The 44th edition of India International Knit Fair featuring Spring/Summer Collection 2018 was organised by Apparel Export Promotion Council in collaboration with Tirupur Exporters’ Association under the umbrella of India Knit Fair Association at IKFA Complex, Tirupur from May 10-12, 2017. The fair was inaugurated by TP Krishna Kumar, IRS Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Coimbatore in the presence of M Tirumala Kumar. IRS Principal Commissioner of Income-Tax, Coimbatore, Dr. A Sakthivel, Chairman, India Knit Fair Association, exhibitors, trade members, and overseas buyers.
Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, in his address mentioned that Tirupur is always ahead and the Knitwear Manufacturers of Tirupur- because of their innovation and hard work that would adorn the shops of USA, European Union and all over the world. Further he emphasised that the substantial contribution from the exporters of Tirupur to the National Kitty this is an ongoing joint project giving back the benefits to the Tirupur exporters in return. This has resulted in Tirupur knit industry being a role model for all industries in addition to being the textile hub of India.
M Tirumala Kumar IRS, Principal Commissioner of Income-Tax in his special address stated that Tirupur has set a benchmark in the world as it provides employment to around 6 lakh people which is indeed a remarkable achievement. This is because of their dedication, hard work and commitment and quality conciseness being the mindset of employees along with great entrepreneurship has resulted in huge inflow of foreign exchange through exports to all over the world.
Dr. A Sakthivel, Chairman- India Knit Fair Association during his briefing, pointed out that the fair assumes a great significance since the garments export is progressing well. To increase the textile exports from India we are now encouraging the garment exports to explore new market in South America and Middle East among few other regions. Similarly, product diversification is being promoted so that apparel exporters can penetrate niche markets across the globe.
An array of apparel categories for the 2018 season was showcased by the exhibitors which include men, women and children wears. Displayed were jersey knitted garments, warp knitted garments, baby bags mercerized men’s T-shirts, jacquard knit men’s tops, active sportswear, pajamas, ladies tops embellishment works full sleeve flat Men’s T-shirts, night wear, leisure wear, cut and sew fashion wear and many more for all age groups.
Garments made from 100 per cent cotton viscose modal, cotton modal blends polyester, spandex, lummox knitted nylon tri blends were displayed including CPD cold pigment dyed, burnt out styles, sublimation prints, enzyme wash, bio wash, acid wash, rubber ball finish, anti microbial finish, reverse print, tie and dye effects, carbonized etc as special finished garments. Anti pulling polyester, wicking polyester, digital printed garments, hi density prints, nippy mélange, fancy yarns, garments made from zero counts also were attractively displayed.
A total number of 45 leading Exporters from Tirupur, Coimbatore, Karur, Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, had put up stalls in the fair. K Vasanthkumar, Executive Secretary, IKFA, Tirupur and CS Sridhar, Deputy Director (Operations), Apparel Madeups & Home Furnishings Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) have presented the Best Exhibitor’s Awards and Appreciation Certificates to the following exhibitors on behalf of India Knit Fair Association.
The various awardees included BNT Innovations Pvt. Ltd., Tirupur for Best Exhibit, Clifton Export (P) Ltd,Tirupur was First Runner-Up, Hi-Style Texports, Tirupur was Second Runner Up and Fashion Cottage (India), New Delhi got the Consolation Certificate.
Now-a-days, sourcing by the major buyers is done through buying houses and buying agents – who will play vital role in sourcing. Buyers / buying agents expressed their happiness and were satisfied with the excellent design and collections displayed in the fair. In total, 25 buyers from different countries and 120 buying houses / agents visited the fair. Most of the buying houses/buying agents who visited this fair are sourcing for the major buyers and brands in the markets viz.
The three-day event attracted buying agents and buyers from USA, Lebanon, Bangkok, Japan, Portugal, Canada, UAE, China, Spain, UK, Germany and Thailand etc. The participants reported that they could get good business enquires from the overseas buyers and buying agent and the expected business deal is around Rs. 300 cr. Meanwhile, preparations have already started for 45th Edition of India Knit Fair (Domestic fair) scheduled to be held from October 6-8, 2017 at IKFA Complex, Tirupur.
