Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) is tapping into one of the major emerging markets in the world, opening a new office in New Delhi, India.
Two permanent staff members have been appointed by AWI to develop direct business relationships with key retailers and manufacturers.
AWI Chief Executive, Dr Len Stephens says India has one of the fastest growing textile markets in the world, and this is a crucial step to capture this important market.
"India is already one of the most powerful economies in the world, with an estimated 350 million middle to high income earners currently. These people have high disposable incomes and now demand high performance ready-to-wear garments," said Dr Stephens.
"Demand for machine-washable clothes is also on the rise, as is demand for casual wear, outdoor clothing and leisure wear. This is an amazing opportunity to build demand for Australian Merino wool.”
With significant marketing and export experience, Debabrata Chakraborty has been appointed as Product Marketing Manager; and Pankaj Verma brings significant knowledge of the textile finishing process to the position of Product Development Manager.
India is the world's 12th largest economy, and currently Australia supplies more than 60 per cent of the imported apparel wool.
Mahua Das, AWI Product Marketing Manager says according to current figures, 29 million kilograms of clean wool are consumed every year in India.
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