The Woolmark Company has taken a significant step toward strengthening India–Japan wool trade collaboration with the launch of Wool Connect, a focused B2B matchmaking platform designed to connect Woolmark-certified Indian wool manufacturers with leading international buyers. The initiative aims to accelerate sourcing conversations, encourage meaningful commercial engagement, and reinforce the value of high-quality Australian merino wool across global supply chains.
The inaugural edition of Wool Connect was held in Tokyo, in collaboration with the Wool and Woollen Export Promotion Council (WWEPC), alongside the India Trend Fair. The programme was attended by Nagma M. Mallick, Ambassador of India to Japan, as well as senior representatives from the Indian and Japanese textile and apparel industries, highlighting the initiative’s importance in advancing bilateral trade relations.
Curated B2B Matchmaking for Targeted Engagement
Structured in a one-on-one speed-meeting format, Wool Connect brought together 10 Woolmark manufacturing partners from India, covering the full value chain from yarn to finished garments, with 10 leading Japanese trading houses and brands. The format enabled nearly 100 targeted business meetings in a single day, allowing participants to engage in focused discussions and fast-track potential commercial collaborations.
Indian participants included Jayashree Textiles, Raymond, Linear Design, KCS, Shakti Knitting, and Bansal Spinning Mills, among others. Japanese participants featured MN Inter, Takisada Nagoya, Pheeta, Moririn, Itochu, Toyoshima, and additional sourcing and trading specialists. The curated matchmaking ensured alignment across manufacturing capabilities, quality expectations, and sourcing requirements.
Participants noted the platform’s effectiveness in generating high-quality leads, supporting transparent and efficient sourcing discussions, and enabling long-term engagement with Japan’s premium and highly discerning wool market.
Industry Voices on Wool Connect
Ajay Pradhan, Country Manager, The Woolmark Company, said,
“Wool Connect reflects Woolmark’s role as a catalyst within the global wool ecosystem. By bringing quality merino wool manufacturers from India and Japanese buyers together in a highly focused environment, we are enabling meaningful commercial dialogue while reinforcing the value of Australian merino wool across international supply chains.”
R.C. Khanna, Chairman, WWEPC, said,
“Wool Connect is a truly unique initiative by Woolmark, in partnership with WWEPC, thoughtfully curated to connect India’s woollen manufacturers with the sophisticated Japanese market and promote exports from India. Launched at India Fashion & Lifestyle Show, held from 28–30 January, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan, this platform reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and positioning Indian woollen products as a premium global offering”
Daljit Bal, Sales Head— Jayashree Textiles, said,
“Wool Connect was a great platform to connect with Japanese buyers and trades in one place and have focused business conversations”
Devdatt M Chobey, Dy. GM, International Business, Raymond Lifestyle, said,
“Raymond being the largest wool fabric manufacturer in India and one of the oldest certified partners to Woolmark, it made great sense to be in Wool Connect. Japan market for wool has good potential in the premium and made-to-measure categories”
Chintan Bansal, Owner, Bansal Spinning Mills, said,
“We had well-structured one-on-one meetings with Japanese buyers to understand their requirements and issues. Woolmark embodies the core of anyone working with wool, highlighting its significant value.”
Reinforcing Woolmark’s Global Leadership
Through the Wool Connect initiative, The Woolmark Company continues to reinforce its role as the global authority on wool, leveraging its international network to bridge supply and demand across key markets. The programme supports the expansion of certified merino wool in high-value destinations while fostering trust-based, long-term trade relationships between Indian manufacturers and global buyers.
