The inaugural India International Furniture Fair (IIFF) has reportedly received an enthusiastic response from the industry. To be held in Mumbai from 16-18th November at the Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre, IIFF will comprise over 70% international exhibitors.
 
IIFF 2011 is organised by MP International Pte and International Furniture Fair Singapore Pte. A special industry briefing on IIFF was recently held in conjunction with the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2011 at Singapore Expo. Participants were briefed with impressive growth statistics on India’s booming economy and burgeoning furniture industry.
 
Sylvia Phua, CEO of MP International Pte, expressed her confidence in IIFF as a dedicated premier platform for international furniture brands to penetrate India’s massive market.
 
She said: “Following the successful partnership between MP International Pte Ltd and IFFS Pte Ltd for our Singapore event, we are combining our resources and expertise to organise our first show launch in India. Thanks to our strong track record and experience, we have been able to garner support from trade associations and organisations.”
 
Regional trade associations such as the Singapore Furniture Industries Council, Association of Furniture Manufacturers of India (AFMI) and Institute of Indian Interior Designers have affirmed their support for the trade fair.
 
Anil Mathur, chairman of AFMI, welcomes the launch of IIFF and cites that there has been a lack of international platforms in India for leading international furniture brands to participate in and to showcase quality products to the local market.
 
He said: “The India International Furniture Fair will be beneficial not only for India’s high-end furniture importers and retailers to network and source for exciting furniture brands, but also for our local architects, interior designers and real estate developers to be exposed to a diverse range of innovative furniture designs.”
 
According to the latest figures from the World Furniture Review by CSIL Milano, India currently represents the world’s eighth largest furniture market, and its real consumption of furniture will grow another 6% in 2011.
 
India’s rapid urbanisation will spur strong demand for quality furniture in the coming years. Its urban population is likely to rise to 400 million by 2015, with Mumbai set to become the world’s biggest city with a population of 15.7 million, according to Euromonitor International.
 
According to McKinsey Global Institute’s research published last year, India’s fast-growing cities are estimated to drive a near four-fold increase in the country’s per capita income. There is also a rising prominence of the middle-class households with high purchasing power.
 
The organisers of IIFF foresee that the impressive growth prospects of India’s furniture industry will continue to attract more international furniture brands to seek new market opportunities though IIFF. India’s domestic demand is currently dominated by imports from Italy, Germany, Spain and Malaysia.
 
Attracted by the huge business potential India offers, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) is the latest organisation to confirm its support for IIFF. 
 
Nguyen Van Dzung, director of VCCI, says: “We are constantly looking out for opportunities to penetrate and grow in new markets. India’s expanding furniture industry, driven by its buoyant economy and increasing construction development, is a very attractive market to the world now.
 
“We are confident of Vietnam’s capability to produce premium furniture and furnishings, and participating at the India International Furniture Fair makes perfect business sense since the show focuses on mid- to high-end furniture.”
 
A wide range of exhibits, ranging from residential to commercial furniture, occasional furniture and furnishings, will be on display at the IIFF. The 10,000m2 showcase is expected to draw some 5000 visitors from all over India, Sri Lanka and the UAE.
 
Besides extensive promotions in the Indian subcontinent, attractive show highlights have also been planned. These include a new-to-market product showcase and industry seminars on design trends and new product innovations.


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