AWI strengthens commitment in Japan at JITAC Trade Fair

14 November 2007

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) recently returned from a successful product and marketing launch at the 15th bi-annual JITAC trade fair in Tokyo.

The JITAC trade fair, held by the Japan Imported Textiles Agency Council (JITAC), is one of the world’s premier trade events and offers an opportunity for textile trade to view upcoming trends in world fashion, with a focus on European fabrics.

AWI presented a range of Australian Merino and Merino blend fabrics on behalf of its partners and announced the launch of a major consumer marketing initiative in Japan targeting the AW 2008/09 season.

AWI is proud to partner some of Europe and Japan’s most renowned textile manufacturers including France’s Dormeuil, and the UK’s Clissolds and Edwin Woodhouse & Co Ltd. who offer a collection of fine Australian Merino wool based fabrics to suit every occasion.

JITAC also provided an opportunity for AWI to formally announce and explain to the Japanese industry AWI’s integration with the Woolmark Company, and AWI's new strategy to re-invigorate Woolmark.

In a well-attended two-hour seminar, AWI provided information to apparel brands and manufacturers from the Tokyo areas, and detailed the AWI/Woolmark colour trend forecast for AW 2008/09 and AWI marketing activities including the recent Consumer Trend 2007 Study.

The JITAC show received major coverage in the major Japanese textile dailies and received approximately 15,000 visitors during the three days.

During JITAC, AWI also hosted a cocktail party to commemorate the 200 years of Australian Merino history, and to thank Japanese partners for their support for Australian Merino wool.

The event attracted more than 120 key industry people in Japan, from influential retailers to wool textile manufacturers, and further strengthened the bond and commitment by AWI to wool marketing in Japan.

Mr Pascal Senkoff, General Manager of Apparel Product Development and Marketing at AWI said: “JITAC provides us with an opportunity to advise European and Japanese textile trade personnel about the integration with The Woolmark Company, the strategy to re-invigorate the Woolmark symbol, and to commemorate 200 years of international trade for the Australian wool industry”.

Mr. Alistair Murray McLean OAM, Australian Ambassador in Japan, also gave a congratulatory address quoting the long and successful history of Japan-Australia trade of Merino wool.

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