With the latest trends, new products and over a thousand exhibitors, Intertextile Beijing Apparel Fabrics 2008 proved itself to be one of the most important textile trade fairs targeting northern China and Beijing. More than 25,000 people visited the show, which ran March 27 - 29, 2008, an increase of 17% over 2007.
Exhibitors were enthusiastic about the fair and in particular, the number of high-quality buyers. "We had really good customers. It's getting better each year - no one is coming just to look at the fabrics. The buyers who come, they really intend to buy," said Mr Alberto Azzola, of Cotonificio Honegger, Italy.
"The quality of visitors was very high," echoed Shanghai Branch manager Mr Gregory Guttermann, with Guttermann AG, Germany, a first time exhibitor. "They know what they are talking about and what they are doing."
After eight years, Intertextile Beijing Apparel Fabrics has become an essential fixture on the textile trade calendar in northern China.
The show coincides with CHIC, the China International Clothing & Accessories Fair, and the yarn and fibre trade event Yarn Expo, making Beijing a convenient one-stop shop for trade in the region.
The fair was held at the China International Exhibition Centre, with 30% more space than in 2007. More than 1,130 suppliers attended from 15 countries and regions and a new highlight this year was an entire hall dedicated to accessories and a special zone for lace and embroidery products.
Chinese suppliers, the majority, were organised into product groups by hall. "This show brand has a very strong impact," said Chinese exhibitor Mr Cao Dongfa, General Manager of Hangzhou Zhengda Textile.
"The visitors are really key decision makers with clear purchasing purpose and the show helped us to meet many overseas visitors who are interested in our new products." Mr Gary Lin, Deputy General Manager of Fengqiang Textile, China added: "There are so many textile shows in China.
Intertextile Beijing and Shanghai are the only two shows we choose. This show really exceeded our expectations. Our booth was busy every day and we met many high quality visitors."
Three halls were dedicated to international suppliers including several hundred organised into regional pavilions. The Italian Pavilion featured 50 companies and its own trend forecast area. The Korean Pavilion followed next in size with 40 suppliers. Germany, Taiwan and Pakistan also organised pavilions.
"We came to this fair because its location attracts buyers from Northern China and Eastern Europe. We produce skiwear with fancy design and functional textiles with water repellent, Quick Dry and UV protective functions so these are good markets for us. We are very happy with the result of this show," said Mr Kent Liu, General Manager of Aheadtex, Taiwan
Many famous international and Chinese brands showcased new products at the show. Gutterman of Germany unveiled a revamped line of sewing machine threads that resist pulling, and Alumo Textil of Switzerland unveiled a new double-sided cotton silk blend dress shirting for Spring/Summer 2009. Products filled the spectrum with natural, manmade, blended and functional textiles.
Visitors were pleased with the variety of products on offer. "It was much better here than we expected. The variety is huge and we were surprised to find so many Italian and European high-quality suppliers," said Mr Gaurav Gupta, Manager of Raisons, India.
The show also featured a series of seminars on trends and industry topics and two very popular trend forums for Spring/Summer 2009.
The Interstoff Asia Essential Directions Trend Forum featured the inspirations from a collaboration of international designers and Fabrics China featured trends to watch out for in China next year.
Intertextile Beijing is organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, The Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT and China Textile Information Centre. The next show will be held 29 - 31 March 2009.
