MUMBAI — May 24, 2016 — The Indian intimate wear industry is on the cusp of a revolutionary transformation. Intimate Apparel Association of India (IAAI), will be heralding the wonderful times that lie ahead for the industry by organising the fifth edition of Galleria Intima August 5-6, 2016 in New Delhi. There are many indications that give credence to the prediction that tides are turning in favor of Indian intimate wear industry. A robust domestic market that has been growing at an annual rate of 15 to 20 per cent gives Indian brands a solid standing that they can build upon to start foraying into unchartered territories. At present, exports from India accounts for a mere four per cent of international trade in intimate wear. China, the long-standing indisputable behemoth of the global textile export market is growing weak around its knees. Top international brands like Victoria’s Secret, Fruit of the Loom, Aerie, Warnaco Group, La Senza, Hanesbrands, etc. that dominate the global market have been getting their products made in countries like China following a steep rise in manufacturing costs in Europe and USA. China for years has remained the largest supplier of intimate wear. However, slowdown in domestic economy and pressure from labourers has forced Chinese companies to increase their labour costs making their products less competitive in the international market. Chinese labour costs are nearly four times higher than India. International brands are looking for better options like India that also has the advantage of a young and inexpensive labour force. Continuous rise is the disposable income of the Indian middle class means that the domestic market for intimate wear will remain robust in the years to come. India also has abundant availability of raw materials. All these factors make India an ideal hub for global manufacturing. Along with Indian brands, international brands too could consider setting up their manufacturing units here and then sell to domestic as well as global markets. This is the crux of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Nations across the globe have been made to sit up and take notice of an assertive and resurgent India following the aggressive promotion of the brand India under the charismatic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Keeping the spotlight on the ‘Make in India’ campaign, the fifth edition of ‘Galleria Intima’ will be held on 5th and 6th of August, 2016 at Crowne Plaza Hotel (Rohini) in New Delhi. The event will bring together major domestic and international players of the global intimate wear industry. Brand owners, manufacturers of intimate wear, designers, export houses, large format retailers, online retailers and buying houses from all over the world will stand under one roof where prowess of Indian firms as manufacturers and providers of raw materials will be showcased. Speaking about the positive impact of attending the event, Amit Mehta, General Manager, Shri Ginger Enterprises, leading manufacturer of knitted fabrics in India says, “The fair brings us face to face with our customers and after listening to their needs and demand we find ourselves compelled to deliver as per their expectations.” The event offers a platform where domestic and international buyers can observe the newest innovations, most spectacular designs and products that are the result of thorough research and development process. Hans-Peter Grosch, Head of Vendor Management and Procurement at Triumph International, found himself quite impressed by what the event can offer, “During my maiden visit to ‘Galleria Intima’ I was quite impressed to find potential vendors of laces, elastics, knitted
fabrics and different forms of accessories,” he said. The event’s dedicated website offers online registration with barcode automation of badges to the visitors – an innovative functionality used only by a select number of exhibitions in India. During last year’s event 65 per cent of visitors were pre-registered. The current edition promises to bring in more product innovations from new and past exhibitors with 75 per cent of space already filled since the announcement of the show. One would be able to source everything from fibre to packaging all under one roof with focus being on OEM / ODM and Machinery suppliers. So far the show has received exhibitor participation from countries such as Italy, Turkey, China, Germany, Sri Lanka, Thailand, etc. apart from India and anticipates a visitor footfall of over 2000 with over 1000 Intimate Wear Brands and Labels from India alone.
IAAI, an organization committed to shore up India’s share in the global intimate wear export market from 4 per cent to 10 per cent by 2025, was founded on 30th May, 2010. The organization is guided by the vision to acquire for India a leader’s position in the global intimate wear market that the country truly deserves by persistently working towards the promotion and development of the industry. Speaking about India’s untapped potential, Yusuf Dohadwala CEO of IAAI, says, “For a long time, India’s position has been of a sleeping giant in the global intimate wear market. It seems now that this Giant is about wake up to unleash its true potential. With our Prime Minister’s focus on Make in India, we are sure that the next five to ten years will be the golden years for the Indian Intimate Wear Industry.”
The fifth edition of ‘Galleria Intima’ will help lighten up the path that leads to the fulfilment of this vision. The event will be attended by more than 2,000 visitors from India and abroad. Over 1,000 brands from India alone are expected to visit the event. It will be a stupendous occasion where red carpet will be rolled out for international brands to set up their shops and manufacturing units in India and to find suitable Indian collaborators for the process.
Posted June 15, 2016
Source: Intimate Apparel Association of India (IAAI)