Woolmark Strengthens India–Japan Wool Trade Through Wool Connect Initiative in Tokyo

The Woolmark Company introduces its Wool Connect B2B programme in Tokyo to link Woolmark-certified Indian manufacturers with Japanese buyers and strengthen bilateral wool trade relations.

The Woolmark Company has introduced Wool Connect, a targeted B2B matchmaking programme aimed at strengthening collaboration across the global wool supply chain. The initiative is designed to connect Woolmark-certified wool manufacturers from India with international buyers, supporting structured sourcing discussions and reinforcing the role of Australian merino wool in international markets.

The first edition of Wool Connect was organised in Tokyo in partnership with the Wool and Woollen Export Promotion Council (WWEPC) alongside the India Trend Fair. The programme was attended by Nagma M. Mallick, Ambassador of India to Japan, as well as senior representatives from textile and apparel companies in both countries, highlighting its relevance in advancing bilateral trade cooperation.

The event followed a one-on-one, speed-meeting format, bringing together 10 Woolmark manufacturing partners from India, covering yarn to finished garment production, with 10 leading Japanese trading houses and brands. Nearly 100 structured business meetings were conducted in a single day, enabling focused engagement and supporting faster commercial decision-making.

Indian participants included Jayashree Textiles, Raymond, Linear Design, KCS, Shakti Knitting and Bansal Spinning Mills, among others. Japanese participants comprised MN Inter, Takisada Nagoya, Pheeta, Moririn, Itochu and Toyoshima. The curated format ensured alignment between manufacturing capabilities, quality expectations and sourcing requirements.

Participants noted that the platform helped generate qualified business leads, facilitated transparent sourcing discussions and supported long-term engagement with Japan’s premium wool market.

“Wool Connect reflects Woolmark’s role as a catalyst within the global wool ecosystem,” said Ajay Pradhan, Country Manager, The Woolmark Company. “By bringing quality merino wool manufacturers from India and Japanese buyers together in a highly focused environment, we are enabling meaningful commercial dialogue while reinforcing the value of Australian merino wool across international supply chains.”

R.C. Khanna, Chairman, WWEPC, said, “Wool Connect is a truly unique initiative by Woolmark, in partnership with WWEPC, thoughtfully curated to connect India’s woollen manufacturers with the sophisticated Japanese market and promote exports from India. Launched at India Fashion & Lifestyle Show, held from 28–30 January, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan, this platform reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and positioning Indian woollen products as a premium global offering.”

Daljit Bal, Sales Head, Jayashree Textiles, said, “Wool Connect was a great platform to connect with Japanese buyers and trades in one place and have focused business conversations.”

Devdatt M. Chobey, Deputy General Manager, International Business, Raymond Lifestyle, said, “Raymond being the largest wool fabric manufacturer in India and one of the oldest certified partners to Woolmark, it made great sense to be in Wool Connect. Japan market for wool has good potential in the premium and made-to-measure categories.”

Chintan Bansal, Owner, Bansal Spinning Mills, said, “We had well-structured one-on-one meetings with Japanese buyers to understand their requirements and issues. Woolmark embodies the core of anyone working with wool, highlighting its significant value.”

Through Wool Connect, The Woolmark Company continues to position itself as a central facilitator in the global wool industry, using its international network to link supply and demand. The programme supports the expansion of certified merino wool in high-value markets while encouraging long-term trade relationships based on quality and trust