Cotton Council International is organizing an Invitation only seminar on September 29th at Trident, Nariman point, Mumbai, which will offer useful insights on the present scenario of “Cotton” and Cotton Textile Industry in India. Cotton represents about 1/3rd of the world fiber usage and has been one of the most sustainable fibers for more than 7000 years, used to clothe and nurture mankind. The success of cotton primarily comes from passionate farmers who have dedicated themselves to grow the fibre from one generation to the next and have passed on a legacy of “Growing the Passion” so that mankind can cherish the fibre of their choice.
The spinning industry has given a new dimension to cotton as spinning mills, through its innovative approach, have catered to the needs of changing fashion and have made cotton a trend setting fibre. Both the farming and spinning communities have their set of challenges. Cotton farmers have a wide variety of choices to grow other crops, and similarly spinners have choices to spin other fibres. Nevertheless, the passion and the dedication from the farmers and spinners have made Cotton “The fiber of our choice”. The leaders from the textile industry would deliberate at the seminar as to how they can work collaboratively so that the same passion can be passed on to the next generation of mankind.
COTTON USA aims for absolute purity, brings consistently excellent quality and responsibility to the world of cotton. Excellent quality comes from persistence and the latest technology that US Cotton farmers use to bring out the best in nature. COTTON USA works with select manufacturers in the world to ensure that consumers get a quality product which is in sync with its brand. Mr. Bruce Atherley, Executive Director at Cotton Council International, is giving a presentation on how the COTTON USA team is dedicated in promoting cotton worldwide.
India is considered as the spinner’s hub, with close to 52 million spindles and capacity to produce 4.7 million tons of spun yarns. To give an expert perspective and to connect the theme of the seminar, Mr. B.K. Patodia, Chairman, GTN Textiles Group will deliver the key note address. When it comes to spinning, Indian’s are known to deliver the best, be it spinning on the 22 yard cricket pitch or be the yarn spinning. Indian spinning mills have created a unique position globally as suppliers of cotton yarns. These mills, apart from using Indian cotton, have been importing various varieties of cotton from across the globe. It has some unique experiences and insights. In order to understand experiences and expectations of Indian spinners, an interactive panel of eminent personalities from the leading spinning mills are invited to share their experience of using US cotton and other growths. Through this panel discussion the business forum would bring up aspects that delight Indian mills and its expectations in terms of cotton quality and performance on the key parameters.
New channels like E-commerce are gaining momentum and cotton products should find the appropriate channels to reach its consumers. Mr. Ashish Jhalani, founder member E-tailing, India, will be presenting on Ecommerce and Indian Fashion.
In apparel and home fashion, quality begins with the fibre. It takes a premium fibre to make a luxury product. Supima, often known as “Cashmere of Cotton,” is a special extra-long staple fiber grown in the US, known for its softness, strength, brilliance and lasting colours. Mr. Marc Lewkowitz, President and CEO, Supima would provide an update on his organization’s programs, as well as a preview of the upcoming harvest for American ELS cotton. Supima cotton is a key ingredient in manufacturing premium and luxury goods, and Indian Textile mills have led from the front as they are the top consumer of ELS cotton with more than 1/3rd share. In 2015-16 the global ELS consumption went up by 14% as the textile mills consumed more than 4,25,000 tonnes with India consuming 1,45,000 tonnes of ELS Cotton. The Panel discussion among the elite user fraternity would address the current issues in regard to the availability and usage of ELS Cotton.
India and the US, both largest and the oldest democracies, have been key trade partners. Indo–US trade reached US$100 bn in 2014 which was four fold growth since 2006. According to one of the publications by Indian-American Chamber of commerce, the trade between the two nations has the potential to reach US$500 bn. Cotton and Textiles is a major category in the Indo-US trade, Indian mills import US Cotton and exports textile products to US brand and retailers. Mr. Scott Sindelar, Minister Counselor, FAS, USDA would address the key features of Indo-US trade highlighting US Contribution to India’s trade in terms of Imports and exports, share of textiles in India’s exports to US as a key category.
In a fast changing fashion world, with the entry of new distributions channels especially e-commerce, raw material planning plays a very important role not only in shortening of lead time from design to shelf, but in the present environment of price volatility, it also plays an important role in margins. COTTON USA Seminar will bring together experts from each segment of the supply chain to discuss “Raw material planning in today’s dynamic consumer environment.” Mr. Harminder Sahni, Managing Director, Wazir Advisors would present on the global textile and clothing demand and its impact on fibre consumption.