Woolmark Connects Indian Exporters With Japan Market

The Woolmark Company has launched Wool Connect, a B2B matchmaking initiative aimed at connecting Woolmark-certified Indian wool manufacturers with international buyers, strengthening global wool supply chain partnerships and promoting the use of high-quality Australian merino wool in premium markets.

The inaugural edition of the programme was held in Tokyo in collaboration with the Wool and Woollen Export Promotion Council (WWEPC) on the sidelines of the India Trend Fair. The event was attended by Nagma M. Mallick, Ambassador of India to Japan, along with senior representatives from the Indian and Japanese textile and apparel industries, highlighting the initiative’s role in advancing bilateral trade ties.

Structured in a one-on-one speed-meeting format, Wool Connect brought together 10 Woolmark manufacturing partners from India, spanning yarn to finished garments, with 10 leading Japanese trading houses and brands. The format enabled nearly 100 targeted business meetings in a single day, facilitating focused sourcing discussions and accelerating potential collaborations.

Indian participants included Jayashree Textiles, Raymond, Linear Design, KCS, Shakti Knitting and Bansal Spinning Mills, among others. Japanese participants featured MN Inter, Takisada Nagoya, Pheeta, Moririn, Itochu and Toyoshima.

Participants highlighted the platform’s effectiveness in generating high-quality leads, enabling efficient sourcing discussions, and building long-term engagement with Japan, one of the world’s most premium wool markets.

Ajay Pradhan, Country Manager, The Woolmark Company, said the initiative reflects Woolmark’s role as a catalyst in the global wool ecosystem by bringing Indian merino wool manufacturers and Japanese buyers together in a focused business environment to enable meaningful commercial dialogue.

R. C. Khanna, Chairman, WWEPC, described Wool Connect as a unique initiative designed to connect India’s woollen manufacturers with the sophisticated Japanese market and promote exports, adding that the platform reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and positioning Indian woollen products as a premium global offering.

Industry participants also welcomed the initiative. Daljit Bal, Sales Head, Jayashree Textiles, said the programme provided a valuable opportunity to engage in focused business discussions with Japanese buyers. Devdatt M. Chobey, Deputy GM – International Business, Raymond Lifestyle, noted that Japan offers strong potential for premium wool and made-to-measure categories. Chintan Bansal, Owner, Bansal Spinning Mills, said the structured meetings helped participants better understand buyer requirements and market expectations.

Through Wool Connect, The Woolmark Company aims to strengthen supply chain linkages, support the growth of certified merino wool in high-value markets and foster long-term trade relationships across geographies.