IIFF 2026 Concludes on a High Note, Strengthening India’s Footwear Ecosystem
ITPO also announces IIFF 2027 scheduled from 8–11 July
LW Desk
The 10th India International Footwear Fair (IIFF) 2026 (August 6-8) concluded successfully at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, yesterday, bringing together footwear manufacturers, exporters, buyers, investors, designers, industry leaders and other stakeholders from across the leather and footwear value chain.
Organized by the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), in association with the industry body Confederation of Indian Footwear Industries (CIFI), the three-day fair served as a prominent platform for business networking, product showcases, design, innovation, technology and investment opportunities, highlighting the growing capabilities and potential of India’s footwear manufacturing sector.
The fair commenced with its inauguration by Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, setting the stage for three days of extensive industry engagement. The inaugural function on the opening day also witnessed the launch of the IIFF 2026 Fair Guide, alongside interactions among exhibitors, buyers and industry stakeholders, showcasing developments across footwear manufacturing, design and technology.
Bihar Pavilion Highlights Emerging Investment Opportunities
One of the key attractions of the second day of IIFF 2026 was the inauguration of Bihar Pavilion, along with an engaging session on ‘The Next Frontier of Global Footwear Manufacturing’ which showcased Bihar’s emerging potential in the leather, footwear and accessories sector.
The session highlighted Bihar’s industrial infrastructure, progressive policies, investment incentives, skilled workforce and investor friendly ecosystem, whereas the Bihar pavilion provided a platform for interactions among manufacturers, entrepreneurs, investors and other industry stakeholders, highlighting opportunities across various segments of the footwear value chain.
With an emphasis on manufacturing, investment and employment generation, Bihar presented itself as an emerging destination for leather, footwear and accessories manufacturing.
Business Networking, Innovation and Fashion in Focus
The second day of IIFF 2026 also witnessed extensive business networking and product presentations, enabling exhibitors to engage with prospective buyers, business partners and other industry stakeholders.
The day also featured a ‘Fashion Fusion 2026’ presented by the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI). It brought together footwear, design and fashion, reflecting the increasing integration of creativity and innovation within the industry.
Closing Ceremony Celebrates Industry Excellence
The final day marked the culmination of the 10th edition of IIFF with a closing ceremony addressed by Amb. Jawed Ashraf, Chairman, ITPO.
The closing ceremony was followed by the IIFF Awards, which recognized excellence across key segments of the footwear industry and acknowledged the contributions of industry participants at IIFF 2026 to the growth and development of the sector.
The successful conclusion of IIFF 2026 reaffirmed the fair’s role as an important industry platform for fostering business connections, facilitating market opportunities and showcasing India’s expanding footwear manufacturing capabilities.
The strong participation and range of activities reflected the continued growth and evolving opportunities within India’s footwear and allied industries. The next edition of the India International Footwear Fair is scheduled to be held from 8–11 July 2027.
