The 50th edition of IHGF Delhi Fair was the second show held on a virtual platform, showcasing thousands of products for the global gift and homewares industry.
More than 1,400 exhibitors displayed their latest ranges to a global audience of 4,360 buyers from 116 countries including MRD Home and Horgan Import Export from Australia.
“The IHGF Delhi Fair contributes significantly towards exports of handicrafts as well as the promotion of crafts clusters from across the country,” says Shri Rakesh Kumar, director general of show organiser, EPCH.
“EPCH has tried to match the activities which were being organised during the physical show such as ramp shows, webinars and craft demonstrations by artisans, online.”
Indeed, one of the highlights of this autumn edition was the series of fashion shows on the digital platform, showcasing exhibitors’ jewellery and accessories.
The regional crafts of India were also shown on the virtual platform through a special pavilion of Regional Crafts of India, where 110 artisans from across the country displayed products like Artistic Blue Pottery, Warli Art from Palgarh, Maharashtra, Screwpine craft of Kerala, traditional Meenakari of Jaipur, Wooden Lacquerware and Toys craft of Varanasi, traditional shawls craft of Jammu & Kashmir.
Additionally, toy manufacturing is another thriving area where India has the potential of becoming a global sourcing hub, says Kumar.
“To improve its global market share in line with the theme of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Get vocal for local’ campaigns to promote indigenous industries and under this new initiative of EPCH, around 14 exhibitors from major toy clusters displayed their toys and dolls products on virtual platform.
“This initiative will certainly create jobs, improve the local economy and give a much-needed boost to the toy manufacturing sector.”
Following the success of this fair, EPCH is organising a virtual buyer-seller meet of Indian handicrafts manufacturers and exporters with buyers of Oceania region (Australia and New Zealand) starting from 24 to 27 November 2020, where over 120 accredited manufacturers and exporters from all parts of India will display the wide range of handcrafted products at Virtual BSM.
Australia and New Zealand have been important markets for Indian handicrafts with exports reaching more than US$95.59 million during 2019-2020.
Buyers can register by clicking this link.
