Interstoff declares a success by visitors & exhibitors alike

30 Mar '11

6 min read

Ending on a positive note, Interstoff Asia Essential Spring, successfully closed its doors on Friday, 18 March 2011, with 7,062 buyers, a 3% increase from the previous show.

Majority of the buyers came specifically to source for a variety of fashion, functional and eco textiles while cotton, linen, wool, silk, printed fabrics and buttons were the most popular items sourced from top suppliers Balavigna Weaving Mills P Ltd, Be-Mode Textile Co Ltd, Hangzhou Tianen Textiles Co Ltd, Hansun Textile Co., Ltd, Okto F. Works Co Ltd, Union Knopf (HK) Ltd plus many others. In total, there were 210 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions including China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and the UK.

“Interstoff has become a unique trade fair that serves a very niche market within a very competitive apparel fabrics industry in Asia,” observed Ms Wendy Wen, Director, Trade Fairs for Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “With nearly 25 years of textile expertise in Hong Kong alone, we are certain that our geographical know-how, large client database and ability to change are key factors that will help us maintain our edge over other industry events in the region.”

Exhibitors agreed. “The fair organiser is very accommodating and we appreciate their excellent service,” said Mr Fred Arai, Director for Ishinco, suppliers based in Japan who showcased a variety of cotton, linen, cupro-eco fabrics, polyester and much more.

“We are very happy to co-operate with Messe Frankfurt as they are dedicated to promoting eco textiles,” commended Mr Herbert Ladwig, Coordinator – International Working Group for Global Organic Textile Standard, Germany. “Interstoff is one possibility where we can meet with potential GOTS suppliers as well as educate professionals on our standardisations.”

Significant visitor increases came from Italy, Thailand, China, Germany, the US and Taiwan while visitors from Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and France maintained their participation numbers from the previous show.

Majority of the buyers were garment manufacturers while the remaining were from trading companies, design houses, buying offices, retailers as well as other industry related professional service companies.

Representatives of major fashion labels and high-street retailers came in their droves to see what new and innovative products were on offer. Buyers recorded on-site included adidas, Benetton, Burberry, Coach, Columbia, Donna Karen, Giorgio Armani Group, Hermes-OTTO, H & M, L.L Bean, Li Ning Sports, Marks & Spencer, Next, Polo Ralph Lauren, Reitmans, The Swank, Toppy, True Religion, Triumph, Wacoal, Zara as well as several buying offices such as Li & Fung, Mast Industries, ZTAMPZ and many more.

“This is an important fair for us to participate in,” said Mr Johnny Shen, President for Ever Shine Y & F Co Ltd. “International buying offices are located in Hong Kong plus this city is still one of the most important textile centers in Asia. So far we have met with New Time, Burberry, Esprit and Victoria's Secret.” The Taiwan based manufacturer displayed their line of knitted fabrics, jersey, jacquard and fleece.

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