Apparel Sourcing Week 2023 (ASW 2023) convened more than 6,000 visitors in Bangalore, offering a concentrated platform for networking, sourcing and knowledge exchange across the Asian apparel supply chain.
Scale and participation
The two‑day gathering, held at the Sheraton hotel, featured over 130 exhibitors from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Australia. Collectively, these participants represent a combined revenue exceeding US $40 billion.
Attendees included roughly 150 apparel manufacturers, 50 fabric and accessories suppliers and 20 firms showcasing sustainable technologies. The presence of start‑up brands and e‑commerce platforms highlighted the event’s appeal to emerging players seeking agile sourcing solutions.
Representatives from global retailers, buying houses and start‑up brands explored sourcing options ranging from denim and sportswear to technical jackets and swimwear. The gathering’s “NOKI” framework—networking, opportunity, knowledge, inspiration—guided the agenda.
Key sessions addressed emerging concepts such as sourcing‑as‑a‑service and the digitisation of garment factories, reflecting industry shifts toward technology‑driven procurement.
Focus on sustainability and innovation
Day 1 dedicated its schedule to sustainability, running in parallel with the SustainableNXT conference. Panels addressed topics such as green manufacturing, digital IDs for garments and the trade‑off between fast fashion and conscious consumption.
The SustainableNXT Awards highlighted achievements in material innovation and circular design, reinforcing the push toward closed‑loop supply chains.
Twenty companies received SustainableNXT Awards for advances in eco‑friendly practices, highlighting the sector’s move toward ESG considerations. Participants emphasized worker safety, carbon reduction and circular material use.
“I am really excited to be at ASW 2023 where industry experts looked into the challenges that retailers and brands face…,” said Sandeep Das, the Head of Global Softlines and Hardlines at Intertek.
The audience responded enthusiastically, asking detailed questions about supply‑chain traceability and sharing case studies from their own operations. Such interaction showed the practical value that many attendees sought from the sessions.
Industry reactions
Wicrant Gambhir, Head of Sourcing at Babyshop Concept, described the gathering as “thought‑provoking and provided new insights for the larger audience to take inspiration from, to move to the next level. The one‑of‑its‑kind and visionary, it helped to give a new direction to the industry.”
Ganesh Kasekar of the Global Organic Textile Standard added, “I congratulate the organisers for such a wonderful job; it was a great networking and learning platform for everyone.”
Marielle Boström led an 18‑member Ralph Lauren delegation, noting the value of direct interaction with fabric and trim makers. “Being able to also touch base with the fabric and trim manufacturers was a bonus,” said Pankaj Kumar, Merchandiser Manager at Imtiaz Al Arabia, after meeting potential suppliers.
Hardik Jain of Beyond Us praised the gathering for exposing sustainable apparel trends across South Asia, while Ashwini Seth, co‑founder of Denison India, highlighted the MOQ panel: “The panel discussion of MOQ was very insightful; we discussed challenges and probable solutions pertaining to issues like reducing deadstock and increasing profitability.”
Throughout the afternoon, informal conversations spilled into nearby cafés, where participants exchanged business cards and discussed future collaborations. The lively atmosphere reinforced the sense that the event was more than a trade show, it was a catalyst for lasting partnerships.
Mid‑event, it became clear that while the market’s appetite for rapid product cycles remains strong, manufacturers are increasingly pressured to balance speed with responsible sourcing. Companies that can swiftly adjust to design changes while maintaining low minimum order quantities may gain a competitive edge, especially as retailers seek to reduce inventory risk.
Business opportunities and next steps
International Trading Company (ITCRmg) of Tirupur reported success securing contracts for small‑batch orders, leveraging its 72‑hour turnaround capability. Fairfax Exports highlighted new direct links with major retail chains for its technical jacket line.
Panelists such as Ashish Dhir of 1Lattice observed strong audience engagement, noting that “it felt really great to be in midst of such a knowledgeable and interactive audience.” The dialogue reinforced the relevance of data‑driven decision tools in modern sourcing.
Timex Garments’ director Aamir Ashraf expressed optimism about aligning production capacity with evolving retailer expectations after a session on MOQ challenges. The company, certified by ETI, WRAP and BSCI, manufactures a broad range of apparel from casual blouses to activewear.
Overall, ASW 2023 delivered a dense schedule of seminars, panel discussions and networking events, including a Trend Walk, a Pledge Wall and live saxophone performances that blended business with informal interaction.
