The Woolmark Company continues to strengthen global wool supply chain partnerships with the launch of Wool Connect, a focused B2B matchmaking initiative designed to connect Woolmark-certified Indian wool manufacturers with international buyers. The platform aims to accelerate sourcing conversations, enable meaningful trade engagement, and reinforce the value of high-quality, Australian merino wool in global markets.
The inaugural Wool Connect programme was held in Tokyo in collaboration with the Wool and Woollen Export Promotion Council (WWEPC), on the sidelines of the India Trend Fair. The event was attended by Nagma M. Mallick, Ambassador of India to Japan, alongside senior representatives from the Indian and Japanese textile and apparel industries, underlining the initiative’s significance in advancing bilateral trade ties.
Structured in a one-on-one, speed-meeting format, Wool Connect brought together 10 Woolmark manufacturing partners from India, spanning yarn to finished garment production, with 10 leading Japanese trading houses and brands. The format facilitated nearly 100 targeted business meetings in a single day, enabling focused discussions and accelerating pathways to commercial collaboration.
Indian participants included Jayashree Textiles, Raymond, Linear Design, KCS, Shakti knitting and Bansal Spinning Mills, etc., while Japanese participants featured MN Inter, Takisada Nagoya, Pheeta, Moririn, Itochu, Toyoshima, among others. The carefully curated matchmaking ensured alignment across capability, quality standards, and sourcing requirements.
Participants highlighted the initiative’s value in generating high-quality leads, enabling efficient and transparent sourcing discussions, and building long-term engagement with Japan, one of the world’s most discerning and premium wool markets.
“Wool Connect reflects Woolmark’s role as a catalyst within the global wool ecosystem,” said Ajay Pradhan, Country Manager, The Woolmark Company. “By bringing quality merino wool manufacturers from India and Japanese buyers together in a highly focused environment, we are enabling meaningful commercial dialogue while reinforcing the value of Australian merino wool across international supply chains.”
R.C. Khanna, Chairman, WWEPC, “Wool Connect is a truly unique initiative by Woolmark, in partnership with WWEPC, thoughtfully curated to connect India’s woollen manufacturers with the sophisticated Japanese market and promote exports from India. Launched at India Fashion & Lifestyle Show, held from 28–30 January, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan, this platform reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and positioning Indian woollen products as a premium global offering”
Daljit Bal, Sales Head— Jayashree Textiles “Wool Connect was a great platform to connect with Japanese buyers and trades in one place and have focused business conversations”
Devdatt M Chobey, Dy. GM, International Business, Raymond Lifestyle, “Raymond being the largest wool fabric manufacturer in India and one of the oldest certified partners to Woolmark, it made great sense to be in Wool Connect. Japan market for wool has good potential in the premium and made-to-measure categories”
Chintan Bansal, Owner, Bansal Spinning Mills “We had well-structured one-on-one meetings with Japanese buyers to understand their requirements and issues. Woolmark embodies the core of anyone working with wool, highlighting its significant value.
Through the Wool Connect initiative, The Woolmark Company reinforces its position as the global authority on wool, leveraging its international network to bridge supply and demand. The programme supports the growth of certified merino wool in high-value markets while fostering long-term, trust-based trade relationships across geographies.
