517 exhibitors from India are showcasing their products representing Indian handicrafts at Ambiente 2019, the world’s leading trade fair for consumer goods being held here in Germany’s commercial hub where India is the partner country. Ambiente, an annual trade fair of home decors, kitchenware and textiles, is organised by Messe Frankfurt, a global trade fair organisation with more than 4000 exhibitors from about 80 countries participating in the event being held from February 8 to 12, 2019.
Around 35 special Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products representing the crafts of India are the main highlight of the fair this year, Messe Frankfurt’s India head Raj Manak said. Traditional crafts such as Rajasthan’s gemstone carvings and metal craft, Kashmir’s Kani Shawl, Delhi’s Mughal wood carving, West Bengal’s Masland Mat weaving are showcased. Talking about India’s presence at the fair, Manek said for the first time at Ambiente, more than 500 Indian exhibitors are participating at this international trade fair compared to 386 in 2018, making India one of the top participants at the global fair.
Textiles Ministry along with Messe Frankfurt India has launched a global campaign called ‘Handmake in India’ at the fair to promote local Indian handicraft products.
It is estimated that Rs 1,200 crore on spot business by over 500 Indian participants and another Rs 2,000 crores of business enquiries were generated during Ambiente 2019, according to Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, India. He further said that Germany is major market for Indian products and hence Ambiente is an important marketing medium for Indian companies world over. India’s exports of handicrafts to the European Union was USD 761.26 million in 2017-18 which is 21.30 % of total handicrafts exports registering a growth of 15% in dollar terms over the previous period. The exports to this region have been on increase for past few years. Out of total handicrafts exports of EU, Germany alone accounts for US$ 176.43 million. After Japan, India is now Ambiente’s second Asian partner country. Focus on India at this fair will help in further boosting exports.”With more than 4000 exhibitors from about 80 countries, a trade fair cannot get more global than this,” Nicolette Nauman, the vice-president of Ambiente said. She further said Ambiente is the preferred ground for décor trend spotting, colour trends and getting the first look at the some of the most revolutionary products in the living and dining categories.
