IHGF Delhi Fair 2024: Sustainable Innovations gain accolade as buyers finalise orders

Delhi/NCR – 8th February 2024 – The 57th edition of IHGF-DELHI FAIR – SPRING 2024 being held from 6th to 10th February 2024 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway, continues to enthuse its patrons and first time trade visitors alike. India’s varied geographical locations, have brought in distinct cultural identities and products made from an abundant raw material base. “The fair is at full splendour with its support of our overseas buyers, buying houses, buying agents, and domestic volume buyers. Numerous new connections are being established, while existing ones are being rekindled. Both new suppliers’ product lines and innovations from regular vendors are being evaluated. Some orders have been concluded, and others are earmarked for finalization during post-show follow-ups ,” shared Mr. Dileep Baid, Chairman, EPCH.

He further added, “Sustainability remains a focal point of our product selection at the IHGF Delhi Fair, showcasing a wide range of eco-friendly home, lifestyle, fashion, textiles, and furniture items besides other assortments. Exhibitors and suppliers are dedicated to contributing to a more sustainable and ethical future. Many exhibitors are presenting vibrant eco-friendly products, including cotton and jute lifestyle accessories, hand-painted artisanal apparel using natural dyes, decor crafts made from waste cloth and paper, fashion accessories crafted from plant fibers sourced during natural cycles, among others. These are attracting many buyers.”

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, IEML, said, “with emphasis on the circular economy and environmentally friendly supply chains for a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving future, EPCH is guiding the Indian handicrafts industry toward responsible manufacturing and greener value chains. These products not only make their way to the retail shelves of the world’s top home and lifestyle brands but also garner appreciation at renowned international fairs where our exporters participate.”

Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Vice Chairman II, EPCH, added, “EPCH’s VRIKSH certification, known as ‘Sustainability through Legality,’ has global recognition as a standard guaranteeing the sustainable trade of all timber species. This initiative aligns with EPCH’s mission, which is in harmony with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the interconnected environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.”

Mr. R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH, shared “in keeping with the significance of this theme, insightful seminars were conducted today on topics like: Crafting a Circular Future: Navigating Sustainability and Carbon Impact; Reviving Tradition and Reducing Impact through Sustainable Pathways in the Handicrafts Sector; and System Optimisation for Better Profitability. These had well known industry personalities and were well attended.”

Mrs Priya Agarwal, Fair President, Reception Committee, IHGF Delhi Fair–Spring 2024 added, “the Ramp Shows held during the fair are garnering significant attention, providing increased visibility to select products. Fashion jewellery, accessories, and apparel are prominently featured in these presentations, emphasizing their appeal and allure.”

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts is a nodal agency for promotion of exports of handicrafts from the Country and create brand image of magic of the gifted hands of millions of artisans and crafts persons engaged in production of home, lifestyle, textiles, furniture and fashion jewellery & accessories products in different craft clusters of the Country. The overall Handicraft exports during the year 2022-23 was Rs. 30,019.24 Crores (US $ 3,728.47 Million), as informed by Mr. R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH.