The second edition of the Kerala International Jewellery Fair (KIJF) 2023, Kerala’s largest B2B jewellery exhibition, held at Adlux Exhibition & Convention Centre from July 8-10, 2023 has rewritten the history of B2B shows in Kerala with huge visitor footfall and brisk business registered during the event.
The show saw a large turnout of visitors from not only Kerala and but from across India ensuring that the exhibition aisles remained crowded with quality buyers throughout the three-day event. Almost all participants reported that best ever business in Kerala and far above their expectations.
KIJF was jointly organised by the All Kerala Gold & Silver Jewellery Manufacturers Association (AKGSMA) and United Exhibitions, India’s leading exclusive jewellery exhibition organiser
The second edition of KIJF ran concurrent to many events which were beneficial to the jewellery trade fraternity like YUVA – The Next Generation Business Meet, AKGSMA State Special Convention, Kerala Jewellery Awards.
Speaking at the Inauguration on Day One, Shri VD Satheeshan said that the shows like KIJF will boost the trade and business and would favour the development of the state. After viewing the displays at KIJF, he added, “The vast range of jewellery shows the great capabilities of the Indian craftsmanship. The inaugural event was attended by Shri. VD Satheesan, Hon. Leader of Opposition, Shri Benny Behanan, Member of Parliament, Shri Roji M John, MLA, Shri Pramod Agrawal, Chairman, NGJCI, Shri. Saiyam Mehra, Chairman, GJC, Shri Suvankar Sen, Managing Director, Senco Gold along with the leaders of AKGSMA
Industry Feedback was par excellence
The show was also widely appreciated by the participants. Over 8,000 trade visitors came to KIJF, with the largest numbers being from Kerala. There was a significant attendance from the other parts of India too.
Not only Single Store owners but representatives of all the leading corporate chain stores have marked their attendance at KIJF to source the jewellery for the upcoming season, particularly those with a strong presence in the South, attended the show, along with significant numbers from other parts of the country.
Most exhibitors reported their best ever orders booked in Kerala till date as retailers selected stocks for the upcoming wedding and Onam festival, with gold jewellery being most in demand followed by diamond & studded jewellery. Many exhibitors gave positive feedback about the large turnout from different corners of country, and even relatively larger and well- established players said they were able to develop new contacts in many fast-developing new towns and regions.
KIJF has seen a significant rise in the international trade visitor count as the buyers visited the show from more than 7 countries who has their roots from Kerala and made the show as an international destination too for sourcing Kerala style jewellery.
Participants also greatly appreciated the organisers for the manner in which the show was planned and executed. They were all praise for the pre-show registration systems which were simple and functioned efficiently and also very satisfied with the arrangements at the exhibition venue itself.
Key Events
One of the highlights of the 3-day event was the AKGSMA State Special Convention on July 9th. Not only was it attended by a large number of jewellers many informative sessions were held during this convention. During the convention Mr. Tushar Agarwal, MD of Shiv Narayan Jewellers, Hyderabad was felicitated for taking India’s finest craftsmanship to the International dais by winning 8 Guinness records for the jewellery masterpieces handcrafted from the house of Shiv Narayan.
KIJF also hosted its first ever Kerala Jewellery Awards in association with SVAR Media to recognise and felicitate the stalwarts of jewellery industry on the Day 2 of KIJF. The award function was attended by Many dignitaries from Jewellery Fraternity and Famous Cine actress Anu Sitara, to felicitate and award the jewellers in various categories. The Valedictory Function for all participants, where a number of eminent jewellers were recalled for their dedication and service rendered for the collective success of KIJF and to the development of the jewellery industry in Kerala.
Organisers Speak
Dr B Govindan, State President of AKGSMA: “KIJF 2023 was a remarkable success and it is the evidence that the jewellery industry in Kerala is now ready to move to a more modern and professional mode of doing business. The show provided a professionally managed B2B experience and we have seen significant footfall from not only neighbouring states but from across India, the show has been well received with even the smaller jewellers responding enthusiastically.”
K Surendran, State Gen. Secretary, AKGSMA: “KIJF is now the choice of the jewellery retailers to source the jewellery for the coming wedding and Onam seasons in Kerala. It was organized at the right time and so business at the show has been very brisk and exceeded the expectations of all. KIJF provided them a perfect opportunity to identify new designs and collections for their outlets. We all look forward to the season’s business.
Adv S Abdul Nazar, State Treasurer, AKGSMA, Convenor KIJF: “KIJF KIJF KIJF KIJF, This was resounding everywhere during the 3 days of the show not only across India but from the countries where the trade visitors have come from by talking about the success it has given to the trade fraternity and a lot of credit goes to the our state committee members and council team who spread out across the state conducting road shows, organizing meetings and spreading awareness among the jewellers. It was an enriching experience for those who attended the show with many knowledge-based sessions and interactions were held. Kerala Jewellery Awards was the highlight of the show and surely going to be an important event in every show going forward.”
VK Manoj, United Exhibitions: “Thanks to the trade fraternity for accepting us and giving us a red carpet welcome every time. The success of the show shall be shared with all the members of AKGSMA for their selfless service rendered during the pre-event roadshows and meeting creating awareness to the fellow jewelers on the importance of visiting tradeshows an its necessity in today’s business world. The response has been truly overwhelming with large turnout of trade visitors from across India. Further to this we at United Exhibitions are having quite aggressive plans for expanding business to all the southern states and internationally too through various alliances and partnerships.
KIJF 2024
The organisers have announced that the 2024 edition of KIJF will be held in Kochi from 6th – 8th July, 2024.
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