Heritage, craftsmanship highlighted at 40th IHGF

Buyers from North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa trooped to India's business district to check out more than 1,600 products.

Leading and emerging suppliers from India gathered in the country's business capital for the 40th staging of the Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair (IHGF-Delhi Fair). The sourcing event packed more than 2,700 exhibitors of 1,600 different products in the 14 halls of the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, NCR Delhi. The fall edition of the biannual trade fair ran from October 14 to 18 and was organized by India's Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).

The products on display highlighted India's local heritage and craftsmanship. Among the crowd-drawers were housewares, furniture and furnishings, carpets, rugs, flooring, bathroom accessories, lamps and lighting, and garden accessories. Holiday decorations, party supplies, spa and wellness items, stationery and paper products, educational games, jewelry and fashion accessories, and bags and luggage also filled the show floor. Sustainable materials such as jute, cane, bamboo and other natural fibers were likewise available for inspection.

More than 5,000 buyers from North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa came to the fair. Among the notable attendees were Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Pier 1, Marks & Spencer, Restoration Hardware, Karstadt, Carrfour and Hobby Lobby. Local companies, including Urban Ladder, Pepper Fry, The Furniture Republic, Craftvilla, West Side and Keeper Furnishing, were present during the event as well.

Apart from the exhibits, guests were treated to complimentary events such as fashion shows and cultural performances. A series of seminars where industry experts shared insights and practical negotiation techniques was also held.

Recognizing the significance of doing online business to the development of local exporters, the EPCH also set up an e-hub where e-commerce portals, including eBay, Flipkart and Shop Clues, offer their services to the exhibitors.

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