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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

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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.

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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, Ready-

made 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

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articles and fabric. The Australian lifestyle supports an affluent and conspicuous consumer

sentiment.

Australia's share of import of handloom products

Value - Rs. In Crores

Products

April 2009- March 2010

April 2010- March 2011

April 2011- March 2012

April 2012- March 2013

April 2013- March 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:

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Products April-August 2013 April-August 2014

% change USD

Million INR

crores USD

Million INR

crores

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

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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

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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

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Mr.Ajay Sahai, Dir.Gen. & CEO, FIEO

Shri Gagan Rai, Chairman, HEPC, addressing the gathering

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Gathering at the official opening ceremony

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Official opening of the Austrailan International Sourcing Fair 2014

The following member exporters showcased their products during the 3 day event: -

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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 visitors

Spot orders Enquiries

Existing New Existing New

182 US$ 27000 US$ 76000 US$ 91100 US$ 507550

Sl. No.

Company Name and address Product displayed

1. The Handicrafts & Handlooms Exports Corporation of India Limited, Noida

Home Furnishing and Garments etc.

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

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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 11th to 13th 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).

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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.