The recently concluded 42nd edition of IHGF-Delhi Fair Autumn 2016, one of Asia’s largest gifts and handicrafts fair held biannually, held from October 14-18, 2016 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, India, noted a 7 per cent surge in exhibitors to 2,980 as against 2,750 last year.
The exhibitors showcased their products in 14 product segments including handicrafts in home, lifestyle, fashion, gifts and furniture. The number of product lines also increased to 2,000 this year compared to 1,460 last year. Supported by 2,700 domestic trade visitors, IHGF generated export volume of Rs. 2,950 crore this year, representing an increase of around 10 per cent over the last year.
It may be noted here that the IHGF, organized by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts contributes roughly 14 per cent to yearly exports of handicrafts amounting to Rs. 21,457.91 crores in the current financial year.
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Buyer’s footfall from different countries stood at USA (636), Germany (305), UK (295), Australia (290), France (252), Japan (205) and China (122). The number of buyers from China has been gradually increasing over the years and some new buyers from countries as diverse as Tunisia, Syria, Cyprus, Krygystan, Panama also marked their presence at the 5-day fair.
Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director, EPCH states, “This edition of the IHGF Delhi also gave a special thrust to promotion of crafts from the North Eastern region of India. More than 30 entrepreneurs from North East participated this year with new and innovative designs in various craft categories like water hyacinth products, kauna grass baskets, sitalpati handbags, areca nut leaf plates, eri silk products (ahimsa silk). Artisans from clusters like Jodhpur (wooden handicrafts), Narsapur (lace crafts) also participated at the fair.”
