The China National Convention Center in Beijing played host to the inaugural Cashmere World 2010 show this week where the CFNA (China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Products & Animal by-products) have partnered with leading exhibition organisers UBM to launch a trade fair dedicated exclusively to the supply chain of the global cashmere industry.

“Selecting China as the location of this event makes sense given the position of the country in the industry”, noted Michael Duck, Senior Vice President of UBM Asia. “According to statistics, China produces over 75% of the world’s cashmere raw material and over 90% of all raw materials are pre-treated here while three quarters of the world’s cashmere products are finished in China. The country is also the fastest growing cashmere consumer today, with the most potential,” Duck adds.

“Cashmere World is the ideal platform to promote China’s cashmere raw material utilised by major brands and local up and coming designs,” said Jerry Xing, General Manager of leading Chinese cashmere brand, Snow Lotus.

Other major cashmere producers include Mongolia, Afghanistan, India and Nepal were all represented among the 60 exhibitors representing the entire cashmere industry from raw material to retail products.

Exhibitor experiences

European exhibitor Roger Guanine participated at Cashmere World with the aim to seek franchisees in key Chinese cities for the high fashion Balmain Paris brand.  “We have already met with a number of potential partners. We have also met with companies from Denmark, Italy and USA impressed by the quality of our products and interested in our manufacturing capabilities” noted Guanine on the first day of the show.

 “My first impression is that there are high quality products here at Cashmere World,” observed buyer Daniel S. Dunham, Manager of US-based company Cabelas.

For Umesh Mirchandani, Operational Manager of French retailers Groupe Beaumanoir, Cashmere World is his first time sourcing cashmere from China.  “I found three or four potential suppliers in the first half hour of the fair.”

Cashmere World also offered a comprehensive programme of conferences debating vital issues concerning the industry. The first day’s workshop focused on Cashmere knitwear manufacturing.

Cashmere grading system

On day two, the highlight was the Cashmere Quality Forum, during which a much needed cashmere grading system, supported by prominent industry associations and leading companies was discussed. In the afternoon on day two, the show’s Sustainable Conference addressed the challenges the industry is facing today; speakers presented ideas – from fashion trends to technology innovation - that can improve the long-term development of cashmere businesses.

The conference also introduced the first Cashmere World Colours. Developed in collaboration with the French Committee of Colours, and exclusively for Cashmere World, it features nine trend directions and 36 colours created exclusively for cashmere and is sponsored by Snow Lotus, one of China’s major cashmere companies.