Cashmere World is perceived to be the most international event of its kind with attendees from almost 30 countries and regions in 2010. It is the only fully comprehensive cashmere event that covers all aspects of the entire industry supply chain, from raw materials, yarn, finished garments, accessories and lifestyle products to manufacturing technology and testing services.

Cashmere World is more than just another exhibition. It includes activities to enable two-way exchange of news and views, and is a place to network, meet new suppliers and buyers, keep abreast of the latest developments and innovations, and stay informed.

Cashmere World 2010 was successful, showing clearly the need for just such a show. It is truly international: well-attended (by key producers and quality buyers) and attracted buyers from many major fashion and high street brands, such as Cache Cache, Dalvey, Dawson Group, El Corte Inglés, Karstadt, Loro Piana, MaxMara, Ralph Lauren, Strenesse, and United Colors of Benetton.

The new dates for 2011 are 24 – 26 October, meaning the exhibition is moving to peak sourcing season in October. It will be the second time for UBM to co-organise the fair with its Chinese partner, China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-Products (CFNA) which is under jurisdiction of the Ministry of Commerce in China. CFNA’s goals are to regulate the production and quality of cashmere, and establish a guideline that sets out grading systems to classify cashmere quality standards.

A significant development of Cashmere World this year will be the presence of an Italian pavilion marking the acceptance within the industry by companies, like Luigi Cavagna, Annalisa Bucci, Cashmere Fine Group and so on, which will showcase garments in the most luxurious materials and excellent designs. Apart from this, key Chinese players, such as Erdos, Snow Lotus, Zhongyin, Springair, Viction, Rongchang, Stedenweiss, and Kashmiri Pashmina Gallery, Mir Handicrafts, Tricot Industries from Hong Kong, India and Nepal will also be present at Cashmere World 2011. A comprehensive programme of on-site activities and seminars will also be held alongside the fair, including:

• Standardisation of cashmere quality.
• From cashmere to luxury consumption: Explore the market potential in BRICS.
• Key success factors in developing the Chinese retail market for cashmere fashion.
• How can you maximise profits by adding value to your cashmere products?
• Fake or genuine cashmere: How can China’s grading system tackle quality issues?

China produces some 75% of global cashmere production, and processes 90% of it. Beijing is the ideal place because it is reasonably close to the major cashmere manufacturing centres such as Ningxia and the Mongolian regions.

Cashmere is renowned for its resilience and softness, yet, as everyone in the industry knows all too well, it has to compete in a market that is fiercely competitive and fast moving. To survive and prosper all those in the business of making, manufacturing and marketing cashmere must be fully informed of every aspect of the trade.