International Istanbul Yarn Fair is the largest yarn fair globally
The International Istanbul Yarn Fair, an event that unites global yarn producers and textile industry professionals, is set to return this year. Organised by Tüyap Fair & Exhibition Group, the 21st edition of the trade show is scheduled to take place at the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center from February 26th to 28th, 2025. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, İlhan Ersözlü, General Manager of Tüyap Fairs Production Inc., talks about exhibitors, products, and visitors at the fair, and its impact on the textile industry.
Could you share your insights on how the International Istanbul Yarn Fair has grown over the past two decades to become the largest yarn fair globally?
The International Istanbul Yarn Fair has demonstrated consistent growth over the past two decades. A key factor is our commitment to providing exhibitors and visitors with an experience that not only meets but occasionally surpasses their expectations. Our primary objective is to foster a win-win-based communication with our stakeholders, particularly our exhibitors, who share our journey while adapting to evolving circumstances. Yarn serves as the primary raw material for the textile industry, and the International Istanbul Yarn Fair has evolved beyond a conventional exhibition dedicated to textiles. Notably, there is no other trade show worldwide that focuses exclusively on yarn to this extent. Attendees to the fair have the opportunity to engage with a multitude of companies that manufacture a diverse array of yarn types, including cotton, polyester, viscose, silk, wool, and regenerated fibres. Furthermore, the fair provides exhibitors with a significant opportunity to explore new markets, as our visitor demographics encompass a broad geographical range. As a result, the international commerce platform through the International Istanbul Yarn Fair positions it as the largest yarn fair globally, consistently achieving its own record each year.
This year, we expect to host over 500 exhibitors and attract more than 20,000 industry professionals at the fair. Additionally, our exhibitors and attendees will benefit from an enhanced knowledge-sharing platform that transcends traditional trade interactions, supported by the specialised sections we have introduced. In this regard, the International Istanbul Yarn Fair will maintain its status as a unique forum for participants to delve into industry innovations within the industry and strengthen their collaborative efforts.
In what ways do you think the fair contributes to Türkiye’s position as a major global textile exporter?
The International Istanbul Yarn Fair serves as a significant sectoral event that brings together professionals from various countries, including both exhibitors and visitors. This fair functions as a substantial commercial platform, facilitating interactions between sellers and buyers. Organised in Istanbul, a city that plays a pivotal role in Türkiye’s trade landscape, the event enhances the visibility of exhibitors in the international market, allowing them to present their products to professional buyers from six continents. The participation of industry leaders not only elevates the recognition of Turkish textiles on a global scale but also showcases the high-quality standards and reliability associated with these products.
Could you provide details on the trend section at the fairground and how it benefits both exhibitors and visitors?
This year, we are establishing a dedicated section focused on trends and yarns specifically utilised in fabric design at our fairground. This section will allow both exhibitors and visitors to explore the uniquely exquisite fabric designs created by young designers. The exhibited designs will provide valuable insights into future trends regarding design techniques, colour usage, and production methodologies. Additionally, a sustainability section will emphasise a critical topic currently at the forefront of the textile industry, in parallel with other sectors. Furthermore, we will host specialised weaving workshops in collaboration with a renowned artist who is frequently recognised in the international arena and acknowledged as a leading figure in the weaving sector in Türkiye. This will affirm that our fair serves not only as a commercial platform but also as a hub for knowledge sharing.
Last year’s fair drew visitors from six continents, with a high satisfaction rate. How does Tüyap plan to attract more visitors in 2025, especially from emerging markets?
Tüyap is adopting a versatile strategy to enhance visitor engagement, particularly from emerging markets, in 2025. In this framework, we are implementing targeted promotional campaigns aimed at specific markets and leveraging extensive digital marketing strategies to connect with potential visitors in the region.
Through these initiatives, we aspire to attract over 20,000 professional visitors in 2025. The fair aims to transcend its role as a mere product exhibition space, evolving into a robust platform for fostering international business relationships in 2025.
With 93 percent of last year’s exhibitors planning to return, what do you think makes the Istanbul Yarn Fair a preferred choice for industry leaders?
This feedback is indeed of considerable value to us. One of the key factors that render the International Istanbul Yarn Fair a preferred choice for industry leaders is the robust opportunities for business connections it provides. Furthermore, we aim not only to safeguard existing markets for our exhibitors but also to facilitate access to emerging markets.
Furthermore, the location of the fair presents a significant advantage. Türkiye serves as a crucial hub for both textile production and logistics. This strategic position attracts exhibitors not only from the region but also from global markets. Collectively, these factors make the International Istanbul Yarn Fair a preferred event for industry leaders.
Could you discuss the benefits the fair offers to exhibitors in terms of visibility and market reach?
The fair significantly impacts the industry by providing exhibitors with enhanced visibility and market reach. Exhibitors not only engage with their existing clientele but also have the opportunity to explore new business prospects in global markets. A key factor contributing to this advantage is the fair’s international appeal. Participating in an event attended by professionals from six continents enables companies to effectively promote their products and brands on a global scale.
An additional significant benefit of participating in this event is the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovations and trends within the industry. Through this fair, exhibitors not only enhance their visibility but also gain access to crucial information and experiences that will bolster their competitive advantages in the sector. This synergy positions the International Istanbul Yarn Fair as an indispensable opportunity for both visibility and market reach.
Sustainability is a significant focus for many industries today. How is the fair incorporating sustainable practices and showcasing sustainable yarns?
Sustainability has emerged as a critical priority across various industries, including the yarn sector. The exhibition highlights innovative products featuring eco-friendly and recycled yarns. These offerings serve as a focal point for professional visitors seeking sustainable solutions.
Exhibitors are afforded the opportunity to showcase their sustainable production practices and eco-friendly yarn types at this fair. Featuring a comprehensive product range that includes cotton, polyester, viscose, and wool, the event highlights innovative methodologies aimed at minimising the environmental impacts associated with these yarn types. Notably, exhibitors recognised as leaders in the production of regenerated yarns will present their offerings at this exhibition.
Over the past two years, we have made significant advancements in this theme through specialised trend sections established at the fair. We have developed spaces that exhibit yarns produced from recycling textile waste and plastic bottles, as well as fabrics created from these yarns and the transformation of these fabrics into final products. These sections have emerged as major attractions for both our exhibitors and visitors.
This year, a dedicated section will emphasise the theme of sustainability in fabric design, engaging our visitors and exhibitors.
Türkiye is a leading textile exporter and Europe’s second-largest supplier. How do you see the Istanbul Yarn Fair supporting and enhancing Türkiye’s role in the global yarn market?
Türkiye’s prominent position in global textile exports, as well as its distinction as Europe’s second-largest supplier, serves as a point of pride for the industry. The International Istanbul Yarn Fair plays a crucial role in advancing this success. It enhances the visibility of Turkish yarn manufacturers in the international market and facilitates connections with global buyers.
The fair showcases the extensive product offerings and innovative yarn solutions of the Turkish textile industry on a global platform while providing exhibitors with valuable opportunities to explore new markets worldwide. This not only fortifies the existing commercial relationships but also contributes to increasing Türkiye’s share in the global yarn market.
How do you envision the fair advancing the Turkish textile industry’s trade volume and international reach?
The extensive profile of exhibitors and visitors at the fair facilitates the Turkish textile industry’s penetration into global markets. Professional attendees have the opportunity to gain a closer understanding of Türkiye’s production capabilities and to explore innovative solutions within the sector. This scenario enhances the visibility of Turkish textile companies on the international stage and contributes to strengthening their competitive advantage. Therefore, the industry not only broadens its international reach but also escalates its commercial volume.
Finally, what are your long-term goals for the Istanbul Yarn Fair? Where do you see the fair heading over the next five to ten years?
The long-term goals of the International Istanbul Yarn Fair encompass the consolidation of our leadership on a global scale and the establishment of the fair as a benchmark within the yarn industry. Over the next five to ten years, we intend to enhance the diversity of both visitors and exhibitors, thereby creating a broader framework for access to new markets. Specifically, we plan to strengthen our connections with emerging markets.
From a long-term perspective, we envision the International Istanbul Yarn Fair evolving into an essential meeting point for all stakeholders within the industry and emerging as a nucleus of innovation and collaboration in yarn production. In alignment with this vision, we will continue to implement strategic actions aimed at progressively enhancing the fair each year.
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