A Treasure Trove Of Handicrafts For European Market
IHGF is Asia’s largest gifts and handicrafts fair, held biannually (Spring & Autumn edition), organised by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). Back with its next edition in February 2018, the fair is ready to take the handicrafts and textiles industry to another level.
“The February 2018 edition gets bigger and bolder, bringing more of everything – space, exhibitors, sectors, enhanced facilities. Our October Fair was great in terms of products and new innovations with over 3000 exhibitors, 6500 buyers, attracting overseas buyers, hoteliers, architects and e-commerce clients,” says Kumar.
This year, the organisers of the fair have introduced the element of recycled products like an old discarded trunk converted into a curio item or the front of the truck converted into a bar counter. “Such handcrafted items are India’s treasure trove of products for the European market. So we are making the most of the ‘kabaad se jugaad’ kind of products to lure more exhibitors and supporting ‘Make in India’ campaign with zero defect and zero effect. The theme of the fair will focus on nature and conservation and thus will promote environment-friendly products,” adds Kumar.
Talking about the forthcoming opportunities in the sector, Kumar adds that they are looking for joint ventures with European counterparts to increase the scale and sale of the handicrafts industry. “Supporting Make in India and using handicrafts is a major development in the hospitality sector as it largely appeals to the tourists,” feels Kumar, “since handicraft exporters add value to the Indian hospitality industry, there is a greater possibility to synergise between the two industries. We are introducing technological innovations to collaborate and support skill-based industries by enhancing their products and performance.”
