More than 60 delegates representing cotton textile leadership in India recently attended a COTTON USA seminar in Mumbai to explore how, in these changing and challenging times, cotton can have an increased role in the textile value chain.
In his keynote address on “Growing the Passion and Spinning the Fashion,” the GTN Textiles Group Chairman, Mr. B.K. Patodia, highlighted that the cotton success story primarily comes from the strong linkages among passionate cotton farmers who have passed on a legacy and the spinning mills that have catered to the ever-changing needs of fashion through their innovative approach in spinning.
More than 20 prominent textile mills attended, along with 12 COTTON USA licensees – Raymond, Vardhman, Welspun, Trident, GTN Textiles, Ambika, Morarjee, Brandix, SA Aanandaan, Pee Vee Textiles, Ramco Group Textiles and Arun Textiles. In addition, leading domestic apparel brands such as Madura Lifestyle and Raymond, and the international brand Ralph Lauren also participated in the seminar.
The seminar also had participants attend from within the sub-continent: Malek Spinning Mills Ltd. (Bangladesh) and Brandix Textiles (Sri Lanka). Their participation and views shared as part of business forums brought new insights and perspectives to the present issues and encouraged more collaboration among textile value chain players.
The Cotton Council International (CCI) Executive Director, Mr. Bruce Atherley, offered an update on CCI’s promotion of US cotton worldwide, and encouraged the multi-national cotton fraternity to think innovatively to bring cotton to the forefront. COTTON USA licensees shared their candid views on using US cotton and other growths in terms of cotton quality and performance during the panel discussion title a “What Delights Indian Spinners.”
Supima President and CEO Marc Lewkowitz gave an update on Supima production and consumption. He also shared the experience of brands using Supima and how the company is making stronger inroads within the premium clothing value chain.
The other prominent speakers touched on agricultural and economic topics. Scott Sindelar, Minister Counsellor, USDA, FAS New Delhi, highlighted the importance of agriculture in the commercial economy and presented the audience with opportunities and challenges in Indo-US trade discussion.
Harminder Sahni, Managing Director, Wazir Advisors, shared insights on global textile and clothing demand and its impact on fiber consumption. Ashish Jhalani, founding member of e-tailing India, gave insights on the e-commerce business in India, with a special focus on fashion e-tailing and how it’s reshaping the fashion space. Sean Callanan, CCI Manager of Europe, South Asia and Africa, provided updates on US cotton acreage, production and projected exports, as well as the latest information regarding the same data points for global cotton.
The COTTON USA seminar also offered an opportunity for textile manufacturers and retailers and brand sourcing experts to discuss the benefits of increased collaboration through the panel discussion on “Raw Material Planning in Today’s Dynamic Consumer Environment.”