Across Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics’ wide range of product categories, many of the industry’s biggest names are returning to the 2017 Spring Edition following strong results at last year’s two fairs and reports of continued strong demand in China. The distinctive product zones that have been well-appreciated by exhibitors for generating more business return again, with the International Hall (hall 5.2) featuring All About Sustainability, Functional Lab, Premium Wool Zone and Verve for Design, while Accessories Vision and Beyond Denim are in halls 8.1 and 6.2, respectively.

The Premium Wool Zone perhaps best encapsulates the benefits of exhibiting at the fair for high-end overseas suppliers. Many exhibitors at the preceding edition last October reported growth remained strong in China and that orders were still being placed at the fair, including Harrisons of Edinburgh who return this March. Mr. James Dunsford of Harrisons commented at the fair: “The feedback here for our products has been very positive for us. We are targeting sales of small amounts to high-end, premium customers, and we managed to capture some at the fair, so it’s been good.”

Many exhibitors in the Premium Wool Zone last year emphasized the differences in consumer preferences around wool products in China, making the fair vital to understand the market’s needs. Some of the wool and cashmere fabrics exhibitors from Peru and the UK already confirmed to partake in the fair include Aris Industrial, Beijing Vitality Textiles, Harrisons of Edinburgh, Huddersfield Fine Worsteds, Loa Hai Shing, Merino Brothers and Scabal.

Beyond Denim’s stature as effective platform for Asian denim market grows

While the Premium Wool Zone has been a mainstay of the fair for a number of years now, Beyond Denim is a relative newcomer, reflecting this product’s growing importance in the industry. This edition’s Beyond Denim is expected to contain around 100 exhibitors from China and abroad, with products including denim yarn, as well as stretch, embroidered, jacquard and knit denim fabrics on offer. Again, some of the industry’s leading producers will feature here such as Orta Anadolu from Turkey, China’s Advance Denim, Changzhou Henglun Textile, Jiangsu Zhongheng Dyeing & Finishing, Knit Denim Hengliang Textile and Prosperity Textile, while from Pakistan Diamond Denim by Sapphire, Diamond Fabrics and Indigo Textile are amongst those exhibiting.

Orta Anadolu in particular achieved strong success at last year’s Spring Edition. Mr. Ömer Murat Sözeri commented at the time: “We joined Intertextile Shanghai as we believe this is the biggest and most effective textile fair in China and Asia. We were one of the busiest booths last edition, and this time it’s the same thing, so we’ve achieved what we were hoping for. Being part of Beyond Denim is effective for us too.” He continued: “We have many opportunities in China with the local brands; overseas brands selling in China have a lot of potential, it’s unlimited really.”

All About Sustainability’s effectiveness has also attracted leading brands to return to the zone this time around. Hohenstein Institute, Intertek, TESTEX and SGS are among those returning to the Educational Zone of All About Sustainability, which will also feature an ecoBoutique display area showcasing eco-friendly garments and a Forum Space for presentations on the latest products, services and market information.