Visitors, exhibitors welcome Interstoff (eco-friendly textile fair)

27 Mar '09

5 min read

Ms Wendy Wen, Director, Trade Fairs, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

“The textile industry is quickly evolving and we have proven once again that Interstoff Asia Essential is a key destination for industry professionals looking for innovation and inspiration,” said Ms Wendy Wen, Director of Trade Fairs for Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

The 2009 Spring edition attracted nearly 7,000 visitors at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 42 countries and regions. The event took place over three days from 18 – 20 March and featured some of the finest fabrics and modern eco textiles from around the world. Exhibitors commended the fair organisers, for providing a cost-effective means of meeting with professional buyers and gaining fresh insight into this dynamic market.

Famous brands and serious buyers attend spring fair, reaffirming fairs relevance in the textile industry
Mr Sikander Sulaiman, Marketing Manager for Sapphire, an eco textile manufacturer from Pakistan praised the quality of this year's visitors on the fair. “The buyers were serious and refined. They knew what they wanted to purchase and helped us expand our business.”

In terms of business nature, 31 percent of the attendees were garment and textile manufacturers, 17 percent were from trading companies, 15 percent were buying agents, offices and importers, 8 percent were designers and 7 percent were wholesalers, retailers and department store buyers. The remaining visitors included trade associations, media and other apparel textile related services.

The top ten visiting countries and regions included Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, the US, Indonesia, Australia, South Korea, India, Japan and Thailand. Significant increases in buyers from Hong Kong, South Korea, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates were also recorded.

Return visitor, Mr Kumjorn Chuenchoochit, Executive Director for the Thai Textile Industry Public Company Limited, was impressed with the shows improved image. 'There is a range of high quality fabrics on the fair that have great colours and unique designs. This fair now showcases a variety of middle to high-end textiles,” he commented.

Equally as inspired by the fair concept and organisation was visitor, Mr Md. Fazlul Hoque, President for the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association. “This show is great! I have been able to find quality suppliers from all in one convenient location. The special forums have certainly helped me find the right fabrics easily.”

Amongst the international visitors were high-profile buyers from some of most important fashion labels across Asia, Europe, and North America including Adidas Sourcing Limited, BCBG Max Azria Group, Burberry Asia Ltd, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Evisu, French Connection, Gap International Sourcing (Holdings) Limited, Giordano, Juicy Couture, Liz Claiborne Intl Ltd, Lucky Brand, Marks & Spencer, New Balance, Next Sourcing, Nike International Ltd, Phillips Van Heusen, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Triumph Intl, Victoria's Secret, Vivienne Tam and Wal-Mart.

Interstoff Asia Essential Spring 2009

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