Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics will return from September 25-27 in Shanghai this year marking the 25^thanniversary of the Autumn Edition, and 2019 has already proven to be an exciting year for Intertextile. In March, the Spring Edition experienced yet another 15 per cent increase in visitor numbers and strong positive feedback from exhibitors.

“Despite global trade concerns, this fair proves itself time and time again as the ideal place to make valuable connections and capture new potential in the market,” fair organiser Messe Frankfurt said in a press release.

Intertextile was first held in 1995 with 123 exhibitors and 7,000 trade buyers. Since then, the fair has rapidly expanded and globalised. The 2018 Autumn Edition welcomed 4,480 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions and around 78,000 trade buyers from some 110 countries and regions. “The fair’s international aspect welcomes opportunities from all around the world, while its location in Shanghai offers the chance to take advantage of China’s strong economy and apparel industry,” the release said.

There is a place for every apparel textile product at the fair, with well-established product zones and country and region pavilions including: i. SalonEurope, featuring high-end products from Europe, including pavilions from Germany and Turkey, as well as Milano Unica from Italy; ii. Asian country and region pavilions, presented by Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan and Thailand; iii. Group pavilions, from Lenzing, Invista, Hyosung, Dupont, Korea Textile Trade Association (KTTA), Korea Textile Centre (KTC) and OEKO-TEX (in the All About Sustainability zone); and Product zones: Functional Lab, Beyond Denim, All About Sustainability, Digital Printing Zone, Verve for Design, Premium Wool Zone and Accessories Vision.

The forthcoming fair will host a comprehensive fringe programme for visitors and exhibitors to enhance their trip with the latest market information and opinions. Visitors can discover a new season of inspiration, for both international and domestic autumn-winter 2020-21 trends, at the Intertextile Directions Trend Forum and the Fabrics China Trend Forum. Intertextile Apparel also aims to foster innovation and creativity at the China International Fabrics Design & Fabrics Creation Competition. The fringe programme will also include seminars and panel discussions covering key industry topics, as well as product presentations from leading exhibitors.

To meet flexible sourcing needs, the fair will offer a database of exhibitors offering small-order and product-in-stock services. The Business Matching Programme will also arrange onsite meetings between exhibitors and VIP buyers, with interpreters available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics — Autumn Edition 2019 is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre. (RKS)