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TRADE FAIR
tion with global politics can explain why the num- ber of attending purchasers, especially from Eu- rope, lagged behind expectations.
One European who did attend was Alberto Levi, owner of the Alberto Levi carpet gallery in Milan. In conversation, Levi gave us an overall opinion on the array exhibited there, confirming that In- dian carpet suppliers remain focused on the US market while pointing out factors of interest with regard to next year’s event. Alberto Levi: “While most exhibitors showed traditional Indian carpets of a comparable nature (dhurries of various types, textured flatweaves of jute and cotton, etc.), some merchants presented collections with patterns in- spired by Moroccan and Scandinavian rugs, and with Oushak designs in soft pastel tones. These are much in demand, especially in the US mar- ket. Outdoor carpets were a particular focus, with many different patterns that reveal the various structures that are possible when manufacturing
with polyester fibres. Some exhibitors were still showing old-fashioned traditional Persian designs in vivid colours, but soft pastels and warm earth tones were the predominant tendencies in terms of colour. I guess maybe I was expecting exhibitors to show things that we don’t get to see at the In- dian pavilion at Domotex, but unfortunately that was not the case. Perhaps as the fair will enlarge in size in the future, then some of the more creative exhibitors will join with different offerings.”
At any rate, this was still a big first step, and or- ganisational aspects and the array of products ex- hibited at the trade fair will no doubt improve each time around. Bhadohi has potential, unques- tionably, and the Carpet Expo Mart is a big im- provement over the temporary marquee tents in Varanasi; the array of products in the area is in- deed vast, with so many carpet exporters located there. The next India Carpet Expo coming up will be held in Delhi in the spring of 2023.
The Carpet Expo Mart in Bhadohi is a spacious exhibition centre designed specifically with the needs of carpet exporters in mind. Completed just a few years ago, the 5,500 sqm location opened its doors for the first time this past October, to more than 200 international carpet purchasers who registered to attend and view the product assortments of nearly 250 exhibi- ting suppliers.
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FOTO: CEPC, CARE & FAIR
PHOTOS: CEPC, CARE & FAIR