the Theme Pavilion. J & K theme pavilion showed a vibrant collection of silk, wooden and pashmina shawls, woodcrafts, carpets, home furnishing and yards of textiles with intricate embroidery.

A special showcase of crafts from the North Eastern Region adorned the theme pavilion of NER. Crafts from the eight states of this region were displayed with special emphasis on cane and bamboo, home textiles, jute, embroidery, lamps, furniture and utility items.

Apart from display of handicrafts items by the exporters and theme pavilion, seminars on design innovation and technology intervention were organised wherein International level design consultants Ms. Stacey Testa, Ms. Kim Pettigrew from USA and Mr. Heico Wesselius, Assistant Professor Department of Design and Management Persons, New York, shared their views on Indian design elements.

Another seminar on Export Finance by the Royal Bank of Scotland and a Seminar on Business opportunities for handicrafts through e-commerce by 'Fashion and You' were similarly organised and presented.

Buyers experienced a fascinating diversity of products, innovations and trends and discovered new dimensions for their businesses. Buyers benefited from the optimized layout based on product group, style direction and market segment. The turnover of overseas buyers, representatives of buying organizations, importers, distributors, departmental stores and agents was in the ascendancy.

As per feedback, buyers were keen on Indian textiles, festive décor, furniture, home décor, curios & bags. Many buyers also picked up jewellery, with collections featuring beads, antique silver, semi-precious stones and alternative raw materials. Stoles & Scarves too were in much demand during the fair.

Buyers' testimonials reveal that value added items, regal artifacts, novelties, newer blends in raw materials, simple surprising ideas and natural products, as well as those with multiuse properties, were sought after and know doubt will continue to be so.

All in all, the Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair [Autumn 2011] concluded to a resounding success.

Forthcoming Trade Fairs include:-

Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair [Spring] 2012 [18-21 February 2012] at India
Expo Centre & Mart, Delhi - Greater Noida Expressway.

Home Expo India- 2012 from 15-18 April 2012 at India Expo Centre & Mart,
Delhi - Greater Noida Expressway.

 
The organizers - Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts [EPCH] facilitate visiting buyers, in terms of online registration, product information, booking hotels, transportation, etc. Among other services to buyers, facilitation desk at airport, airport transfers and packages tour were offered. The EPCH, over the last 16 years, has built up the Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair [IHGF], as a vibrant trade platform for Indian artisans, manufacturers & suppliers from across India and discerning buyers throughout the world including retailers, wholesalers, chain stores, buying conglomerates, importers, etc. It is the biggest handicraft fair in Asia, which brings together over 2000 exhibitors displaying thousands of products to enthrall visiting buyers.

EPCH, sponsored by the Government of India, is an apex trade body representing the handicrafts manufacturing & exporting sector of India with a membership of over 7000 manufacturers & exporters, contributing business worth over US $3000 million, annually. The Council, a non-profit ISO 9001: 2008 certified organization, is engaged in promotion of handicrafts from India and projects India's image abroad as a reliable supplier of high quality handcrafted merchandise.

[Pictured is the opening ceremony]

For more information please contact

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts

EPCH House, Pocket 6 & 7, Sector C, LSC, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi - 110070,
India.

Tel: +91-11-26135256

Fax: +91-11-26135518/ 19

Email: epch@vsnl.com

Web: www.epch.in

---

Social Links