Texworld Istanbul expects 150 to 200 exhibitors

By

Matthieu Guinebault

Published
Feb 27, 2014

The Turkish edition of the Paris trade show will occupy 7000 m² in central Istanbul from November 4-6. Messe Frankfurt expects this inaugural edition to attract 150 to 200 exhibitors and welcome 5000 visitors.

As for the launch of Première Vision Istanbul only a few days earlier, “the cake is big enough for everyone,” declared Aleksandar Medjedovic, the German organizer’s manager for Turkey.

With a presence in the country for the past 14 years, Messe Frankfurt even looks favorably on the simultaneous opening of the two shows. The Turkish version of Première Vision, like that of Texworld, can only help enhance the image of the Turkish textile market. And in fact, in their respective markets – high end for Première Vision and entry level/mid-range for Texworld – this evolution meets a real demand.

“There is increasing growth in the country’s development of its own clothing style and design,” explained Aleksandar Medjedovic. “But this production requires fabric, and it’s no longer enough to go to Paris from time to time to stock up. In relying on what is now the Texworld brand, which has already proved itself in Paris and New York, we are moving forward from a firm basis and a focused experience. This market largely operates in the mid-range, with a large local demand at the entry level, and Texworld is well positioned to answer that need.”

Taking advantage of Turkey’s relatively open visa policy, Texworld expects its offerings to come primarily from Southern and Western Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. Also mentioned are some of the “less explored” markets, noted the organizer: Uzbekistan, Lebanon, Sudan, Serbia, and Albania. Russia and Iran will also be represented.

“I don’t hide the fact that I’d have liked to hold this show earlier,” said Michael Scherpe, president of Messe Frankfurt France. “It’s been in the works since 2005, with Turkey appearing as the obvious destination among those we considered. We’re going there now with a local approach to the market. Not everyone can do that. Our competitor isn’t positioning itself in the same way, because our market platforms aren’t necessarily the same.”