Intertextile Beijing Apparel Fabrics sets new records

Huddersfield Fine Worsteds of the UK was one company to notice the rising demand for branded European products. “We import a lot of high-quality fabric to China and business is increasing fast,” said Ms Jennifer Huang, Huddersfield’s Shanghai agent. “A lot of buyers in China are looking for products from the UK,” she continued. Turkish exhibitor Soktas Tekstil Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S was another to notice local buyers’ preference for European fabrics. “This is the third time we have been here and we see there is a change of taste towards more high-end fabrics,” said Mr Burcin Durgun, Head of Marketing.

This year saw the debut of the Verve for Design zone which featured creative and inspirational textile design ideas from Europe, with a particular focus on mid-range and high-end products. Musticstyle from Italy were one exhibitor in this zone. “It makes the fair more interesting and international,” said Ms Patricia Grainzate. “A lot of people were looking and interested to see what we had to offer. Buyers here are very open to new things,” she concluded.

Many exhibitors spoken to were planning to return to Intertextile Beijing Apparel Fabrics next year. When asked the reason why, Mr George Goffredo from Zip Gfd SpA of Italy summed it up the best: “We are in the Chinese market because it’s growing in importance so it’s important to sell here. The future will be here,” he said.

Suppliers from Asia take advantage of local buyers’ increasing purchasing power

While demand for European products is on the rise in China, Asian suppliers still found plenty to be happy about due to the increasing purchasing power of domestic buyers. One such exhibitor was Scenic Inc from Korea. Mr Scenic Jiang, President, was at his ninth Intertextile Beijing fair, and explained why he would return again next year. “I met with about 200 buyers yesterday and today, and out of these meetings we have received orders already,” he said.

Wedtex Industrial Corp from Taiwan was one of many exhibitors that have started shifting their focus from international markets to China, and was happy with the results of the fair. “We have received many enquiries, mostly from big Chinese brands,” said Mr Wang Feng De. “We use Messe Frankfurt’s textile fairs to reach a different client base, and at this fair we can find many big local brands,” he continued.