IHGF Delhi Fair 2026 Draws Global Buyers with Diverse Handicrafts, Innovative Designs & Strong Supplier Connections

TEN NEWS NETWORK

Greater Noida, October 16, 2026: The 62nd IHGF Delhi Fair–Autumn 2026 continued to attract international buyers and trade visitors on its fourth day, with exhibitors showcasing an extensive range of Indian handicrafts, home décor, textiles, furniture, lifestyle products and contemporary designs. Organised at the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida from October 13 to 17, the five-day event is providing a platform for global buyers to explore new products, connect with Indian manufacturers and strengthen long-term sourcing partnerships.

With more than 3,000 exhibitors across the halls, 900 permanent showrooms, themed displays and live craft demonstrations, the fair presents a comprehensive view of India’s diverse craftsmanship, traditional skills and evolving design capabilities. The exhibition brings together products inspired by the country’s rich cultural heritage, regional traditions and wide availability of natural materials, while catering to changing international market preferences.

Buyers Show Interest in Contemporary Designs and Sustainable Products

Commenting on the buyer response and business interactions recorded during the fair, Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), said that the event had witnessed encouraging engagement between exhibitors and buyers across several product categories.

He noted that home décor, gifting, lifestyle, fashion, furnishings, furniture and interior design products continued to attract attention, reflecting growing demand for items that combine comfort, functionality and contemporary aesthetics.

According to him, this season’s collections highlight the integration of sustainability with traditional craftsmanship. Natural textures, expressive prints, distinctive materials and modern interpretations of traditional designs are increasingly influencing product development. The fair’s broad selection of quality products across different categories and price ranges is also helping buyers identify merchandise suited to their individual business requirements and budgets.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor at EPCH and Chairman of the India Exposition Mart Limited (IEML), highlighted the growing preference for products that promote comfort, emotional well-being and a closer connection with nature.

He observed that natural materials, tactile surfaces, authentic craftsmanship and nature-inspired designs are becoming increasingly important in consumer markets. Indian manufacturers, he added, have developed considerable expertise in these areas.

In the home décor segment, handcrafted products, wall art, murals and sculptural accents are gaining prominence as consumers increasingly seek to create personalised and visually expressive living spaces. The emphasis is shifting beyond utility towards products that add warmth, character and individuality to homes while showcasing the value of skilled craftsmanship.

Live Demonstrations Offer a First-Hand Look at Traditional Crafts

Mr. Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman of EPCH, said visitors had shown considerable appreciation for the live craft demonstrations being conducted by exhibitors at the fair.

These demonstrations provide buyers and visitors with an opportunity to understand traditional production techniques and observe the skills involved in creating handcrafted products. Several participating artisans are demonstrating their work directly at their stalls, allowing visitors to engage with the creative process and, in some cases, try their hand at traditional techniques.

The demonstrations are adding an interactive dimension to the exhibition, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of India’s artisanal heritage and the effort involved in producing handmade goods.

International Buyers Explore New Sourcing Opportunities

International visitors from several countries have expressed positive views about the fair’s product diversity, supplier network and opportunities to discover distinctive Indian merchandise.

Deanne Ashley, a buyer from the United States, is exploring Indian textiles, handmade products and traditional craftsmanship for the American market, along with furniture and other product categories.

Jake Wheeler from Australia, who is visiting the fair for the first time and specialises in festival products, described the experience as highly positive. His visit reflects the interest of overseas buyers in exploring new suppliers and product options through the Indian handicrafts sector.

Emily from France explored tableware, furniture and products made from wood and iron. She appreciated the wide selection available at the exhibition and the opportunity to identify new suppliers.

Tomoko Ida from Japan expressed enthusiasm for the fair’s creative collections and quality craftsmanship. She showed particular interest in natural-fibre products, including cotton, jute and linen, for home décor applications.

Arend Mosterd from the Netherlands, a returning visitor after missing a few editions, appreciated the introduction of new exhibition halls, the variety of participating exhibitors and the extensive product range. Specialising in garden products, he is looking for practical, high-quality and commercially viable merchandise made from different materials.

While also visiting trade fairs in China, Mosterd noted that India’s distinctive materials and craftsmanship, particularly its metalwork, offer products that can be difficult to source from other markets. He also highlighted the popularity of Indian rugs and textiles among consumers in the Netherlands.

The feedback from international visitors reflects the fair’s role in connecting overseas buyers with Indian manufacturers and artisans while introducing them to products suited to diverse market requirements.

Knowledge Sessions Focus on Trade Agreements and Export Support

Alongside its business and sourcing activities, the fair is hosting knowledge sessions aimed at helping handicraft exporters understand international trade opportunities and available government support.

Mr. Avdesh Agarwal, President of the IHGF Delhi Fair–Autumn 2026 Reception Committee, said a seminar titled ‘India’s FTA Moment: New Gateways for Value Chains, Market Access and Sourcing Decisions’ examined how existing and emerging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) could help Indian handicraft exporters access international markets and participate more effectively in global value chains.

The session also addressed practical considerations such as tariffs, rules of origin and market-selection strategies, helping exporters understand how trade agreements may influence sourcing decisions and international competitiveness.

Another seminar, titled ‘Export Promotion Mission: Financial and Market-Support Opportunities for Handicraft Exporters’, focused on the financial assistance, market-development support and export-promotion opportunities available under the initiative. The session aimed to familiarise exporters with relevant benefits and guide them on using these provisions to expand their international business.

These discussions form part of the fair’s broader effort to combine product showcases and business networking with knowledge-sharing opportunities for the handicrafts industry.

EPCH Highlights Support for Artisans and Weavers

Emphasising the council’s focus on artisan development, Mr. Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director of EPCH, said the organisation continues to support artisans through different stages of professional and commercial development.

Its initiatives cover learning, skill enhancement, product innovation, market preparedness, marketing and order fulfilment, with the objective of helping artisans improve product quality and connect more effectively with buyers.

As part of these efforts, a special guidance session was organised at the fair venue for artisans and weavers. The session focused on product development, branding and visual merchandising, highlighting ways to improve product presentation, strengthen market appeal and prepare handmade collections for competitive markets.

The initiative underscores the importance of combining traditional skills with contemporary design, effective presentation and a better understanding of buyer expectations.

India’s Handicraft Exports Reach ₹33,168 Crore in 2025–26

EPCH serves as the nodal organisation for promoting Indian handicraft exports across international markets and projecting India as a reliable supplier of high-quality handicraft products.

According to information shared by Executive Director Rajesh Rawat, India’s overall handicraft exports stood at ₹33,168 crore, equivalent to approximately US$3.754 billion, during the financial year 2025–26.

The IHGF Delhi Fair continues to provide a common platform for exporters, manufacturers, artisans, designers and international buyers to explore commercial opportunities, exchange industry insights and strengthen business relationships.

With its combination of traditional craftsmanship, contemporary product development, live demonstrations and international buyer participation, the fourth day of the Autumn 2026 edition highlighted the continuing importance of India’s handicrafts sector in global sourcing and lifestyle markets.

The fair will conclude on October 17 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.