What do the buyers say
More than 6000 buyers from more than 20 countries spanning North & South America, Europe, Middle-East, Asia, Australia and the African continent have made this show an annual sorcing meccas for the rich variety of Indian Handicrafts. This is what some of them had to say about the last fair:
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Jess Supple and Sue Silva, Australia:
" We are wholesalers
of textiles and have
been in this business
since last 15 years.
There's no denial of
the fact that IHGF has
seen improvement
over the years in
terms of design variety and infrastructure. The
EPCH app. that was launched today shows the
effort the organizer has taken for the betterment of the whole business. We deal majorly with home accessories and there has been a satisfactory variety in the products in that sector. We believe in introducing our own trends to
handicrafts in India by working with the manufacturers here and it has so far been a pleasant and beneficial experience."
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Paul and Ash, Germany:
"Furniture and
stationery are our
major areas of focus
in this fair. And as this
is our first visit to the
fair, we are exploring
the Indian market
which seems very
organized considering the work EPCH has done
as organizers. As importers we are particular
about the quality of our import and from India,
which has a strong middle class, we would like
to focus on local products. The organizers have
initiated various efforts for the betterment of
the artisans and I think they are slowly getting there and improvement is inevitable."
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Dov Franki, Israel:
" I have been into
the business of
home décor
since last 10
years. And as a
wholesaler in this
business, this
year I am looking
for items in iron casting and lighting
products. I see improved designs though the
demand has not parallel increased. Our
suppliers from Moradabad have been our
constant associates and have helped us in
growing the business by modifying items
according to the trend. The only limitation
that holds the acceptance of Indian products
is the finesse that seems to be a bit lacking.
Yet, items from India have their own place
in the world market.I like the idea of starting
a mobile app. for the benefit of buyers."
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Prakash, UAE:
My purpose of
this visit to the fair
is to specifically
look for the
p r o d u c t s
catering to the
middle-eastern
taste. We are
aware of the fact that the suppliers here aim
mainly for the western market and the
products manufacturing also target the
same. But I have found the specific dealers
for home décor. I think a fair as grand as IHGF
has something for every buyer. "
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Xavier De Vil, Belgium:
"We deal with home
accessories. In our business
we majorly pay attention to
the global trends and this has
been the secret of our success
in the business in last 15 years.
Though EPCH has been a
commendable cohort for
Indian handicrafts and its initiative for developing the
infrastructure should be appreciated. The newly launched
EPCH mobile app is one such example of the multiple
EPCH initiatives."
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Petra Langstraat, Netherlands:
"We represent FDO Furniture and majorly
deal with small
furniture. Being international
exporters of these
products we also
import from China,
Indonesia and Egypt but India has unique
products to offer which cannot be matched with
anything else in the world market. This is the
second time that we are attending this fair and
we have seen tremendous improvement from
the previous time.The idea of EPCH's mobile
app. is great. It is time saving and can help one
get organized before a visit to IHGF."
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Dimitri, Netherlands:
" We are importers
of a wide range of
furniture and have
been associated
with Indian
handicraft market
since last 22 years.
As a visiting buyer I
have only seen improvement in the past years.
What we aim to find here in terms of
handmade products cannot be compared in
any way with the Chinese or Vietnamese
products. Through this visit, I have concluded
that India has only improved with the global
development. And it is an encouraging sight to
see new suppliers who had not been there
previously. EPCH's involvement has been
commendable and it shows in how this
business has grown in last 22 years. "
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Abdool Hakiim Bin
Awang, Borneo
Bulletin, Brunei:
"This is my first visit to India
and to any international
handicraft fair of this kind.
I am awestruck at the
commendable range of
exciting products that
India has to offer. As a
foreign visitor what
intrigued me the most is
the use of recycled
products that some
manufacturers have
made.
Given the cultural reality of Brunei, I feel that buyers from
my country would be interested in the exclusive range of
cashmere shawls, textiles and home décor available in
the fair. Brunei has already been importing these items
from Syria and gulf countries, so availability of Indian
handicrafts in our market would be something to look
forward to.
Export items from India are also exclusive because they
are mostly eco-friendly. Another reason for promotion
of Indian handicrafts in Brunei is that the organization
of the handicraft sector in this country is a lot better than
what I have seen elsewhere. This also helps artisans in a
major way where they can innovate and experiment.
Also, in Brunei, we have mostly spacious houses, so I feel
that home décor from India would really do well in our
market. And this should be the target business area when
Indian suppliers deal with buyers from Brunei."
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Rashiqah Ilmi
Binti Abd Rahim,
Journalist, Berita
Harian, The New
Straits Times Press,
Malaysia:
"As a political
journalist, I see this fair
as a medium to
strengthen political
ties between India and
Malaysia. The two
countries already have
a strong common
culture and through
well-thought out
business exchange, ties
between two countries
can be made stronger.
I can say that products
on display here can
easily match our
market and buyer requirements as many things
here match up to the taste of consumers in Malaysia.
Specifically, the range for carpets in the fair would
surely find a strong market in my country. Indian
involvement in Malaysian import market can
already be seen by the range of shawls imported.
But there is always a scope for expansion of the
market. And considering the good organization of
handicraft business in India through EPCH, I think
it won't be very difficult."
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Chayy Sophal,
Editor in Chief, New
Youth & Cambodia
News, Cambodia:
"It has been an exciting
experience for me as an online
reporter to visit and report a gala
festival like IHGF. Since this is my
first visit to India, the whole idea
of cultural exchange through the
involvement of media has been
really commendable. This fair
holds added significance for me
because India and Cambodia
share a culture where a great
percentage of the population
includes Hindus and Muslims. We
share each other's culture also in
terms of mythology and history. Also the social scenario in both
the countries is comparable. Knowing about the economic
reality of the artisan through the sources here, where 7 million
artisans work throughout the year to bring out the visually
stimulating products that we see here, we must understand
that the export of these handicraft is beneficial for financial
and social development in India.
The market for Indian products is not much established in my
country. Therefore the idea of inviting journalists for
promotional purpose indicates EPCH's intelligent foresight. I
feel buyers from my country may be lured to India because of
cheaper prices and good quality. But for this business exchange
the govt. of both countries must work together to formulate a
business strategy. Looking at the products here, I think
Cambodian importers would be interested in home furniture
and lighting products. I feel that this is an appropriate time for
India's foray into the Cambodian market because our economy
is booming and there is increased demand."
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Patrick Jonas
Editor, Tabla
(newspaper),
Singapore:
This fair has been beyond all my expectations and has changed my perception about
the business of handicrafts. Unlike my existing notion, products available here actually
cater to the modern market and comply with the changing trend worldwide. And the
diverse culture that India has, leads to the amazing variety of innovation which is
reflected in the products offered. EPCH's involvement has helped to bring the artisans
to a global platform where they get international recognition.
This fair also gives me a platform for exchange of business and cultural information
where I want to make visitors aware of the International Indian Shopping Festival,
Singapore 2014. The business ties also hold relevance because Singapore is a probusiness
country and lacking in natural resources. We depend on imports for a lot
many products that are there in our market. Thus, by encouraging people to attend
fairs like these expands horizons and enables smooth flow of international demand & supply. My knowledge about EPCH had not been much before coming here but
looking at the involvement of the organization I must say that it is doing a commendable job to bring out the
better side of crafts into mainstream business.
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Anteine Aknovx, France:
I am a
designer
looking
for suppliers in this
fair who would
innovate and
customize according
to the designs that I
have to offer. I always go for a slight touch of
Indian traditional ethos in the modern designs
that I prefer. Home Décor is my area of interest
and Japan is the other major country that I get
supplies from. Doing business with Indian
manufacturers has become easy due to the
involvement of EPCH.
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Charles, USA:
I came to this fair looking for items in wood and
metal and this fair
has been quite
satisfactory and I
have already placed
quite a few orders.
The fair becomes an
interactive platform
for buyers and
exhibitors owing to the involvement of EPCH as
a well functioning organizational body. This is
the reason why the 5 years of
business with India has been a
happy experience for me.
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Vassil Raychev, Bulgaria:
I am a retailer and
wholesaler for
scarves, jewellery
and gift items. I have
been involved with
Indian products only
since last year and
what I see in this
second visit of mine is that the organization of
this fair makes it all the more indulging and
exciting. I also know about the
recent launch of the mobile app
and I may start using it for the
remaining days of the fair as it
seems beneficial for the buyers.
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Timm Exner, Germany:
I am an importer
looking for
handicrafts in metal,
glass and wood. I
import from India,
China, Philippines
and Vietnam but a
major part of my
business that is around 40% is from India. The
attraction in India has always been handcrafted
products and EPCH's involvement for the
betterment of crafts has been appreciable. Also
the new launch of the mobile app has been a
commendable initiation
keeping in mind the comfort
and necessity of the buyers.
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Michael, South Africa:
This is my first visit to
India, and I am
looking forward to
explore the wide
range of gift items
that manufacturers
here offer. I am keen
on the modern
trendy designs with a mixture of the traditional
touch that is conventionally associated with
India. I anticipate an expanded investment in
the Indian market considering the variety that I
have come across.
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Luisa Pezza, Italy:
We deal majorly in scarves, jewellery, and bags.
The innovation in
designs that we see
here is what makes
Indian handicrafts
stand out in the
international market. I
seek creative
inspirations, from
craftwork around the globe. Thailand is the major
hub for my business, and 10% of
my supplies come from India. But
there is always scope for
expansion and I am hopeful for it.
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Logan, USA:
I am looking for
ceramic and glass
items and the variety
that I see here is
beyond expectations
of overseas buyers.
This is the reason
why my supplier
base is only from India. I am a starter in the
business and this is a great platform for
development and building new ties with India.
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Sambain, France:
I am a home textile
importer but this year I
am concentrating on
lamps. We are
wholesaler importers
and have been in this
business since last 20
years. My permanent
suppliers are based in Panipat, India. Mats and
Curtains are another area of interest. Better
prices and quality is what brings us to India. In this
fair I have seen a wide range of innovation which
makes IHGF a bright platform for business
exchange.
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Luis Mullet, UK:
We have been into the
business for one and a
half years now and we
started our work by
partnering with Indian
exporters. As importers
we engage in direct
sale of furniture items.
By visiting the fair, we got to know about the new
product types which can be beneficial for our
market. We also import from China and Vietnam
and India has its own brilliance in the products
that it offers.
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John and
Yvonne, Hong Kong:
We deal in
lifestyle
products
and have been doing
business with India
since last 20 years.
Design, quality and
variety are what I look
for. I think young artisans should be encouraged
to work in the handicrafts business because they
have a different outlook and worldview which
brings newness to the business. I deal with
various suppliers who are scattered all over the
country and apart from India I also deal with
China, Vietnam, Malaysia and UK.
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Jordan Silver, Australia:
This is my first visit to
India and as a
designer I am looking
for lights and lamps
in the fair. My
supplier base in India
is going strong since
many years. IHGF
2014 has helped me to get new resources,
know about them and implement it in my
business. I usually prefer getting my own
designer to my suppliers but
this fair serves my purpose
where I get exclusive hand
woven and handmade look.
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Koko, China:
I am
visiting
India exclusively for
handicraft products
and this year furniture
and fabrics in this
category would be my
priority. We are a trade
company so the involvement of Indian
handicrafts along with the wide array of products
from all over the world is an interesting mix. The
other countries we associate with are Nepal,
Thailand, Japan and Indonesia. And 65% of our
business comes from India and we are looking
for business expansion.
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Saras Naidu, USA:
My business majorly deals with furniture, textile,
gift items and
accessories. So
basically I am looking
at a wide range of
products in this fair. I
have been attending
the fair for a long time
and my association
with this organization has only grown stronger.
The show now seems more extended and offers
better things for display. It's a lot more
professional now. And the mobile app launched
by EPCH is an example of such initiative for the
betterment.
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Bhoopesh Narsee Bhagwan, South Africa:
I am a wholesaler importer of garments
and textiles. I supply to chain stores and
mini chain stores throughout South
Africa. The Western outlook of South Africa as a nation
has led to a different sort of fashion trend that is
followed now. This calls for a dissimilar demand from
what India had to offer traditionally. But after coming to
the fair I realize that India is also changing with the
global change in trends and artisans in India are actually innovating by complying
with the global demand. EPCH has been a helpful organization for the artisans as
well as the buyers by bridging the gap for better business. And considering the
fact that the next IHGF fair is going to be bigger, the move towards development
and positive change is already apparent.This fair has actually completely changed
my belief about the handicraft business in India and the range I see here is
immense. And not only in terms of design but also the improving quality is what
makes Indian handicrafts stand out.
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Hay Kim Tha, Cambodia:
The purpose of my visit was to explore
the exciting range of jewellery that
India has to offer. The beautiful range of
bangles and neckpieces that we find in
India are exclusive and I must add that
after going through the fair I got to know about the
wide range of bags that are available as well. Mats and
items of home décor are another area of interest for us.
In this fair I tried to learn about the real exercise of business from India and also
about the specific ways in which craftsmen function. Indian handicraft items have
a large market in Cambodia because the Cambodian population is well aware of
the Indian culture through movies popularized in the late 80s and they have a
basic knowledge of Indian culture so Indian products are welcomed in our market.
I wish to return with details and samples of innovative products from IHGF, as a
new beginning of improved business ties.
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Feroza Mody, India:
I have a store in India where I bring
together various hand crafted products
from all over India. My store is exclusively of Indian
products and we have been in this business for almost
50years. I get a chance to explore the supply contacts
that I already have by coming to the fair. My suppliers
are based in Rajasthan, Pondicherry and Moradabad. And
I look for the traditional tough Indian-ness in the
products that I go for.
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Eugen de Boer, Holland:
I have an online sale portal which
deals with a broad range of
products. We only sell products of
individual artisans and small
manufacturers. Our task is to find markets for their
products, to improve the living condition of every
laborer and to retain Indian craftwork for future
generations. In connection with Fair Trade
organization we improve Fair Trade activities by every cooperative
manufacturer. EPCH has done a great job in bringing a wide range of artisans
within one umbrella but as a buyer I would suggest that there could be more
transparency in terms of background information.
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Loretta Fabbri, Italy:
I am looking for garments and bags. My
existing suppliers are from New Delhi. I
myself give designs where I look for
incorporation of interesting ideas by the suppliers. This is my
first participation in this fair and I hope this business journey
with India turns out to be a good one.
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Hiroko Wada and Koseki
Haruka, Japan: We are basically
designers of
jewellery and
other fashion accessories. We
have been into traditional Indian
products trend since the very start
of our business and have been
importing 10% of our material from India for last three years,
and rest from Malaysia and Italy.
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Tonu & Tiki, Denmark:
I am a tattoo artist and have my
own stores. Plus, I work for
retailers and here I am looking
for T-shirts as well as new stuff
for my company. I am open to
exploring different product
categories and a lot of products
here have really caught my
attention. I would be soon placing orders. I have found a
really amazing range in bracelets and other jewellery using
materials like leather and suede with the feel that would
please the consumers in my country. I am mainly looking
for something fancy that can be put in our stores and catch
attention instantly
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Alexander Becerra Drakgon Group, Venezuela:
" My parents have been visiting India for business since the last 10 years. Their venture is in the 2nd generation now. We don't source from any other country but India. I've bought lamps, flower vases and silver jewellery for our wholesale business. My experience of the fair is first class and meets international standards! "
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Andrew Riley & Rod Innes, Silkroad Interiors, Australia:
"Its my maiden visit and I found it really good. As retailers we are looking for home furnishings mainly curtains and bed linens. We prefer subtle prints. The fabric here is quite good with many new designs. People here are quite warm and friendly."
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Angelo Luoni and Laura Luoni Cardano al campo, Italy:
"We as retailers looking for furniture, handicrafts, clay items and wooden products. The fair is big and interesting. Products have a fresh look. Facilities are at par with other international events. "
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Antonio Mendes GM, Carving, Coimbra, Portugal:
"I have been visiting this fair since seven years and must assert that it has grown over the years. I have continuously increased my sourcing which stands at 30% now. My company also sources from China. Products involved are furniture, ironware and textiles. This venue is of top drawer."
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Kiyotaka Twiga, Tokyo, Japan:
"This is my third visit to IHGF and I find it better this time. I got new and good designs in accessories and shawls for my wholesale business. Must say that quality is very nice."
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Meratish and Linda Brisbane, Australia :
"We are setting up a wholesale store in Australia and are here to look for ideas. Found a few already. Among products, Indian bags and furniture are popular in Australia. We are also looking to source homeware and bedspreads in particular."
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Marta Caimana s.a., Spain :
"I've been visiting since many years and almost 30% of our purchases are sourced from India. While designs and quality look better with each fair (as always). Venue arrangements are better here then the previous one. In Spain, Sheesham and Teak products are liked more."
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Tarsem Wood Retailer, Ambiance, UK:
"This is my maiden visit and I am here to lookfor home furnishings. I have found several new nice products. Among Indian favourites in UK are sequin bags, shawls and most Indian cottons. For the coming season in my market, smooth & soft autumn colours are being appreciated. The fair is well organised but should have more seating space on each floor."
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Vicky Commaide Elite Publishing Co., Australia:
"I am overwhelmed. Products are a perfect blend of old & new and traditional & funky designs. Australia is a country with varied cultures and home furnishings from India are often hot-sellers there. I really liked the natural cottons, silk and leather curtains and bed covers. Among other products, fashion jewellery and clothing is fascinating. India can easily cater to the high & medium end Australian market. With naturals and neutrals as guidelines, our tastes are shifting from subtle to accent colours, bigger cushions and more colourful bed linens."
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Yousuf Al Rayes & Suhair Al Rayes Bahrain :
"We have Ve ntured for the first time but are highly satisfied as we could get value for money. Mainly bought cushions in bright colours and aluminium plates for our showroom. Facilities are good and people very cordial. We would definitely be here next time and possibly increase our sourcing."
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