Autumn Show to Open for Sourcing Distinctive, Exclusive and Inspirational Collections
The 58th IHGF Delhi Fair, organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), is scheduled from 16th to 20th October 2024 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway. This edition boasts of a meticulously organized layout featuring 3000+ exhibitors in 16 sprawling halls, each dedicated to one of the 14 prominent display segments, including housewares, home furnishings, furniture, gifts and decor, lamps and lighting, Christmas and festive decorations, fashion jewellery and accessories, spa and wellness products, carpets and rugs, bathroom accessories, garden accessories, educational toys and games, handmade paper products and stationery, as well as leather bags. Besides exhibitor booths in the halls, visitors will have access to the 900 Marts/permanent showrooms of leading exporters, located on various levels of the India Expo Centre.
Mr. Dileep Baid, Chairman, EPCH shared, “As one of worlds largest sourcing events, the IHGF Delhi Fair offers importers, buyers and retailers a unique opportunity to source India’s finest handicrafts. Its international reach, coupled with its ability to connect entrepreneurs, exporters, and artisans, fosters confidence among overseas buyers in the distinct quality, design and marketability of Indian products. Each edition unlocks fresh business potential through new buyer connections, while offering an expanded product selection to visiting buyers. This event highlights the Indian handicrafts sector’s ongoing journey toward future-readiness, driven by dynamic and ambitious manufacturers who are committed to enhancing capabilities, adhering to global standards and prioritizing sustainability. The assortments blend unique designs with creativity, offering pieces that spark imagination and elevate living space with a sense of individuality and elegance. Among displays are exclusive, one-of-a-kind pieces that embody the essence of craftsmanship, tradition and innovation. Treasures that reflect the country’s rich heritage and are suited to contemporary times globally, are available only through this unique platform.”
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chief Mentor in a role of Director General, EPCH & Chairman, IEML said, “The growing global demand for Indian products reinforces our commitment to ensuring that Indian craftsmanship finds its place in homes across the world. In the domains of home décor, lifestyle, fashion, furnishings and furniture, the IHGF Delhi Fair has evolved into a dynamic platform, introducing new entrepreneurs to international markets while allowing buyers to discover fresh products and ideas from emerging suppliers. India’s handicraft sector, supported by a skilled workforce and abundant raw materials, offers exporters the freedom to innovate and customize. Backed by EPCH’s dedicated design, forecast and market analysis support, exhibitors are empowered to deliver bold and distinctive product lines, creating limitless opportunities for buyers.”
He further added, “IHGF Delhi Fair – Autumn 2024 will showcase a rich variety of traditional and contemporary handicrafts from Bihar such as sujani craft, applique craft, Madhubani paintings, sikki grass crafts and other artisanal work, highlighting the state’s vibrant artisan community. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the intricate designs that represent the state’s rich cultural heritage.”
Mr. Girish K Agarwal, President, IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2024, Reception Committee, informed, “Renowned and awarded craftpersons among exhibitors, placed in a thematic setting, are to bring the richness of heritage skills and regional nuances into prominent display. These distinguished artisans, recognized with national honours, will showcase their exceptional craftsmanship. Their involvement ensures that the event is enriched with authentic, region-specific artisanal works, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage they represent. Visitors will be able to choose from crafts like straw picture making, paper mache, kathputli making, kundan meenakari, silver filigree, folk painting, etc. including some GI (Geographical Indication certified) products,” and added, “Over the years, the fair has created market linkages for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, exporters and artisans through its international reach, and has gained an identity of its own for enabling this. Supported by EPCH’s global publicity efforts, we anticipate a strong buyer turnout. I am confident this event will open new avenues for growth, fostering business collaborations and trade expansion.”
Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Vice Chairman, EPCH, informed, “As one of the most vibrant and diverse trade platforms, the IHGF Delhi Fair offers buyers a unique opportunity to explore an extensive range of Indian handicrafts across segments. IHGF Delhi Fair has become a critical support system for Indian exporters, consistently attracting buyers from around the world. This edition continues that legacy, giving global buyers access to some of the finest handicrafts and gifts from all regions of India. Our exhibitors have invested tremendous effort into product design and development, ensuring alignment with current market trends and buyer preferences. The enthusiastic response and pre-registration from international buyers reflect the anticipation surrounding this edition.”
Mr. Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman II, EPCH, added, “A display of products from the collaboration between the National Institute of Design (NID) and EPCH would highlight India’s commitment to sustainable design. The initiative focuses on material innovation, community co-production, and circular economy principles, bridging theory and practice in sustainability. Further enhancing the buyer experience, the fair features ramp shows, trend forecasts, craft demonstrations and knowledge seminars would foster a deeper understanding of India’s exceptional craftsmanship. Seminars/ discussions on various topics like, Strategic Approach Towards Reaching Out To Overseas buyers; EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) – way forward; Mastering EDPMS and the Latest e-BRC System for Export Excellence and Sensitization on other DGFT Facilitation Initiatives; Vision FW 25/26: Strategic Home Decor, Textile & Furniture Trends’; Sustainable Design Practices towards Circular Economy; Intellectual Property Rights, Trademark Protection and Brand Identity, will be organized. 20+ Awards for best display will also be given towards the end of the fair.”
Mr. R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH said, “IHGF Delhi Fair represents the pinnacle of collaborative excellence, showcasing the collective strength of India’s diverse handicrafts manufacturing hubs, clusters and artisan units. As a cornerstone of Indian handicraft exports, the IHGF brand has earned global recognition and loyalty, connecting buyers worldwide with India’s finest offerings. Our esteemed exhibitors are well-equipped to cater to diverse buying trends, delivering both volume-based and custom design-oriented orders with unparalleled flexibility.” He further added that overseas buyers from over 100 countries including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom United States and many more have pre-registered to visit the fair.
Representatives from companies/ departmental stores who have already confirmed their visit to the show include Dukaan Home SA, Argentina; H & H Asia Ltd, CTC Home, Australia; Xxx lutz, Austria; Fitz, Brazil; Wooden Villa, Canada; Society Of Lifestyle, Denmark; Maisons Du Monde, Yliades, France; KHG GmbH & Co. KG, Germany; Nitori Holdings Co.,Ltd., Japan; El Puerto De Liverpool, Mexico; SJJ Antiques, Inc., Philippines; Sklum Home And Deco, Spain; Filipiniana, Sweden; Golden Pacific Co., Ltd, Thailand; Riviera Maison, The Netherlands; Aljaber Gallery, Lulu Group International, UAE; Pacific Lifestyle, Tiffy Rook Ltd, United kingdom; Carolina Chair And Table Company, Benzara Inc, USA and many more have already confirmed their visit to the show as informed Mr. R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH.
Mr. Verma, further updated that welcoming and facilitating the fast changing retail landscape in India, IHGF Delhi Fair continues to host visitors from major Indian Retail/online brands including Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail, AJIO, Archies, Fabindia Limited, Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd, Home Centre, Home Retail Pvt Ltd, Landmark Group, LULU Group India, M2K Group, Miniso Lifestyle Pvt Ltd, Nilkamal, Numero Uno Clothing Ltd, Pure Home & Living Pvt. Ltd, Reliance Retail, Shoppers Stop, Taj Group of Hotels, Tata Trent Ltd, Urban Ladder Home Decor Pvt Ltd., Westin etc., who have confirmed to visit the 58th edition. He further added, Buying Consultants representing major stores like Chehoma, Belgium; Bernado Morelli Rebelo, Brazil; Boltze Home Collections, Westwing, Germany; Lifestyle Home collection BV, Netherlands; The warehouse, New Zealand; Gato Preto, Portugal; Zara, Spain; Rug Vista AB Sweden; Coach House, CASA Collective Ltd., Sainsburys, United Kingdom; Amazon, TJX, Next Retail, USA and many more have confirmed their visit to the show.
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts is a nodal agency for promotion of exports of handicrafts from the Country and create brand image of magic of the gifted hands of millions of artisans and crafts persons engaged in production of home, lifestyle, textiles, furniture and fashion jewellery & accessories products in different craft clusters of the country. The overall Handicrafts exports during the year 2023-24 was the overall Handicrafts exports during the year 2023-24 was Rs. 32,758 Crores (US $ 3,956 Million) informed Mr. R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH.