■ Comprehensive product range from over 1,400 suppliers representing 23 countries and regions

■ Relocation from Beijing to Shanghai a success

The relocation of the 2014 Spring Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics from Beijing to Shanghai has led to a large increase in the number of exhibitor countries represented. Over 1,000 suppliers from 23 countries and regions — up from 16 at last year’s spring fair — will display their latest apparel fabrics and accessories from 3 to 5 March 2014 at the new venue Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center.

The increase in international exhibitors is due partly to the convenient location of Shanghai at the centre of the Yangtze River Delta textile manufacturing hub. Large numbers of overseas visitors are expected to attend due to the international textile companies who have offices in the city and manufacturing plants in surrounding areas.

The reputation of the Intertextile series of fairs, now entering its 20th year, also plays a part in attracting buyers, according to exhibitors. “Our customers in China recommend the fair and attend it to source new fabrics, so we can learn more about this market by being there,” commented Vancy Leung, Senior Merchandising Manager at Mandarin Enterprises, Hong Kong, a supplier of silk and other fabrics. French accessories exhibitor Satab agrees. “Intertextile is, for us, the ideal place to generate new business leads in China,” said Agnès Colombet, Fashion Division Manager.

Comprehensive product range from over 1,400 suppliers

With over 1,400 exhibitors in attendance, the selection of apparel fabrics and accessories on display at the fair is extensive. European exhibitors include Tekstina, a cotton supplier from Slovenia, who will display their spring / summer 2015 men’s shirting and womenswear collections. Mileta from the Czech Republic presents new shirting collections at the fair. And Anteprima, a design company from Italy, is also returning with their trendy print designs. Toyoshima & Co Ltd from Japan will showcase knitted fabrics, as well as their technical dyeing and weaving processes to buyers. Also from Japan is Ichimura Sangyo Co Ltd, who specialises in stretch fabrics. Their two main products are stretch down fabrics made from ultra-fine nylon and polyurethane, and worsted-like stretch fabric for pants and suits.

Domestic exhibitors are well represented again this year. Prominent industry player Huafu Top Dyed Melange Yarn will present their latest series of mélange yarn products for the 2015 spring / summer season. And first-time exhibitor Binzhou Xinhui Woollen Textile Co Ltd will reveal their new knitted woollen products, a product category they believe is becoming increasingly popular in China.

A number of reputed accessories suppliers have also confirmed their participation at the fair. The leading supplier, Buttons International Ltd from Hong Kong, specialises in producing buttons made from environmentally friendly, biodegradable materials such as shell, horn, corozo and wood, all of which come from sustainable sources. And Hong Kong company Worldwide Fashion Garment Accessories Ltd will be at Intertextile for the first time with their newly introduced leather labels, patches and buttons.

Nearly 230 yarn and fibre exhibitors will also participate at the Yarn Expo Pavilion, a designated fibre and yarn exhibition area within Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics — Spring Edition 2014. The fast growing Mainland Chinese market offers a vast number of opportunities for exhibitors as demand for these products is on the rise. The variety of products on display will be able to cope with different sourcing needs of visitors.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics — Spring Edition 2014 is co-organised by the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT;  the China Textile Information Centre and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd .