The Woolmark Company has reinforced India–Japan textile trade relations through the launch of Wool Connect, a dedicated B2B matchmaking initiative aimed at connecting Woolmark-certified Indian wool manufacturers with global buyers. Designed to accelerate sourcing discussions and foster meaningful commercial engagement, the platform highlights the value of high-quality Australian merino wool in international markets.
The inaugural edition of Wool Connect took place in Tokyo, in collaboration with the Wool and Woollen Export Promotion Council (WWEPC), on the sidelines of the India Trend Fair. The event was attended by Nagma M. Mallick, Ambassador of India to Japan, along with senior leaders from the Indian and Japanese textile and apparel sectors, underlining the initiative’s role in strengthening bilateral trade ties.
Organised in a one-on-one speed meeting format, the programme brought together 10 Woolmark manufacturing partners from India, covering the value chain from yarn to finished garments, with 10 leading Japanese trading houses and brands. Nearly 100 targeted meetings were conducted in a single day, enabling focused discussions and faster pathways to commercial collaboration.
Indian participants included Jayashree Textiles, Raymond, Linear Design, KCS, Shakti knitting and Bansal Spinning Mills, while Japanese participants featured MN Inter, Takisada Nagoya, Pheeta, Moririn, Itochu, Toyoshima, among others. The curated matchmaking ensured alignment in capabilities, quality standards and sourcing requirements.
Participants highlighted the platform’s effectiveness in generating high-quality leads, improving sourcing transparency and building long-term engagement with Japan, one of the world’s most 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, “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 “Wool Connect was a great platform to connect with Japanese buyers and trades in one place and have focused business conversations”
Devdatt M Chobey, Dy. GM, International Business, Raymond Lifestyle, “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 “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 strengthens its position as a global authority on wool, bridging supply and demand through its international network. The initiative supports the growth of certified merino wool in high-value markets while fostering long-term, trust-based trade relationships.
