South African Manufacturers Shine at AllFashion Sourcing Exhibition in Cape Town

Elaine Köhne, Sales Manager of Genuine Connection Promotions, described the event as an amazing opportunity to network and gather market intelligence.

South Africa's clothing, textile, footwear, and leather industries celebrated a successful week at the AllFashion Sourcing Exhibition held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (ICC) from 10-12 September 2024. With support from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), local manufacturers had the opportunity to showcase their products, build new business relationships, and gain valuable insights into both local and international markets.

Elaine Köhne, Sales Manager of Genuine Connection Promotions, described the event as an amazing opportunity to network and gather market intelligence. “We managed to network, interact with visitors and other companies at the show. We had good conversations and exchanged contacts, which we will follow up on for potential business partnerships," said Köhne.

The South African Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan 2030 Master Plan Programme also played a significant role. Courtney Barnes, the Project Manager, expressed excitement over the capabilities showcased by local manufacturers but stressed the need for upscaling. "If we want retailers to localise, we need to show them that we have the supplier capabilities and capacity. This show is the first step in doing that," said Barnes.

Heidi Smith, Sales Manager of Freudenberg Non-Wovens, emphasized the value of the exhibition for building partnerships and engaging smaller designers. “It was wonderful to engage with various partners and designers who were keen to learn and understand our business approach," said Smith.

Additionally, the event hosted insightful panel discussions, including topics on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and sustainability in the textile and clothing industry, which provided essential knowledge for attendees.

Dr. Jaywant Irkhede, Director of Leather and Footwear at dtic, praised the exhibition’s organization and highlighted its role in developing investment opportunities. He noted that the event successfully connected international and local stakeholders, bringing together manufacturers, designers, retailers, investors, and service providers.

The AllFashion Sourcing Exhibition continues to be a crucial platform for showcasing South Africa's manufacturing capabilities and promoting local industries on the international stage.