With an import of US $ 736.7 million in 2018, Spain is one of the most important markets for Indian apparel exporters. Recently AEPC organised a BSM in Spain, which saw participation from 28 Indian apparel manufacturers.
As per AEPC, the event witnessed good participation from Spanish brands and retailers. With 143 visitors from 90 companies visiting the fair, including leading brands like El Corte Inglés, the event has been termed a success.
The BSM was held in Chamartin, a very centrally located area, for ensuring good footfall and it was inaugurated in the presence of Sanjay Verma, Ambassador, Embassy of India in Spain; P.K. Kataria, Additional Secretary, MoT and Ashok Rajani, EC Member AEPC. Suman Shekhar, Third Secretary from the embassy was also present.
It is to be noted here that after Tees and singlets, women’s or girl’s cotton dresses is the second-most imported apparel item for Spain as far as India is concerned. And India’s export of the same increased by 33.6 per cent (maximum compared to any other product category) in 2018 compared to that in 2017.
Blouses and shirt-blouses are also in very good demand. Many Indian exporters who are already working in Spain are satisfied with the business they are getting from this market over the years. However, as far as the recently held BSM is concerned, many participants, in discussion with Team Apparel Resources, stated that the buyers’ visitation was just okay.
Experience of Spain and BSM
“We participated in the BSM held in Spain this year after a gap of 8 long years and met around 15 buyers. But so far even after 1 month, we have not received any positive indication from any buyer. Spain is an important market for us and we are working with El-Corte Inglés (the biggest department store group in Europe). Overall it is a growing market,” said Girish Kumar Pareek, MD, Savi Exports, Jaipur.
“Spain is among the best markets in European countries as brands over there offer orders of good sizes. We are into this market for around 2 decades and work with a good number of brands. As far as this BSM is concerned, I have not seen any new buyer. I suggested to the organisers that buyers don’t prefer to come and meet 25-30 suppliers, so such BSMs should be organised along with any other major event or should be planned in such a way that buyers at least visit such events. No doubt, this BSM needs more marketing activities,” Sushil Kumar Chopra, Royal Touch Overseas, Kolkata averred. The company offers scarves and stoles and is focused upon organic products.
