Development Commissioner (Handlooms) visits IHGF Delhi Fair, commends product display and exhibitors’ dynamism

Delhi/NCR – 15th October 2025 – The 60th edition of the IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2025 being held from 13th to 17th October 2025 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway continues to welcome a steady stream of buyers right from the early business hours of the fair, till the day’s closing. Besides representation from India’s established export markets, there is significant buyer traffic from emerging markets as well.

Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH shared, “Buyers visiting the show in the first three days appreciated décor, interior enhancement products, home accents, natural products, value-added home furnishing, furniture with textures and work on wood’s original veins as well as fashion accessories and wellness lines. There are many for exclusives and items that no competitor can find in their home markets. This is a big compliment for us.”

Referring to the positive sentiment shown by buyers, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH and Chairman-IEML, said, “The Marts at the India Expo Centre have attracted many first-time visitors who are discovering the advantages of year-round, well-stocked showrooms operated by established manufacturer-exporters, some with factories located far from the NCR. Regular buyers have also expressed appreciation for the refreshed displays and the showcase of new collections tailored to both short-term and regular sourcing seasons.”

Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman, EPCH remarked, “For many visitors, the fair is alive with innovations and handcrafted fusions traversing from classics to contemporary influences, transitional elements to simple yet surprising lines inspired by nature and everyday life.”

“I’m truly impressed by the fair — it’s vast, well-organized, and full of creativity,” said Christine Becker, a buyer from London. “The furniture, lighting, and ceramics are exceptional, and I’m particularly drawn to the old and uniquely crafted pieces. Around 30% of my products come from India, and I’m very happy and excited about the quality I’ve seen this time. The fair has definitely improved, with better facilities than the last edition. The Indian domestic market feels vibrant and full of potential,” she added. Piccolo Morgan from France, visiting for the first time, said he was amazed by the variety and quality of handicrafts. He added that some pieces were truly unique and unlike anything he had seen before. Anna from Germany shared, “I’m very interested in small accessories and gifts, especially jewellery I have seen at this fair. The pieces are beautifully detailed and aesthetic.”

Further, Avdesh Agarwal, Chief Convenor, EPCH, informed, “The Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, Dr. M Beena visited the fair today. She met the exhibitors and appreciated the visual feast the multi-sector display at the fair epitomised. She commended the display of handwoven and handspun crafts presented by about twenty weavers from India’s North Eastern Region (NER), facilitated by her office for international exposure. The Development Commissioner also felicitated ‘Pioneers of Handicraft Sector’, acknowledging their long-standing association with the show. These exhibitors have been participating in the IHGF Delhi Fair consistently.”

Present at this felicitation ceremony were, Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH; Lekhraj Maheshwari, Former Chairman-EPCH; Ms. Jesmina Zeliang, Member CoA-EPCH; R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH and Rajesh Rawat, Addl. Executive Director-EPCH. The felicitated are: Karan Jethwani, M/s International Trade Linkers, Mumbai; Atul Poddar, M/s Poddar Associates, Jaipur; Rahul Aggarwal, M/s Laaj International, New Delhi; Shalib Rehman, M/s Meba Brass, Moradabad; Ankur Aggarwal, M/s J.O. Exports, Moradabad and Vaibhav Khatri, M/s Khatritex, Jaipur.

Mentioning about supporting events, Rajat Asthana, President, IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2025, said, “Seminars being held in course of the fair have been thoughtfully curated to make the Indian handicraft sector future-ready. Today three were conducted. ‘Digitalization for Exporters: Application of AI in Making Presentations and Design Mockups’ offered a hands-on learning experience, demonstrating how exporters can leverage AI to convert product specifications and images into buyer-ready pitch decks, line sheets and design mock-ups within minutes. The next titled, ‘Local Cash & Carry to Global Supply Chain – One Platform, Endless Possibilities’ explored how India’s manufacturing ecosystem could evolve into a global supply network by linking cash & carry hubs across India with global marketplaces under a just-in-time model. The discussion highlighted how technology, curation and agile fulfilment can make Indian exports faster, smarter and more globally competitive.

R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH added, “In today’s competitive times and ongoing international market conditions, it is imperative to guide the sector towards many aspects of anchoring one’s presence in international markets as well as reaching out effectively to prospective customers. Our panel discussions during the fair are designed to engage exporters and help them stay ahead of the curve. Today’s panel discussion was on ‘From Maker to Market: Decoding Brand Narrative, Visual Merchandising & Retailing’ offering guidance on how one can build an appealing brand by crafting product stories rooted in provenance and translating them into effective visual displays through sightlines, focal points, colour and material harmonies, as well as booth or retail planograms.”