IHGF 2026: Buyers commend Fair on Amazing Variety, Enduring Connections with Suppliers – A Fantastic Experience

Delhi/NCR – 16th October 2026 – The 62nd edition of IHGF Delhi Fair–Autumn 2026, taking place from 13th to 17th October 2026 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, continues to gather both long-standing patrons and first-time trade visitors. Reflecting India’s diverse geographical and cultural heritage, the fair showcases products shaped by a rich tradition of craftsmanship and an abundant raw material base. Over 3000 exhibitors in halls, 900 in permanent showrooms, theme presentations, live demonstrations and many supportive elements make it a comprehensive show.

Observing buyer trends in response to the display at the fair D r. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH commented , “Four days into the trade engagement, the fair stands at a juncture that records a very favourable number of exhibitor and buyer engagements with strong inclination towards most categories displayed at the fair. The home, gifting, lifestyle, fashion, furnishings, furniture and interiors segments continue to emphasise on spaces that offer comfort, functionality and contemporary appeal. This season, design trends reflected a stronger focus on meaningful aesthetics, combining sustainability with craftsmanship, tactile textures with expressive prints, and traditional material narratives with modern design sensibilities. Statement pieces complemented collections suited to contemporary living, while the wide range of quality products across categories and price points highlighted the IHGF Delhi Fair’s appeal to buyers with diverse sourcing requirements and budgets.”

Decoding the buyer sentiment at the fair today, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH, and Chairman, IEML shared “Consumer preferences are increasingly shifting towards products that offer balance, comfort and emotional wellbeing. Natural materials, tactile textures, authentic craftsmanship and nature-inspired designs, areas in which our manufacturers have carved a niche, are gaining prominence, reflecting a move towards mindful consumption and lasting appeal. In home décor, handcrafted pieces, wall art, murals and sculptural accents are transforming spaces into more personal, calming and expressive environments. The emphasis is on products that go beyond functionality to bring warmth, character and a deeper connection with nature and craftsmanship into everyday living.”

Mr. Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman, EPCH added, “Visitors have appreciated the live craft demonstrations organised by several exhibitors at the fair, offering a closer look at traditional techniques and artisan skills. Participating artisans are also demonstrating their craft at their stalls, with some visitors enthusiastically trying their hand at these techniques and experiencing the creative process first-hand.”

Deanne Ashley, a buyer from USA is here for Indian textiles, handmade products and traditional craftsmanship for the US market, alongside furniture and other products. Jake Wheeler from Australia, a first-time visitor specialising in festival products, described the fair as a great experience. Emily from France explored tableware, furniture and wood & iron products, appreciating the wide variety and opportunities to discover new suppliers. Tomoko Ida from Japan expressed enthusiasm for the fair’s creative and well-crafted collections, with particular interest in natural-fibre products such as cotton, jute and linen for home décor. Arend Mosterd from Netherlands, a returning visitor after a few editions, appreciated the fair’s new halls, diverse exhibitors and wide product range. Specialising in garden products, he is exploring practical, good-quality and marketable items made from varied materials. While he also visits fairs in China, he finds India’s distinctive materials and craftsmanship, particularly metalwork, difficult to source elsewhere. He also noted the strong preference for Indian rugs and textiles among customers in the Netherlands.

Sharing about knowledge sessions at IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2026, Mr. Avdesh Agarwal, President, IHGF Delhi Fair–Autumn 2026 Reception Committee shared, “Today’s seminar on ‘India’s FTA Moment’ detailed on New Gateways for Value Chains, Market Access and Sourcing Decisions for India’s handicraft exporters. The expert explained how India’s existing and emerging Free Trade Agreements can create new opportunities for market access, value-chain integration and competitive sourcing, while guiding exporters on tariffs, rules of origin and market selection strategies. Another on ‘Export Promotion Mission’ related to Financial and Market-Support Opportunities for Handicraft Exporters sensitised handicraft exporters about financial assistance, market-development support and export-promotion opportunities available under the Export Promotion Mission and guide them on accessing these benefits to expand into international markets.

Highlighting EPCH’s artisan-centric approach to integrated development and growth of the sector, Mr. Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH , shared, “EPCH continues to hand-hold the artisan community, supporting them through a comprehensive journey of learning, skill development, product innovation, market readiness, marketing and fulfilment. As part of these efforts, a special guidance session was organised for artisans and weavers at the fair venue, focusing on product development, branding and visual merchandising to enhance product appeal and strengthen market readiness.”

EPCH is a nodal institute for promoting exports of handicrafts from the Country to various destinations of the world and projecting India’s image abroad as reliable supplier of high quality of handicrafts. The overall Handicraft exports during the year 2025-26 was Rs. 33,168 Crores (US $ 3,754 Million) as informed by Mr. Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH.