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[October 2008]
Home and Abroad - Indian Ceramics Profile Continues to Impress
Following its presentation at the Tecnargilla exhibition in Rimini, Italy – the first time a fully serviced promotion of this type had been undertaken in Europe – the 4th Indian Ceramics Exhibition (3-5 March 2009, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India) reports good progress. Impressed by the opportunities presented by the South Asian market and by the pre-eminent position held by the well established Indian Ceramics brand, new exhibitors were signed up during the Italian show and they once again enhanced the profile of the 2009 event, said organisers Gattaca.
Leading technologists in their respective fields had already made early moves to secure significant space at the new venue in Ahmedabad – companies such as Eirich (Germany), Beijing Trend (China), Dragon/Unimak (UK/Turkey), System SpA (Italy), Ghosh MW Ceramic Processing Machineries (India) and Foshan City Modena Machinery (China), immediately demonstrating top level support from serious players.
“The Rimini event gave us a good platform from which to reinforce our message and explain in detail the extensive work we have been undertaking in India and with the Indian ceramics industry,” said Event Director, Kevin Hudson. “Although this is the fourth exhibition in the series, there are key suppliers right across the world who are only now positioning themselves to make an impact in this vitally important market in today’s ceramic industry.
“It was extremely useful to have face-to-face meetings with suppliers in all sectors of the market and I have to say that for a first-time presentation the results have been most encouraging. We have new firm stand and space bookings – which you don’t always expect to get so quickly – and interest from groups that will further boost the standing of this event throughout the South Asian ceramic community. I’m excited by the prospects.”
Again, good internationality was reflected in the newly signed up exhibitors as well as the recognition of solid names in the industry, reported Gattaca. These included Imerys, Keda, Nutec Bickley (including newly acquired GFC Kilns), Endeka and Neptune Industries. Waiting in the wings, apparently, are two other massive multinationals, the Chinese leader in its field and, early days it should be said, the forming of two national pavilions which have not previously featured. Already, half of the space initially requested at the Karnavati has been allocated and bookings are expected to accelerate in the next few weeks.
Aside from Ghosh and Neptune, a string of other Indian companies are currently assessing their requirements and they have noted not only the competition from overseas, but the fact that Indian Ceramics 2009 enjoys the official backing of the Gujarati Ceramic Tile, Sanitaryware and Clay Brick associations. Together with its close cooperation and promotion of the Vibrant Gujarat concept, the organisers said that this all further consolidated the event’s reputation in India’s most important ceramic producing centre as well as cementing ties with industry leaders and trade bodies in the region.
“Many shows in Asia over the years have been characterised by a pot pourri of local suppliers, end producers and entrepreneurs plus one or two major European or US sponsors,” said Kevin Hudson. “Sometimes these events have the feel of a sponsored meeting without much direction and little chance of longevity. Our event is different – there are leading names in competition with one another, transcontinental jostling for market share and reputation in a market full of potential and, on our part, focus and experience. We feel that many other suppliers will certainly need proper representation in this part of the world and with Indian Ceramics available as a showcase in March next year, our message is for them to make that move sooner rather than later.”
Apart from the exhibition element of Indian Ceramics 2009, it is also reported that one of India’s major institutions is currently considering a plan to stage a conference concurrently. This has not been a feature before and again reflects the steady progress made by the organisers and the increasingly close ties it enjoys with the Indian ceramic industry and leading lights across the subcontinent.
www.indian-ceramics.com
ENDS