The 52nd edition of the IHGF Delhi Fair was the first live event in more than 18 months, with over 1,250 overseas buyers visiting the fair.
At the opening ceremony, chairman/Hon’ble Minister of State, Labour Welfare Council, Government of UP, Sunil Bharala, emphasised the importance of buying local products and stressed that importing from China should be minimised.
“This Diwali, we should buy gifts from our artisans so even they can flourish during the post-pandemic period,” he stated.
“Indian products are attractive and no other market can compete with them.”
He added further that India’s Prime Minister’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives plan to take the local brands to a global stage and under the same programs, new schemes will be announced that will benefit the artisans even more.
Despite the challenges the fair organisers had to go through post-pandemic while putting the show together including travel restrictions in many parts of the world, the buyer turnout at this edition of IHGF Delhi Fair has fulfilled expectations, says Dr. Rakesh Kumar, director general EPCH and chairman IEML.
“Over the last years, a large number of buyers and sellers have been dependent on IHGF Delhi Fair for procurement and supply of products that vibe well with consumers across world markets that are readily sellable,” he says.
“So opening up the fair after the gap of two seasons came as a welcome change for them as they travelled far in these times to source from India.”
Elias Valbo, a buyer from Sweden calls this fair a gateway to Indian suppliers and a storehouse of inspiration.
“I have been coming to this fair since 2005 so I have my base of regular suppliers. The pandemic has affected business but sourcing will continue through this fair,” she says.
“I am happy to come back after the gap. The arrangements are nice with amazing product display,” Christophe Donkckels from Belgium says.
This year’s Best Display Awards covered product categories such as decorative and gifts (including corporate gifts); bathroom accessories; lamp & lighting accessories; furniture, furniture hardware & accessories; fashion jewellery & accessories; home textiles, furnishings & floor coverings; and houseware, tableware, kitchenware and hotelware.
