Europe’s leading responsible sourcing show, Source Fashion will welcome a diverse delegation of companies and business support organisations from Ethiopia, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Nepal when the next edition opens at Olympia London from the 18th – 20th February 2024, putting international manufacturers and suppliers at the fingertips of UK brands.
A collective of 22 companies supported by the International Trade Centre (ITC) will showcase at Source Fashion, aiming to redefine sourcing dynamics by presenting a compelling case for reliability, quality, and sustainability in the global market. Among the participants are noteworthy exhibitors including Sabahar, Red Earth, Ultramaille, and Nepal Pashmina Industry Association.
Sabahar, based in Ethiopia, produce handmade Ethiopian textiles such as towels, table linens, accessories, bathmats, cushions, blankets, throws, scarves and shawls. Their textiles can be found throughout the world, as they export to more than 25 companies in almost 20 different countries. They employ 98 people at their workshop, and are committed to sustainable, transparent, and responsible production practices. In their effort to be a model of eco-friendly manufacturing, they use innovations such as bio-gas to produce fuel for its dyeing department, solar heating of water, repurposing of textile wastes, and treatment and recycling of water discharge from the dyeing process.
Ultramaille, based in Antananarivo in Madagascar, are knitwear specialists, producing luxury menswear, womenswear and childrenswear. They employ 846 people, with their primary export market being Europe – their clientele list boasts some of the most prestigious French and Italian brands. They also sell to South Africa and the United States and are fully equipped for yarn and for piece dying. They also hold certification for grafting micro capsules on textile fibres.
The rest of the delegation ranges from smaller producers to high MOQ suppliers who will also showcase their diverse products. Their offerings span the spectrum, including natural fabrics, high-end accessories, and responsibly made ready-to-wear apparel highlighting the range available but also emphasising the commitment of these companies to sustainable and ethical practices.
The show platform provides these companies with a unique opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities, positioning themselves as reliable partners and presenting an attractive alternative for sourcing from African and Asian countries, all while adhering to stringent international social and sustainable standards.
Delphine Clement, Programme Officer at ITC said, “We are thrilled to facilitate the participation of these exceptional companies at Source Fashion. This platform offers them a unique opportunity to expand their business into the UK market and beyond. These companies, beneficiaries of the United Kingdom Trade Programme (UKTP), are set to redefine sourcing dynamics by emphasizing reliability, quality, and sustainability on the global stage. Under the UKTP, these companies enjoy duty and quota-free trade, with the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) playing a pivotal role. Effective since June 19, 2023, the DCTS aims to reduce tariffs, eliminate requirements, and simplify trading rules for developing nations, making a significant impact on Africa and South Asia. By bringing together such a diverse group to Source Fashion, we aim to showcase the global potential of responsibly sourced and sustainable products.”
Source Fashion will also host exhibitors from Nepal under the Nepal Pashmina Industries Association, a testament to the event’s commitment to inclusivity. These exhibitors will present their naturally sustainable scarves and shawls, reflecting the high standards of quality upheld by the association.
Suzanne Ellingham, Director of Sourcing, Source Fashion says, “The impact of Source Fashion increases each season, with its next edition increasing by 50% and playing a pivotal role in connecting global buyers with innovative and sustainable suppliers. This delegation of companies and supported by ITC, adds a unique dimension to the event, underlining the growing importance of responsible and ethical sourcing in the international marketplace.”
Held at the iconic Kensington Olympia in the heart of London, Source Fashion is the must-attend event for the fashion community.
Source Fashion takes place on 18th – 20th February 2024. Visit https://www.source-fashion.com/ for more information.