The 40th edition of world’s largest handicrafts and gifts fair, IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn 2015 started at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida today. Over 2,700 exhibitors of handicrafts drawn from all over the country will be exhibiting a wide range of products spread over 14 halls covering around 1,90,000 sq.m.
Organised by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the five-day fair, is now recognized as “one stop sourcing event” amongst the overseas buying community and as a very effective marketing medium to the Indian exporting community. The product categories on display will be Houseware, tableware, kitchenware, hotelware, Home furnishing, home textiles, linens and made ups, Festive décor, Christmas, Halloween, valentines, birthdays, anniversaries celebrations, Fashion jewellery, bags, scarves, ties, fashion compliments, Luggage, leather bags, and cases, Furniture, Carpets, rugs and floorings, etc.
As per the indications received, more than 5,000 overseas buyers from leading international departmental/chain stores, wholesalers, distributors and major brands like Bloomingdale’s, Macy, K-Mart, Walmart, Pier 1, Marks and Spencers, Restoration Hardware, Karstadt, Carrefour, Hobby Lobby etc. are expected to source their requirements at this fair.
The show, apart from offering opportunity to the exhibitors and buyers to transact business under one roof will also host a series of activities including fashion shows, informative seminars and discussions on various relevant topics, cultural performances by Indian artists, live demonstration by artisans etc.
Handicrafts exports have been growing on an average annual growth rate of 15 per cent during the last decade. However, the exports of handicrafts during the year 2014-15 has been Rs. 18,639.14 crore registering a growth of 7.96 per cent in rupee terms and 6.82 per cent in dollars terms as compared to previous year. The exports of handicrafts during the first five months of 2015-16 is Rs. 7227.46 crore registering a growth of 8.57 per cent organiser sources said.
