Cashmere: the right place at the right time

The launch of the revamped cashmere fair, entitled CASHMERE WORLD, runs 23 - 25 November, 2010 at the Chinese National Convention Center in Beijing. It is the only trade show dedicated exclusively to the whole supply chain of the international cashmere industry. Visitors from Asia will be joined by those from Europe and America.

The event has been enlarged, upgraded and now offers more business opportunities and industry insights than before. Jointly organised by CFNA (China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-Products) and UBM Asia, it will benefit hugely from the continuing high level of spending on luxury purchases in most major markets, China in particular, but many others also.

Event director of UBM Asia, Perrine Ardouin, noted that the industry, until now, “Was lacking a professional meeting place dedicated to the global cashmere business".

Commenting on China’s role in the global cashmere industry, CFNA Vice-President Mr. Bian Zhenhu said: “Beijing is the logical venue, since China produces over 75% of the world’s cashmere raw materials and over 90% raw materials pre-treating. Moreover, three-quarters of finished cashmere products worldwide, are from China. Some of its regions, including Inner Mongolia, boast the ideal climate conditions to produce the absolute finest, high-quality cashmere.”

CASHMERE WORLD is designed to help the global cashmere industry grow sustainably - for professionals in the cashmere business to consolidate their position, plan ahead, and reap the benefits from the continued up-swing of high-end luxury products throughout major world markets.

Timely, because according to several reports, including those from business consultants, Bain & Co., the next two years will witness continued growth in the luxury sector.

One of the many changes in CASHMERE WORLD – expected to prove very popular with global buyers - center around the trends in fashion. Visitors can view the upcoming colours, material and styles for 2011 and 2012. A major feature of the exhibition will be Cashmere World Colours, developed in collaboration with Paris-based Oliver Guillemin, Chairman of the renowned French Committee of Colour, General Secretary of Intercolor and creative consultant to many well-respected international brands including Louis Vuitton, Swarovski, Woolmark, Shiseido and Thierry Mugler.

Moreover, two ancillary programmes are scheduled during the 3-day fair: Cashmere Quality Forum and the Sustainable Conference, both supported by important industry associations and leading companies including Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) and Huntsman Textile Effects.

The Forum, which will debate the need for a global standard for quality cashmere, aims to help the industry achieve a unified approach to cashmere quality analysis, cashmere manufacturing and quality improvement across the supply chain.

The Sustainable Conference will offer a multi-faceted perspective on sustainable fashion, sustainable cashmere and sustainable businesses.

Many of the industry's leading companies are already confirmed exhibitors at CASHMERE WORLD, including Zhenbei, Snow-Lotus, Viction, Dagenlai, ZhongYin, Springair and more. To date, 2 pavilions are confirmed: they represent Tongxiang and Qinghe, 2 areas in China known for its high production of Cashmere finished products.

The cashmere industry is very specialised compared to other sections of the global apparel industry, and for three days in November of this year the talk is all about cashmere - your kind of talk.