INTERNATIONAL NOvEmbER 201170

he Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair concluded on September 25 with overall visitor attendance increasing by 16.3%. Split into two

venues spread over 130,000 square metres, the fair accommodated more than 3,450 exhibitors from 46 countries. The fair witnessed the highest visitor turnout in its history with 51,500 traders from 155 countries. Hong Kong-based visitors totalled 16,931, while foreign visitors were 34,569 in number, up 21% versus last year.

China topped the list of foreign visitors at 11,483, up 45% from last year. India followed with 3,519 visitors, up

Hong Kong September Fair Shines OnThe 29th edition of the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair reiterated the growing importance of India and China as jewellery consuming and manufacturing hubs.

12% from last year. The United States placed third at 2,423, up 29%. There was also notable growth in visitor numbers from Brazil, Israel, Iran, Russia, Taiwan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

“The September fair’s continued growth is testament to the strong reputation the fair enjoys globally. The strong visitor attendance from China and India was not surprising, considering that these two markets are the main drivers of jewellery demand today. What was even more encouraging was the growth in visitor attendance from the United States and Italy – 29% and 42%, respectively,” said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs, UBM Asia.

Commenting on the performance of the fair Rajiv Jain, chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) said, “While the US still remains a large diamond jewellery consuming centre, there is no doubt that India, China and Hong Kong represent the future for the diamond industry on all fronts – be it manufacturing, trading or consumption.” Jain informed that in 2008-09, Hong Kong accounted for the largest share of polished diamond exports from India.

The September fair was held at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) from September 19 to 23, and at the Hong

tradefair

Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from September 21 to 25.

Kiran Gems, a leading Indian diamond manufacturer, witnessed a robust response at the show. The company sold certified diamonds in sizes of 0.30 carat up to 1.50 carats in VS and SI clarities. Among the non-certified diamond parcels, stars, melee, +11 and +14 in white (D, E, F) colours and VS/SI clarities, experienced good demand. Kiran also observed that the manufacturers were considering innovative products and offers for the upcoming holiday season.

The move to segregate jewellery materials and finished goods found

widespread appreciation by exhibitors and visitors alike. It not only helped buyers locate merchandise they needed quickly and efficiently but also allowed them to stay focused.

For some, the show did not meet expectations. Avinash Gupta, from Mamraj Musaddilal Jewellers, Hyderabad said, “The show this year was certainly not up to the mark compared with previous September shows. Our jewellery range was between $300 and $50,000, but we could hardly find buyers for goods over $10,000 this year.” However, despite slow visitor traffic, the company’s new line of sterling silver jewellery studded with semi-precious

stones and diamonds drew customers from the US, Russia, Indonesia, Korea, Singapore and Thailand.

Rashmi Kant Soni from Jaipur-based Sheru Gems, which specialises in emeralds, participated for the second time at the show and blamed the fluctuating gold and diamond prices for the adverse impact on coloured gemstone sales. “Even though the prices of emeralds were stable, the overall market instability affected sales this year,” he said.

On the other hand, Shree Ramkrishna Export (SRK) witnessed a great response from visitors at their booth. Rahul Dholakia, managing

The show this year was certainly not up to the mark compared with previous September shows. Our jewellery range was between $300 and $50,000, but we could hardly find buyers for goods over $10,000 this year.”

iNTErNaTiONaL NOvEmbEr 2011 71

director – marketing & finance, said, “The footfalls were good at the Hong Kong show and this has reinforced our belief in catering to the China and Far East market.” Dholakia added that the current performance is an indicator of positive growth in the Asia market in the future.

SRK took the opportunity to launch an iPad application that enables a stock search service for its diamond stocks which made it easy for visitors and walk-in customers to know exactly what it offered and match it with their individual requirements. The company noted that it benefited from this tech-savvy innovation as it could serve multiple clients quickly and efficiently.

Raj K. Jain, founder of Caram e.K., a German manufacturer and wholesaler of gemstones, said, “We met a number of target buyers from

India and China. We were impressed by the scale of the fair. We welcome the product compartmentalisation policy, which helps to concentrate the target buyers and opens up more business opportunities.”

Anil Shah, partner, Venus Jewel stated that rather than sales, people were looking at establishing strong relations at the show this year and this intention received a positive response. Shah informed that diamonds in the range of 2 carats and above, in VS to SI purity, G, H, & I colours in fancy shapes moved well at the show.

Venus Jewel also made sure it attracted customers by introducing new parameters and products such as Light Performance, a grading parameter, an improvised matching pair feature, and the newly introduced ‘+ & - attributes’ in cut grades.

Lau added that amid worries about economic uncertainty in the West, China, with its huge population, growing middle classes and rising consumer spending, is becoming a major driving force of global jewellery demand. Exhibitors would like to leverage on the advantages of the September fair for expanding their business to emerging markets.

The September Hong Kong fair is one of the most important trade shows for reaching Asian markets, especially since it comes before the important buying seasons of Christmas, Diwali and the Chinese New Year.

Emerging markets like India and China once again proved Asia’s growing importance as this is where most of the business for the Hong Kong September fair was generated. n

tradefair

We met a number of target buyers from India and China. We were impressed by the scale of the fair. We welcome the product compartmentalisation policy, which helps to concentrate the target buyers and opens up more business opportunities.”

iNTErNaTiONaL NOvEmbEr 201172

With inputs from Erum Ali Qureshi.