The Indian footwear industry witnessed a significant surge of business and innovation as the two-day Shoe Tech Kanpur exhibition concluded on a high note. Organized by the Indian Footwear Components Manufacturing Association (IFCOMA), the event drew an impressive crowd of approximately 2,000 business professionals and entrepreneurs from across the nation to the KLC complex in Banthar, Unnaon.
Major Business Impact and Industry Praise
The exhibition proved to be a massive commercial success, creating substantial economic opportunities for the sector. Sanjay Gupta, President of IFCOMA, announced that the event facilitated business deals and opportunities valued at a staggering Rs 500 crore. This figure underscores the event's critical role as a national business hub for the footwear supply chain.
Exporters and leaders from the leather and footwear industry who attended the event expressed high satisfaction with the arrangements. They particularly highlighted the valuable exposure to cutting-edge technology and recent innovations within the shoe manufacturing sector. A key takeaway for many was the industry's shift towards sustainability, with numerous exhibitors showcasing products that were noted for being eco-friendly.
Awards Celebrating Excellence and Innovation
A highlight of the fair was the awards ceremony, where IFCOMA honored outstanding contributors to the footwear component industry. The awards recognized a diverse range of achievements, from pioneering work to entrepreneurial spirit.
The Pioneer of Industry Excellence Award was presented to Erik Illing, representing Whelm Textiles India Ltd. The prestigious IFCOMA Excellence Award was bagged by Rashi and Abhishek Khanna of Clover Industries Ltd.
Celebrating new talent, Mohd Ajwad, founder of Aki Castle Shoes, received the Young Entrepreneur Award. In a nod to growing diversity in the field, Fariya Shah was honored with the IFCOMA Women Entrepreneur Award.
Other notable recognitions included the Quality and Compliance Excellence Award, won by Shelash Pathak of Stuck Chemicals Pvt Ltd, and the Innovation in Component Award, which was conferred upon Yogesh Chand Mittal.
A Platform for the Future of Footwear
The successful conclusion of Shoe Tech Kanpur 2024 marks a pivotal moment for the Indian footwear components industry. By bringing together a vast network of manufacturers, suppliers, and exporters, the exhibition has solidified Kanpur's position as a crucial epicenter for the trade. The emphasis on eco-friendly components and new technology signals a forward-looking approach, aligning the industry with global sustainability trends. The event has not only generated immediate business but also laid the groundwork for future growth and innovation in the sector, promising a robust and evolving market for Indian footwear on the world stage.
