IHGF Delhi Fair–Spring 2026 Sees Strong Buyer Interest and Strategic Export Dialogues on Day 3

Greater Noida News (17 February 2026): The 61st edition of IHGF Delhi Fair – Spring 2026 continued at full throttle on its third day, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive sourcing platforms for Indian handicrafts. The five-day fair, being organised from February 14 to 18 by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), is being hosted at the world-class India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.

With more than 3,000 exhibitors spread across temporary halls, around 900 permanent showrooms, curated theme displays and a host of buyer-support services, the fair is witnessing robust footfalls from international buyers across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia. Exhibitor–buyer meetings, product sourcing, trend discussions and knowledge sessions kept the venue buzzing throughout the day.

Strategic EPCH–Expo Bazaar–TICA Collaboration in Focus

A major highlight of Day 3 was a well-attended presentation for exporters and industry stakeholders on the EPCH–Expo Bazaar–TICA collaborative initiative. The session outlined a forward-looking export architecture designed to strengthen the presence of Indian handicrafts in European markets through warehousing, fulfilment solutions and Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery models.

The initiative aims to help Indian exporters tap evolving opportunities in the EU, particularly in light of the changing India–EU trade dynamics and anticipated tariff rationalisation. By reducing lead times and improving supply-chain efficiency, the platform seeks to convert macro-level trade advantages into tangible revenue growth for exporters.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH, said that the partnership reflects a future-ready approach to global trade. Drawing from firsthand exposure to the scale of TICA’s operations in the Benelux region, he encouraged member exporters to leverage this opportunity for direct market access, enhanced value realisation and sustainable growth.

Understanding New-Age Business Models

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General (Chief Mentor), EPCH and Chairman, IEML, elaborated on TICA’s two-pronged business structure—Cash & Carry and Project-based sourcing. He explained how shifts in buyer behaviour, particularly in the post-pandemic era, have driven demand for faster delivery cycles, flexible order quantities and reliable compliance. According to him, the EPCH Expo Bazaar platform is committed to showcasing compliant, trend-driven products with strong commercial appeal.

Sharing further insights, Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman, EPCH, noted that a TICA delegation is present at the fair to identify select Indian manufacturers for long-term integration into its European ecosystem. He underlined that the focus is on strategic vendor onboarding rather than transactional buying, offering suppliers sustained access to TICA’s cash-and-carry centres in the Netherlands and Belgium, which cater to tens of thousands of professional B2B buyers annually.

Rogier Uivel, CEO and Co-owner of TICA, traced the company’s journey and success story in the Benelux region. He highlighted that TICA’s growth into the region’s largest cash-and-carry chain is rooted in serving over 45,000 members with consistent quality, variety and distinctive product offerings tailored to professional buyers.

Complementing the discussion, Jitin Prashar, Senior Vice President, Expo Bazaar, outlined the platform’s expanding footprint in the US, EU and UK markets, along with its multi-mode delivery systems, including drop shipments, to ensure efficient last-mile fulfilment.

Strong Global Buyer Response

Reflecting on market sentiment, Mohit Chopra, President, IHGF Delhi Fair–Spring 2026 Reception Committee, observed that the fair has been witnessing busy business days, with buyers from across the globe appreciating the improving weather, modern infrastructure and vast product diversity. He noted strong buyer interest in home décor, furniture, gifting solutions, fashion accessories and festive assortments during the first three days.

International buyers echoed similar sentiments. Andrew Knox from Australia, representing a firm specialising in interior design and décor for hotels and large commercial spaces, described his first visit to the fair as well-organised and refreshing. He emphasised craftsmanship, finish and long-term usability as key sourcing criteria.

From France, Maxime Vibert highlighted her focus on luxury and artisanal products fully manufactured in India, citing superior quality and fine detailing as major strengths. Patrick, a Belgium-based furniture buyer and regular IHGF visitor, shared that the fair’s vast range continues to offer new discoveries each year. Meanwhile, Momoko from Japan remarked on visible improvements in product innovation and business infrastructure since her previous visit.

Knowledge Sessions on Design and Buyer Expectations

Continuing its emphasis on capacity building, EPCH organised two insightful seminars on Day 3. Gautam Nathany, Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair–Spring 2026, said the session on “Design Futures 2027 – Spring/Summer Trends & Autumn/Winter Insights” examined the evolving convergence of sustainability, innovation and craft, aligned with global trend forecasts for 2027.

Adding to this, Anand Jalan, Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair–Spring 2026, explained that the second seminar, “What Buyers Want – Key Expectations in Product Presentation, Communication & Compliance,” aimed to bridge gaps between Indian suppliers and international buyers. The session focused on professional presentation standards, effective communication and adherence to global compliance norms as critical drivers of buyer confidence and long-term partnerships.

Empowering Small and Emerging Exporters

Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH, stated that the new collaborative model is particularly beneficial for small and mid-sized retailers who place frequent, smaller orders. By enabling expanded storage, faster dispatches and wider market access, the initiative opens new avenues for young and innovative entrepreneurs. He also informed that EPCH organised orientation programmes during the fair for artisans and weavers deputed by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to familiarise them with export procedures and participation in domestic and overseas trade fairs.

EPCH, as the apex body for handicrafts exports from India, continues to promote the “magic of gifted hands” of millions of artisans engaged in home, lifestyle, furniture, fashion jewellery and accessories across the country. As per EPCH data, India’s handicrafts exports during 2024–25 stood at ₹33,123 crore (US$ 3,918 million), underlining the sector’s growing global relevance.

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