Name of the Fair : The Australian International Sourcing Fair Organiser : Informa Exhibitions Australia Level 5, 267 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000, Australia Venue : Melbourne Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Place South Wharf VIC, Melbourne, Australia 3003 Duration : 3 days (18-20 November 2014) No. of HEPC participants : 11 + HEPC stall Highlights of Fair reported by Fair Authorities:- Gross floor space : 6,000 square metres Total exhibitors : 171 Total No. of Trade Visitors (including trade visitors to the co-located China Clothing & Textiles Expo.) : 2,997 Trade Visits representing 2476 individuals Participants Feedback: - Products Displayed : Handloom fabrics, garments, madeups, rugs, Cushion cover, table cloth, runner, placemats, Scarves, Stoles, Shawls, Bath mats, Cushion covers, Poufs, Cushions, Terry Towels, Bath Mat, Home textiles, Bags, Table Towel, Cushion cover, Hats, table linen, bed linen and other madeups, Bath linen, carpets and floor coverings No. of Visitors in HEPC stalls : 182 Visitors from : Australia & New Zealand Spot Orders : US$ 103,000 Enquiries Generated : US$ 598,650 1
About AISF as reported by the Fair authorities The Australian International Sourcing Fair is Australia's only dedicated sourcing trade fair. It creates a business platform connecting international manufacturers with Australian brands and buyers across the fashion and textile product categories. This is the fifth edition of this fair. AISF offers unparalleled opportunities for international manufacturers seeking to access the growing Australian market. Main entrance to AISF 2014 Australian International Sourcing Fair also offers a unique opportunity to access Australian and New Zealand trade buyers who are mainly interested in garments, fashion accessories, leather products, footwear, home textiles, fabric and handicrafts. This fair provides immediate access to a strong trade buying audience focused on connecting and contracting with international suppliers. Australia is a large, growing and stable economy, with strong import growth in fashion and textiles. This fair is organised by one of the world's leading exhibition organisers viz. Informa exhibitions, Melbourne, Australia, who claim to have established a professional platform for connecting with all levels of the Australian fashion and textiles market. 2
AISF is co-located with the China Clothing & Textiles EXPO 2014. Both Australian International Sourcing Fair 2014 and China Clothing & Textiles EXPO 2014 are organised by Informa Exhibitions, Melbourne, Australia. Visitor business profile The visitors business profile of AISF 2014 include Agency, Distributer/Wholesaler, Education, Government/Peak Body Importer, Manufacturer, Media, Retail Chain/Franchise, Retail Online, Retailer And Trade Supplier, Visitor industry profile The visitors industry profile of AISF 2014 include Belts/Millinery, Childrenswear/ Menswear/ Womenswear, FABRICS, Floor Coverings, Footwear, Giftwear, Handbags/Wallets, Homewares, Jewellery, Leather goods, Manchester, Scarves/ Gloves/Hosiery/Socks/Ties, Sport/Outdoor/Leisurewear, Travel Goods and Workwear/Uniforms Product profile Australian International Sourcing Fair features a diverse range of products including Accessories, Apparel, Millinery, Leather goods, Lingerie and intimate apparel, Sportswear, outdoor and sporting goods, Womenswear and menswear, Footwear, Workwear/uniforms, Streetwear, Embroidery, trims, Home textiles, handicrafts and handlooms, Luggage, bags and wallets, Giftware, Eyewear and headwear, Small leather goods, Jewellery, Denim, leather,, silk, embroidery, yarn and knitwear, Swimwear, Textiles and ceramics, Readymade garments/made ups. India Australia Trade Australia is a market for finished goods and there is tremendous potential for fashionable garments and home textiles including carpets, handicrafts, jute, etc. However, considering the current potential in the EU market where growth has been very slow, Australia now promises to be a good alternate market for finished goods especially home textiles. This event provides an opportunity for Indian exporters to tap the market potential and also regain the market share. Australia has strong growth trends in a number of sectors including womenswear, menswear, non-textile fashion and apparel accessories and made-up textile 3
articles and fabric. The Australian lifestyle supports an affluent and conspicuous consumer sentiment. Australia's share of import of handloom products Products April 2009- March 2010 April 2010- March 2011 April 2011- March 2012 Value - Rs. In Crores April April 2012-2013- March March 2013 2014 India's total Export 1,252.24 1,574.96 2,623.97 2,811.97 2,233.10 Australia's Share in total export 38.48 49.75 91.19 113.51 71.85 Share of Australia in % 3.07 3.16 3.48 4.04 3.22 Source: DGCI &S, Kolkata Australia Market with huge potential Textiles are one of the major items that constitute Indian exports to Australia. India is the largest producer of organic cotton and jute, second largest producer of raw cotton and silk. Australian buyers are looking at India as a reliable source market. India is also attractive for sourcing as it has the capability of providing flexible volumes. Joint commissions such as the Australia-India Business Council (AIBC) and India-Australia Business Council have promoted Indian exports to Australia in a major way. Indian exports to Australia have seen a significant rise during the last few years. Indian Australian trading relationships have never been in such a high peak than it is at present and this has given Indian exports to Australia a major reason to grow. A great many high-level meetings and increased interaction in business and trade flow between the two countries has taken place. Mainly the Indian Prime Minister, Mr.Narendra Modi, visit to Australia from 16-18 November 2014 and the meeting he had with Mr.John Howard, the Prime Minister of Australia is expected to give Indian exports to Australia a major boost. A number of agreements were signed and new initiatives launched. This meeting will pave way to further strengthen and increase Indian exports to Australia. Handloom products export to Australia: 4
April-August 2013 April-August 2014 Products USD INR USD INR Million crores Million crores % change Fabrics 0.01 0.05 0.002 0.01-73.35 Madeups 3.96 21.41 3.05 18.32-14.45 Floor coverings 1.71 9.23 1.76 10.59 14.70 Clothing Accessories 0.04 0.19 0.04 0.24 27.06 Grand Total 5.72 30.89 4.86 29.16-5.58 Source: DGCI &S, Kolkata Export of handloom products during April - August 2014 is Rs.29 crores (USD Million 5) thereby registering negative trend (-) 6% when compared to the corresponding period April - August 2013 which stood at Rs.31 crores (USD Million 6). Fabrics and madeups categories have registered negative trend with (-)73% and (-) 14% respectively. Floor coverings and clothing accessories have registered positive growth with 15% and 27% respectively. About HEPC s participation in AISF 2014 Handloom Export Promotion Council organised the Australian International Sourcing Fair 2014 held from 18-20 November 2014 under National Handloom Development Programme of O/o Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. Of India. Financial assistance was provided to Member participants by way of discounted space rent in addition to the reimbursement of airfare, as per the eligibility. Under this assistance 11 member exporters participated in the Australian International Sourcing Fair 2014 and showcased the wide range of home textile and fashion textiles to the Australia and New Zealand market. Overall we had taken a total space of 111 sq.mtrs. The range of products exhibited by our participants include Handloom fabrics, garments, madeups, rugs, Cushion cover, table cloth, runner, placemats, Scarves, Stoles, Shawls, Bath mats, Cushion covers, Poufs, Cushions, Terry Towels, Bath Mat, Home textiles, Bags, Table Towel, Cushion cover, Hats, table linen, bed linen and other madeups, Bath linen, carpets and floor coverings. HEPC had set-up a Central Promotional Stall and showcased the highlights of participating in the India International Handwoven Fair 2015, and visitors were opined about the activities of HEPC in promoting handwoven products from India. Many visitors have expressed their willingness to consider participating in the India 5
International Handwoven Fair 2015, and have submitted their profile for our consideration. HEPC booth in the presence of Hostess Apart from HEPC s joint participation, Federation of India Exporters Organisation (FIEO) has lead a contingent of exporters who have displayed various products from India to the Australian market. FIEO was leading a delegation, which is the largest representation from India to this fair, and had set-up the India Expo (Pavilion) at the venue. Ariel view of HEPC booth along side FIEO pavilion 6
OFFICIAL OPENING OF INDIA EXPO (PAVILION) Shri Gagan Rai, Chairman, HEPC, was invited to attend the official opening of the India EXPO (Pavilion) at Australian International Sourcing Fair and for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, 2 Claredon St, South Wharf, Australia, Bay 13-16, Hospitality Suite 4 on Tuesday 18th November, 2014. Our Chairman addressed the gathering and spoke about various issues on Indian handlooms, which was much appreciated by the crowd. Speeches were also delivered by Mr.Harvey Stockbridge, M.D., Informa Exhibitions Australia and by Mr.Ajay Sahai, Dir.Gen. & CEO, FIEO. A few photographs during the inaugural function is given below: - Mr.Harvey Stockbridge, M.D., Informa Exhibitions Australia 7
Mr.Ajay Sahai, Dir.Gen. & CEO, FIEO Shri Gagan Rai, Chairman, HEPC, addressing the gathering 8
Gathering at the official opening ceremony 9
Official opening of the Austrailan International Sourcing Fair 2014 The following member exporters showcased their products during the 3 day event: - 10
Sl. Company Name and address Product displayed No. 1. The Handicrafts & Handlooms Home Furnishing and Garments etc. Exports Corporation of India Limited, Noida 2. K.U.M.Connection, New Delhi Textiles Fashion and Home Interiors related products. 3. Inertia International, Panipat Decorative Pillow, Pillow shell, Bed sheet, duvet & Quilts. 4. Old Village Overseas, New Delhi Scarves & Stoles 5. Ashoka Handicrafts, Panipat Cushion Covers, Bath Mats, etc. 6. Sheil International, New Delhi Cushions, Table Linen, Curtains. 7. Pavik Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd.,New Delhi Terry Towel, Bath Towel, Baby Towel & Bath Mat 8. Texworld, New Delhi Cushion Covers, Curtains, Quilts, Pillows 9. Nivedita-Swarup, New Delhi Handloom made & printed Scarves, Stoles, Dresses 10. Nal Tex, Karur Home Furnishing 11. Seth Kumar Rai International, Gurgaon Handloom Cotton Mats & Made-ups Feedback from participants: - The range of products exhibited by our participants include Handloom fabrics, garments, madeups, rugs, Cushion cover, table cloth, runner, placemats, Scarves, Stoles, Shawls, Bath mats, Cushion covers, Poufs, Cushions, Terry Towels, Bath Mat, Home textiles, Bags, Table Towel, Cushion cover, Hats, table linen, bed linen and other madeups, Bath linen, carpets and floor coverings. The participants have informed that the overall turnout of buyers was good, and they were able to penetrate into new markets. Viz. Australia & New Zealand. No. of Spot orders Enquiries visitors Existing New Existing New 182 US$ 27000 US$ 76000 US$ 91100 US$ 507550 11
The visitors were mainly from Australia and New Zealand. Spot orders were received for Scarfs & Shawls, Table linen, cushion covers, scarves, stoles, bags, carpets and floor coverings, and business enquiries were generated for Table linen, kitchen linen, bed linen, bath linen, cushion covers, carpets and floor coverings, wall hangings, fashion accessories, knitted throw Scarfs & Shawls, placemat, runners. The buyers were satisfied with the offer made by our participants, and nearly all participants were able to establish profit margin. All exhibitors except one have expressed their willingness to participate in the next edition under HEPC. The event participation was coordinated on site by Mr. William Desmond Jude, Assistant, HEPC. Observations at the fair: The locations of HEPC s stalls were in an advantageous position. This enabled our participants to showcase their products in a vibrant and pleasing way to the visitors. Many of the visitors of the fair were retailers and manufacturers who are looking to source products, but not in high quantities. This fair is very suitable for budding exporters and small firms who are stepping into international trade. Many of the visitors in this fair are looking for small quantity only. IIHF Mobilisation at the venue: Visitors to HEPC stall were opined about the India International Handwoven Fair 2015 to be held in Chennai, India, from 11 th to 13 th March 2015. Visitors were elaborately explained about the progress of the fair and the outcome, and were encouraged to enroll their firms by submitting their profile for visiting IIHF 2015. Many visitors showed interest in visiting IIHF 2015, and their information was collected in the prescribed format, and the same is enclosed for further follow-up. Exporters, who have participated in this fair directly, were also explained about HEPC s activities and the benefits applicable for enrolling with our Council. Interested firms were provided with application form for enrolment. Organisers of Chinatex Advertising & Exhibition Co., Ltd., Beijing, China, met the undersigned and disused about HEPC s participation in Asia Fashion Fair to be held in Osaka (14 16 April 2015) and Tokyo (21 23 October 2015). 12
Conclusion: Overall this is well established exhibition which will benefit mainly the upcoming and small and medium exporters. The main visitors to this fair being retailers from Australia and New Zealand, it is worthwhile to participate in this fair but not expecting orders in large quantities. The quality of the buyers is fairly good. With better preparation and a little market knowledge about Australia and their choice of products, an upcoming exporter would find this fair very beneficial. This fair would either provide him with good business or make the participant aware about the expectations of the Australian Buyer. 13