Woolmark strengthens India–Japan wool trade ties through its Wool Connect initiative held in Tokyo, boosting collaboration and market access.
The Woolmark Company has strengthened global wool supply chain partnerships with the launch of Wool Connect, a focused B2B matchmaking initiative designed to connect Woolmark-certified Indian wool manufacturers with international buyers. The platform aims to accelerate sourcing discussions, facilitate meaningful trade engagement and reinforce the value of high-quality Australian merino wool in global markets.
The inaugural Wool Connect programme was held in Tokyo, in collaboration with the Wool and Woollen Export Promotion Council (WWEPC), alongside the India Trend Fair. The event was attended by Nagma M. Mallick, Ambassador of India to Japan, along with senior representatives from the Indian and Japanese textile and apparel industries, highlighting the initiative’s role in strengthening bilateral trade ties.
Designed in a one-on-one speed-meeting format, Wool Connect brought together 10 Woolmark-certified Indian manufacturing partners, covering the value chain from yarn to finished garments, with 10 leading Japanese trading houses and brands. The format enabled nearly 100 targeted business meetings in a single day, creating a highly efficient environment for focused commercial discussions.
Indian participants included Jayashree Textiles, Raymond, Linear Design, KCS, Shakti Knitting and Bansal Spinning Mills, among others. Japanese participants featured MN Inter, Takisada Nagoya, Pheeta, Moririn, Itochu and Toyoshima. The carefully curated matchmaking ensured alignment in capabilities, quality standards and sourcing requirements. Participants highlighted the initiative’s effectiveness in generating high-quality business leads, enabling transparent sourcing conversations, and building long-term engagement with Japan—one of the world’s most discerning and premium wool markets.
“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 the initiative was thoughtfully curated to connect Indian woollen manufacturers with the sophisticated Japanese market and promote exports from India. Launched during the India Fashion & Lifestyle Show (28–30 January 2026) in Tokyo, the platform reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and premium positioning of Indian woollen products globally.
Industry participants also shared positive feedback. Daljit Bal, Sales Head – Jayashree Textiles, said the platform enabled focused business discussions with Japanese buyers in a single location. Devdatt M. Chobey, Deputy GM – International Business, Raymond Lifestyle, noted strong potential for Indian wool products in Japan’s premium and made-to-measure segments. Chintan Bansal, Owner, Bansal Spinning Mills, highlighted the value of structured one-on-one meetings and emphasized Woolmark’s importance in showcasing the true value of wool.
Through Wool Connect, The Woolmark Company reinforces its position as the global authority on wool, leveraging its international network to bridge supply and demand. The initiative supports the growth of certified merino wool in high-value markets while fostering long-term, trust-based trade relationships across geographies.