Craft Focus - October/November 2025 (Issue 111)

BUSINESS PLATFORMS: GIFTING MEETS SCALE India’s gifting and stationery industries are backed by world-class trade platforms. Leading this space are Gifts World Expo and the upcoming Paperworld Mumbai edition. In a landmark announcement during Gifts World Expo – New Delhi 2025, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India and MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd declared the merger of their exhibition portfolios. From 2026, Gifts World Expo will be hosted across four major metros—Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi—offering brands a comprehensive, Pan-India outreach. The New Delhi edition alone featured over 700 exhibitors. Additionally, the Paperworld brand will debut in New Delhi, co-located with Gifts World Expo. The well-known Corporate Gifts Show will now be rebranded under the Gifts World Expo umbrella, expanding its scope beyond corporate gifting to encompass the full spectrum of gifting needs. This unified platform is set to offer unparalleled business opportunities and establish India as a global hub for gifting and stationery. Corporate Gifting What was once centred on branded merchandise has evolved into strategic and meaningful gifting. Modern corporate gifts now reflect a company’s values and vision—ranging from Ayurvedic wellness kits and artisanal desk accessories to sustainable fashion items and techmeets-tradition innovations. With a younger, value-driven workforce, the emphasis has shifted from promotional to emotional—gifts are now tools of connection, not just appreciation. Wedding Gifting Weddings in India are multi-day extravaganzas filled with rituals—and gifts are woven into every stage. From the couple’s families to distant relatives and service providers, curated gifts are thoughtfully chosen. These include precious metals, embroidered fabrics, custom perfumes, and handcrafted accessories—each reflecting the family’s stature and the personal touch they wish to convey. Eco-conscious Gifting Sustainability is now a core value rather than a niche trend. Indian brands are creating meaningful, responsible gifts— such as seed-paper stationery, temple bell metal jewellery, and packaging made from recycled materials. From bamboobased products to upcycled décor and organic wellness hampers, eco-friendly gifting supports artisans and reflects a growing social consciousness. India: A global beacon in gifting As the world looks East, India’s rich gifting heritage is gaining global admiration. The international market is increasingly drawn to India’s unique blend of scale, sentiment, and storytelling. Collaborations between Indian artisans and global luxury brands are bringing forth gifts that combine cultural depth with modern relevance. India’s gifting philosophy is rooted in emotion over extravagance, purpose over promotion, and heritage alongside modernity. With increasing consumer spending, a booming e-commerce ecosystem, and strong interest in premium and niche categories, India stands at the forefront of the global gifting movement. India: A lucrative market for global brands For international players, India presents a compelling opportunity. Rising disposable incomes and a growing appetite for premium gifts are complemented by a rich tradition of gifting tied to festivals, life events, and corporate milestones. High net-worth individuals in India are gravitating toward global luxury offerings—from Mont Blanc pens and Bulgari watches to Jo Malone fragrances and Dior cosmetics. Urban millennials, too, are driving demand for gift experiences, often turning to international brands to create lasting memories. Moreover, with the expansion of e-commerce and gifting platforms, even Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are becoming active participants. For global brands, this translates into access to a vast, emotionally engaged, brand-conscious audience with consistent, year-round demand, making India not just a market, but a long-term strategic growth opportunity. GIFTS WORLD EXPO & PAPERWORLD INDIA 26th – 28th February, 2026 Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai https://giftsworldexpo.com/mum https://paperworldindia.in.messefrankfurt.com 29 TRADE SHOW NEWS

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