Email: itpocal@cal3.vsnl.net.in,

The production and exports of leather and leather products in India have grown dramatically over the last two and a half decades. The leather industry today is estimated to be an over $ 7 billion from being a $ 500 million industry in 1985 and $ 1971 million industry in 2000-01.

Today, Indian leather products are sold to some of the finest fashion houses in the world with Germany, USA, UK and Italy being the leading importers of leather goods. Among the international labels that are increasingly going for Indian leather goods and accessories are names such as Pierre Cardin, Tommy Hilfiger, Versace, DKNY, Hugo Boss, Liz Claiborne, Gabor, Clarks, Salamander, Elefanten and St. Michael’s (Marks & Spencer) to name a few. Over the years, the Indian tanning industry has improved its technology to account for finished leather matching world standards.

In fact, the leather industry in Kolkata has been one of the pioneers in meeting the latest fashion standards in the international leather products market. As of now, Kolkata is one of the major global centres for leather goods industry with specialization in export of vegetable tanned sheep leather, embossed and spiritbased coloured artistic leather bags and purses, small leather goods and industrial leather hand gloves for a considerable period of time.

Riding on the back of successful predecessor shows and in order to project the modern evolving face of the leather products sector to buyers from India and overseas, ITPO in association with CLE and ILPA presents the 16th edition of the International Leather Goods Fair.