Europe in demand at Intertextile Beijing

With official figures having just been released, Intertextile Beijing Apparel Fabrics, held from 27th to 29th March, recorded increases in almost all areas: overall attendance was up and the number of exhibitors of SalonEurope and Milano Unica participants

increased by more than 35 percent.

Thus, Intertextile Beijing confirmed its importance as an entry point into the Chinese market for international exhibitors. European visitors were positively surprised by the strong demand for products made in Europe. In addition, feedback from buyers confirmed the increasing domestic purchasing power of consumers.

“Many overseas exhibitors noted the changing habits of buyers here, with more and more visitors willing to place orders for production for the local market, rather than just look at the latest products. We are particularly pleased also that European companies continue to exhibit here in record numbers, proving how sought after their high-end and branded products have become in China,” said Wendy Wen, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (Hong Kong) Ltd.

SalonEurope, presenting European exhibitors in one central location, increased in size by 20 percent and covered two halls for the first time this year. This proves the increased demand ‘made-in-Europe’ products at Intertextile Beijing, which European companies are only too willing to meet.

European exhibitors are happy with the fair

Huddersfield Fine Worsteds from West Yorkshire for example gladly responded to the rising demand for branded European products. “We import a lot of high-quality fabric to China and business is increasing fast. A lot of buyers in China are looking for products from the UK,” confirmed Jennifer Huang, Huddersfield’s Shanghai agent.

“This is the leading textile exhibition in China, and today it’s very lively with a lot of good customers coming,” said Simone Guicciardini, managing director of Lanificio F.Lli Cerruti SpA. He was happy to be included in the Milano Unica Pavilion, dedicated to Italian fabrics and for the second time at the fair.

In addition, Beijing is the best location to tap into the local market. “Compared to other shows, this one is better to target the domestic market. We’ve noticed buyers want to make orders more now, rather than just looking as they might have in the past. Because of this, our exhibitors are happy with the fair and all of them will return next year,” said Sofia Botelho, director of Associacao Selectiva Moda and co-organiser of the Portugal Pavilion.

With over 1,300 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions and more than 25,000 buyers at the spring edition of the fair, all eyes are on the next Intertextile Apparel Fabrics fair - to be held in Shanghai from October 21 to 24, 2013.

Image: Intertextile Beijing Apparel Fabrics