Page 15 - Craftcil Oct 2023

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restaurants for their interiors, was here to source restaurant
furniture to suit various themes. "I have been visiting this fair for
over twenty years and am looking for metal chairs and tables for
our restaurants. I have found a few and I admire. I really like how
the fair has developed over the last two decades," he shared.
Another buyer, Susan from USA said, "I come to India every 6
months to renew my stock through each edition of this fair. I am
looking for home accessories and gifts for the upcoming holiday
season. I think Indian products are magnificent and so far I have
found what I was looking for - unique, fun, and fascinating products
in home accents, garden decor, and gifts." Buyers from UK, John
Allan and Martin shared, “we have been coming to this fair since and the innovated product lines of their suppliers. There have
the beginning. We are wholesalers and retailers for homeware, been plenty of interactions, learning & observations and most
furniture, and gifting items, exclusively sourced from India. We importantly, promises to meet next season.
are here to look for ‘one-of-a-kind’ pieces, with each one having
Observing visitor response, it can be said that there is growing
its own story to tell. We buy products that our customers will not
inclination towards Indian suppliers for their ability to offer the
find elsewhere in UK.”
handcrafted value addition in their stylish product lines confirming
Many appreciated festive décor, interior enhancement to upcoming trends. While contemporary feel and looks are
products, gifts, home accents, natural products, furniture with welcome, Indian handcrafting skills and intricate workmanship
textures and work on wood’s original veins as well as fashion will continue to route in the aficionado to India, many buyers
accessories and wellness lines. There were some for exclusives have shared, as Indian culture, heritage and the history of its
and items that no competitor can find in their home markets. civilization is reaching every part of the world. In fact, the world is
looking at India for inspiration and tradition inspired ‘sophisticated'
New product innovations ascertained more business as many
as well as ‘rooted’ products.
added to their buyer lists. They appreciated the inclusion of artisans
and upcoming entrepreneurs alongside the big and established The shows together also made up for an excellent sourcing
players. For most, coming to IHGF Delhi Fair was as pleasant an opportunity for Indian retail brands that strove to step-up their
experience as their long and continued association with EPCH offer for top-end consumers, besides the global home & lifestyle
retail brands/chains which have a
growing interest in India-both for
sourcing as well as retailing. The IHGF
Delhi Fair nearing three decades in
existence, has made yeoman
contribution to the handicrafts trade
from India. It has not only enabled Indian
exporters in large numbers to
participate in the show and secure
business orders but has also facilitated
more and more overseas buyers to
source their requirement from India at
one place and at one time, from the
entire exporting community in India.

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