AILPA SOURCING FAIR 2025

BENGAL MEANS BUSINESS AND DELIVERS

- Report by Dipika Chopra, Editor in Chief, Shoes & Accessories

The AILPA (All India Leather Products and Allied) Sourcing Fair 2025, organized by the Indian Leather Products Association (ILPA), concluded this week at the Biswa Bangla Exhibition Centre after three vibrant days of trade, trend-spotting and forward-looking dialogue on sustainability and design.With over 100 exhibitors and buyers from more than 20 countries, the fair once again positioned Kolkata as the heart of India's craftsmanship and a rising force in global sourcing. Held from October 28-30, the event wasn't just a display of leather goods, it was a declaration of intent:

Bengal means business. The fair commenced with a ceremonial lamp lighting by distinguished representatives from the Ministry, Shri Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, MSME & T, Government of West Bengal, and Shri H.K. Dwivedi, IAS, Vice Chairman, HIDCO and Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister of West Bengal marking a renewed spirit of collaboration between the government and the industry. “This fair was not just an exhibition; it was a movement,” remarked Adhar Sahni, Chairman, ILPA International Trade Fair Committee. “From the enthusiasm of buyers to the creativity of exhibitors, every element showed that Kolkata is ready to be a global sourcing destination.”

A Global Gathering with Eastern Flair