More than 60 delegates representing cotton textile professionals in India attended an invitation-only on Cotton USA seminar in Mumbai recently. The seminar was meant to explore how in these changing and challenging times, cotton can have an increased importance in the textile value chain.
In his keynote address on Growing the Passion and Spinning the Fashion, B.K. Patodia, chairman of GTN Textiles Group highlighted on how the success story of cotton primarily comes from the strong linkages between 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. 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 brand is making stronger inroads within the premium clothing value chain.
Founder member of e-tailing India Ashish Jhalani 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 U.S. cotton acreage, production and projected exports as well as the latest information regarding the same data points for global cotton. The seminar also offered an opportunity for textile manufacturers and retailer 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.
Representatives of more than 20 prominent textile mills attended, the seminar along with 12 Cotton USA licensees like Raymond, Vardhman, Welspun, Trident, GTN Textiles, Ambika, Morarjee, Brandix, SA Aanandaan, Pee Vee Textiles, Ramco Group Textiles and Arun Textiles). Other than these leading domestic apparel brands such as Madura Lifestyle and Raymond, and the international brand Ralph Lauren also participated.
Cotton Council International (CCI) Executive Director Bruce Atherley offered an update on CCI’s promotion of U.S. 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 U.S. cotton and other growths in terms of cotton quality and performance during the panel discussion title What Delights Indian Spinners.
