20 November 2024, Mumbai
The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) concluded the second consecutive edition of the Brands of India trade show with remarkable success. The event, held in Dubai, showcased over 150 Indian clothing brands and white label manufacturers, marking India’s growing dominance in the global apparel sourcing market.
A vast array of apparel on display
The trade show offered a diverse range of apparel across men’s, women’s, and kids wear, including casual, ethnic, formal, denim, athleisure, winterwear, sleepwear, innerwear, tops, bottoms, scarves, socks, and more. The exhibition demonstrated the latest trends and innovative designs from India, which continues to be a preferred sourcing destination for global buyers.
Over 2000 visitors from 60 countries attended the event, further solidifying India’s appeal as a key supplier of quality apparel. Buyers from regions such as the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, Greece, South Africa, and beyond, interacted with Indian manufacturers to source premium clothing. The presence of leading retailers, wholesalers, and importers underscored India’s status as a leading sourcing hub.
India's apparel exports growth
Despite global disruptions in key manufacturing hubs like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and China, India's apparel export sector is on the rise. Total Indian Apparel exports are projected to reach US$ 17 billion in 2024, marking a 5-7 per cent increase from the previous year. The show also highlighted India’s increasing trade ties with the UAE, which are expected to be further boosted by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Santosh Katariya, President of CMAI, expressed his satisfaction with the success of the show, highlighting the strong participation and the high volume of order bookings and leads generated. "The diversity, competitive pricing, and quality of Indian apparel have been clearly showcased, and we are confident that this will drive further growth in our export markets," he said.
India's appeal as a sourcing hub is driven by its cost-effective labor, flexibility in production, quality control, competitive pricing, and efficient logistics systems. Exhibitors from prominent manufacturing cities like Mumbai, Surat, Ahmedabad, Tirupur, Bengaluru, and New Delhi presented a broad spectrum of high-quality products, reflecting India's diverse manufacturing capabilities.
Positive feedback from international buyers
International buyers like Mujeeb Rehiman from Lulu Group International, UAE, praised India’s competitive advantages over China due to lower manufacturing costs and environmentally compliant factories. Rosalin Wambui Wamwiria from Kenya expressed satisfaction with the broad variety of apparel available, particularly kidswear, and expressed interest in introducing samples to her local markets.
Several exhibitors, including ColourHunt from Ahmedabad, shared their success stories of expanding their market presence across the Gulf region, Europe, and Africa. Nirav Sanghvi of ColourHunt noted that the show provided an excellent opportunity to connect with new buyers and distributors. Similarly, exhibitors like Ankhua Group and Maven reported positive engagement and significant leads that are expected to convert into orders.
Conclusion and future prospects
With the backing of the Ministry of Textiles, the Government of India, AEPC, and other key organizations, Brands of India has set a strong precedent for future editions. As Indian apparel continues to make a mark on the global stage, events like this will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the country’s garment export sector. The show’s growing importance for international buyers is expected to yield an estimated US$ 350 million in business over the next three years.
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