F&A Show Turned out to Be a Highly Successful Exhibition

In spite of a last minute change in venue due to unforeseen circumstances, the twin Fabrics & Accessories Trade Show (F&A Show) and Homtex - India International Home Textile Exhibition which concluded on May 25, 2013, turned out to be a highly successful exhibition with a majority of the participants appreciating the superior, business-like environment besides the high quality of visitors.

“Even the number of visitors was not affected and we were able to maintain it at the same level as that of last year’s,” said Mr P. Krishnamurthy, CEO & Executive Director, S S Textile Media (Pvt) Ltd, organizers of the events. A total of 124 exhibitors, besides a separate Chinese pavilion, and 3,154 visitors from all over the country besides countries like Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, UAE, France, Spain, Brazil, UK, etc. attended the show.

Exhibiting companies, once again, presented a top-class range of textile products to highly qualified trade visitors from all over the world. The show was therefore able to further develop its position as India’s leading event and business barometer for the textiles and accessories industry. F&A Show stands for innovation and quality and attracts a highly international trade audience.

Exhibitors again praised the event for the high quality and number of visitors, and contact with potential customers at their stands. The quota of visitors from top management was very high; more than every fourth visitor belonged to the management of a company or was the owner of a company. Over two-thirds of all exhibitors were able to fully or largely reach their target groups at the F&A Trade Show 2013, and the other one third at least partially. Besides approaching new markets, important aims of exhibiting were attracting new customers, product presentation and reuniting with old customer.

Mr Dhrub T. Panda, Textile Designer, Gayatri Design Studio, Mumbai, said: “A lot of opportunities opened up for us. The show has been very good with a lot of manufacturers and exporters evincing keen interest in our activities.”

Mr Nitin Poddar, Director, Ginni Spectra Pvt. Ltd., Jaipur, said: “Yes, we were able to meet new customers at the show. We had enquiries from even places like Karur, Chennai and Delhi.”

Mr Y. K. Jhamb, Director and V. P. Marketing, Mynah Industries Limited, Bangalore, said: “The facilities at the exhibition were good with an international feel. We did get new buyers and were able to have that initial interaction, which we hope will materialize into business very soon.”

Mr S. Ramesh Murthy, Marketing manager - RMG, Premier Spg. & Wvg. Mills Pvt Ltd., Hosur, said: “The visitors who came to our stall were genuinely interested in our line of products. We were able to meet top quality buyers.” He was also very appreciative of the changed venue, even though it was a last minute decision.

Mr Deendayal B. Jhanwar, Managing Director, Shree Ramkrishna (Jhanwar) Texfab Pvt. Ltd., Ichalkaranji, noted: “The show was really good for us; we were able to meet new customers and had visitors from China, Korea, Sri Lanka and even Turkey. The people who came to our stall were genuine and appreciated the range of our new products displayed. The facilities at this location are also par excellence.”

Mr Rakesh Patel, Proprietor, Satvah Creation, Ahmedabad, said: “This is the first time I am participating at this show and I must say it has been very effective. This is a good show with lots of quality buyers. We even had buyers from Spain, France and Sri Lanka.”

Mr Alakan Karuppannan, Head - Marketing, Business Innovation & Sustainability, VSM Weaves India Ltd., (Pallavaa Group), Erode, said: “The show was okay for us with us having met top quality buyers and visitors even from countries like Sri Lanka and Brazil.”

Ms Neerja Rastogi, Partner, Vanshika Overseas, Gurgaon, said: ‘We have participated in lots of other exhibitions; but this has been well done. The organizers have done a good job and we are very satisfied. The digital printed cushion covers were appreciated and we had buyers from as far as Mauritius evincing keen interest in our products.”

Visitors too were extremely positive about the F&A Trade Show. Ninety three percent of the visitors rated the show as excellent and could find new vendors from whom they could possibly source their requirements. But said, they would have been with a few more stalls and variety especially in the trims and accessories; and home décor segments.

Mr Koji Asai, Senior Leader, Flex Japan Co. Ltd., Tokyo, said: “The show gave me an insight into what India had to offer, especially the very interesting patchwork at Satvah, an exciting range of cottons from Ramkrishna Group stalls.”

Mr Ashish Kumar, CEO, Arvind Limited, Bangalore: “There has been a lot of effort in putting this right kind of exhibition. The quality of the show is very good and one very interesting part is the contingent of Chinese companies who have displayed their wares.”

Mr Mandeep Singh, Senior Merchandiser, Global Brands, Li & Fung (India) Pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon, noted: “The show is good with a lot of fabrics. Overall, it’s been a good experience and I found some interesting products at the Angel Group, Uflex stalls, especially, new laces and trims. I wish there were a few more stalls.”

Into its tenth year, for many, the exhibition is turning out to be the first point of contact when it comes to sourcing the right kinds of fabrics, trims and accessories. The show was held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, Bangalore, May 23 - 25, 2013.