The 17th edition of HGH India, India’s premier bi-annual trade exhibition for home textiles, décor, furniture, houseware, and gifts, successfully wrapped up at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, held from July 1st to 4th. During the event, the TVC Media Team engaged in a compelling discussion with two key figures: Mr Arun Roongta, the Managing Director of the event’s organising company, Texzone Information Services Pvt. Ltd and Shri N. Sreedhar, the Executive Director of the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC). Their conversation offered a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of India’s home textile industry.
Organising an Unorganised Industry
The discussion began with a reflection on the fragmented and segmented nature of the home textile sector in India. The event’s organiser emphasised that the primary goal of HGH India is to bring structure and organisation to this traditionally unorganised industry. The platform serves as a catalyst for:
- Startups launching their own brands
- Small manufacturers scaling up to medium and large enterprises
- Exporters, regardless of size, adopting a culture of organisation
A key point was that organisation is about culture, not size—even small manufacturers can be highly organised, while larger ones may lack structure. The show aims to instil the importance of design, quality, and branding, fostering connections among manufacturers, retailers, and designers.
Building Brands and Fostering Growth
The event’s central focus is the home sector, which includes textiles, furniture, décor, and houseware. The conversation highlighted that, unlike apparel, brand recognition in home products is still emerging. The show encourages:
- Cross-sector learning
- Creation and strengthening of home product brands
- Collaboration among manufacturers, retailers, and designers
It was noted that the number of home product brands in India has increased significantly over the past five years. The aim is to make the market more organised and provide opportunities for innovative products, reflecting India’s rising disposable income and changing consumer priorities.
India’s Home Market: Growth and Potential
The speakers reflected on how consumer priorities have shifted over the decades:
- 1970s-80s: Focus on food security
- 1980s-90s: Emphasis on clothing
- Post-2010: Growing interest in home products, driven by higher disposable income
They expressed confidence that India is poised to become one of the world’s largest markets for home products in the next 15-20 years.
The Role of HEPC and Collaborative Synergy
The Executive Director of HEPC discussed the synergy between handloom exports and HGH India. Handloom producers offer a wide variety of products, including home textiles and accessories. The fair helps manufacturers:
- Scale up exports to international and domestic markets
- Gain exposure to new ideas and innovations
- Connect with buyers from around the world
HEPC has participated in HGH India for the past five years, with members reporting positive business outcomes and customer responses.
An International Platform for Indian Brands
Although positioned as a domestic show, HGH India attracts about 400 international buyers from 30 countries, including Italy, the UK, Korea, China, and African nations. This international presence helps:
- Promote Indian brands abroad
- Support the transition of domestic brands into global markets
The show empowers Indian manufacturers to present their products under their own brands to international buyers, not just as suppliers for global giants.
Home Textile Exports and the Rise of Branding
Handloom textiles contribute approximately 12-15% of India’s total textile exports, with products like mattresses, floor coverings, kitchen towels, and curtain fabrics accounting for 10-12%. While HEPC members have traditionally focused on exports rather than branding, participation in HGH India is encouraging the development and promotion of their own brands in both domestic and international markets.
Conclusion
The 17th edition of HGH India highlighted the industry’s commitment to organisation, innovation, and branding. By bridging the gap between manufacturers, retailers, designers, and international buyers, the event is driving the growth of India’s home sector and positioning the country as a future leader in the global home products market.
