53rd IHGF Delhi Recap: Orders, Inspirations and Networking indicate Superb Revival

The globally acclaimed IHGF Delhi Fair with its 2,596 exhibitors, regional displays, craft demonstrations, ramp shows, seminars, workshops and a host of supporting events, concluded its 53rd edition on 3^rd April, 2022. A large number of buyers and buying representatives from 92 nations attended the five day show. All activities collectively pointed towards common sentiments of reassurance, optimism, happiness, courage and most importantly, resilience.

As a major step towards normalcy, this edition was a full-fledged physical show after its earlier pre-run in October 2021. The fair took place at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Delhi-NCR, India.

Although the organizers had taken all precautions and implemented testing & health facilities, including isolation at the venue itself, there was not even a single Covid alarm or any related health issue reported, even as an average of over 10,000 people attended the fair on any given day.

This edition included 14 display sectors, spread across 14 halls and 900 Permanent Showrooms, bringing together a comprehensive resource for home, lifestyle, fashion, textiles and furniture with housewares, home furnishing, furniture, gifts and decorative, lamps and lighting, Christmas & festive décor, fashion jewelry & accessories, spa & wellness, carpets and rugs, bathroom accessories, garden accessories, educational toys & games, handmade paper products & stationery and leather bags.

Buyers from America, European countries and the Middle East were in majority while there were some from Asian, African and other regions as well. The sourcing pitch uplifted the morale of exhibitors, buyers, organizers and of all artisans and stakeholders linked in the value chain.

While travel restrictions eased just before the fair started, the buyer turnout and attitude encouraged both regular and first time exhibitors including new enterprises that have just ventured into this sector. Buyers were happy at being “able to get on a plane, travel and land up for in-person connections while being able to see that everyone is okay.” Some buyers shared that the pandemic gave them the time to reassess business propositions, focus on new product developments with suppliers and seek out new businesses on IHGF virtual shows that got concrete direction through meetings at this edition.

Buyers were happy to be back for sourcing. Sustainability continued to be at the fore as many sought eco-friendly and compliant ranges in home and lifestyle products. Some said they loved the ‘raw’ and ‘natural’ look and their suppliers at the fair this time, offered more options in repurposed cast-off materials and derivatives drawn from nature. European buyers sourced interesting regular use bags as alternatives to plastics, among other home products. Many selected basketry and home utility made from jute, hemp, coarse riverside grass, cane & bamboo, etc. Exhibitors at the fair were equally inclined towards sustainability and surprised the buyers with many possibilities.

Mr. RK Malhotra, Chairman, EPCH, said, “Our buyers have been happy to see that we share the global concern towards saving the environment.” Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH & Chairman, IEML, said, “While many established manufacturers in India have taken decisive steps to be socially as well as environmentally responsible and compliant, and are certified, there are artisans and manufacturers at the grassroots level whose business model is essentially centered on sustainability. We bring them to the forefront through this fair.” Mr. R.K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH, said, “Over the last many years, a large number of buyers and sellers have been dependent on IHGF Delhi Fair for procurement and supply of products that vibe well with consumers across world markets and are readily sellable. Hence, the successful organization of this physical show was critical for many, exhibitors and buyers alike.”

The transition of unparalleled Indian craft traditions workmanship to suit a modern world with its ever evolving spaces and lifestyles that are yet anchored on inspirations from the past and grounded values, have been among fascinations here. The next edition of the fair will be organized at the same venue from October 14^th to 18^th, 2022.

Registration link to next show: https://www.ihgfdelhifair.in/register

Major Product Groups at IHGF Delhi Fair

Home Textiles & Furnishing | Furniture & Accessories | Gifts & Decoratives | Houseware & Home Utility | Lamps & Lighting | Carpets, Rugs & Floor Coverings | Christmas & Festive Décor | Handmade Paper, Gift Wraps | Spa & Wellness | Candles, Incense & Potpourri | Bathroom Accessories | Lawn & Garden Ornaments | Fashion Jewelry & Accessories | Leather Bags & Cases

About the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts

IHGF Delhi Fair is organized twice every year in Spring and Autumn editions, by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the apex organization representing handicraft manufacturers & exporters in India. EPCH facilitates its 10,000+ members to customize and offer unique styles and quality products to the global sourcing community. Beyond providing unparalleled business platforms to buyers & sellers, EPCH also provides comprehensive information about the sector to international buyers and ensures optimal interface between the Indian handicrafts industry and international buyers, facilitating harmonious business.