UK Buyer Gabriella Praises Indian Handicrafts and Longstanding Relationship with Opelons in 59th IHGF Delhi Fair

Greater Noida (17 April 2025): The 59th edition of the IHGF Delhi Fair, one of the world’s largest fairs for home, lifestyle, fashion, furniture, and textiles, organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), commenced at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. The fair was officially inaugurated by Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, Government of India, who also toured the exhibition halls and interacted with various participants, showcasing India’s rich handicraft heritage.

In an exclusive interaction with Ten News Network, Gabriella, a buyer from the United Kingdom, shared her passion for Indian handicrafts and her experiences sourcing unique home décor and furniture from the country.

Introducing herself, Gabriella said, My name is Gabriella and I came from the UK. I’m the Head of Product for Laura James. We are a furniture, homewares, and garden products retailer. With over two decades of experience sourcing from India, she elaborated on the appeal that keeps her returning: I have experience of coming to India for 20 years, so we develop here beautiful pieces in furniture in wood, metal, you know, and amazing homewares. I cannot find such an exciting range of homewares anywhere else in the world.

When asked about the kind of products she looks for during her sourcing visits, she responded, A mix of products, primarily indoor furniture and homewares as well—different product types from textiles to metals, ceramics, and so forth.

Gabriella highlighted what makes Indian handicrafts so attractive compared to products available in her home country. Everything is different here, it’s so much fun—products, you know, super vibrant products. For example, textiles—I think you can’t find anywhere, metals, in the world as shall we say. But you know, it is all the hand craftsmanship , all the beautiful and intrinsic work that Indian people do in the product, so that’s what attracted very much me to the Indian products.

Speaking of the stores and brands she has collaborated with, Gabriella mentioned her ongoing association with a brand she holds in high regard. We have been working with Opelons for the past two years. We love that story and brand values and creativity—you know, fair play to Shilpa. She has done an amazing job for her brand. And to be honest, we want to support Shilpa. Now, I don’t think you have started for a long time, but you know, you bring something different we have not seen, so that’s why we decided to work with them.

She further added, Her story is just absolutely amazing and the product—handicraft. And it’s the different work they do, you know, the love and the care and the quality of raw materials and the design that they bring—that’s what we are looking for. Gabriella’s words reflect a growing global appreciation for Indian craftsmanship, which continues to captivate international buyers with its uniqueness, artistry, and cultural depth.

The IHGF 59th edition has brought together artisans and exporters from across the country under one roof, showcasing the best of Indian craftsmanship — from delicate glasswork of Firozabad to intricate metal art of Moradabad and finely carved wood from Saharanpur. As Sonia concluded, Very unique handicrafts products you will have and see here, and all are getting exported right now, emphasizing India’s strong presence in the global handicrafts market.

IHGF Delhi Fair, running from April 16 to 19, 2025, continues to be a vibrant showcase of Indian craftsmanship and a vital networking hub for exporters and international buyers. With participation from thousands of artisans and over 3,000 exhibitors, the fair covers a wide range of product categories including home décor, textiles, furniture, fashion jewelry, and accessories.

Provisional export figures for handicrafts during the financial year 2024-25 stand at Rs. 33,490.79 Crores (US $3959.86 Million), according to Mr. R. K. Verma, Executive Director of EPCH – a testament to the growing global appeal of India’s artisanal heritage. As the fair unfolds, exhibitors like Dileep Traders continue to push the boundaries of creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship, strengthening India’s position in the global handicraft marketplace.

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