B2B matchmaking in Tokyo sparks premium wool sourcing ties.
The Woolmark Company has deepened India–Japan trade engagement with the launch of Wool Connect, a targeted B2B matchmaking platform aimed at strengthening global wool supply chains. Designed to connect Woolmark-certified Indian manufacturers with international buyers, the initiative seeks to fast-track sourcing conversations while reinforcing the value proposition of high-quality Australian merino wool in premium markets.
The inaugural Wool Connect programme 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 drew senior stakeholders from the Indian and Japanese textile and apparel industries and was attended by Nagma M. Mallick, Ambassador of India to Japan, highlighting its role in advancing bilateral trade cooperation.
Held in a structured one-on-one, speed-meeting format, Wool Connect brought together 10 Woolmark manufacturing partners from India—covering capabilities from yarn to finished garments—with 10 leading Japanese trading houses and brands. The format enabled close to 100 focused business meetings in a single day, streamlining dialogue and accelerating pathways to commercial collaboration.
Indian participants included Jayashree Textiles, Raymond, Linear Design, KCS, Shakti Knitting and Bansal Spinning Mills, among others. Japanese counterparts featured MN Inter, Takisada Nagoya, Pheeta, Moririn, Itochu and Toyoshima. The curated matchmaking ensured alignment on quality standards, technical capabilities and sourcing needs.
“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.”
“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,” said R.C. Khanna, Chairman, WWEPC. “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.”
Industry participants also underscored the platform’s effectiveness. “Wool Connect was a great platform to connect with Japanese buyers and trades in one place and have focused business conversations,” said Daljit Bal, Sales Head—Jayashree Textiles.
“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,” said Devdatt M Chobey, Dy. GM, International Business, Raymond Lifestyle.
“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,” said Chintan Bansal, Owner, Bansal Spinning Mills.
Through Wool Connect, The Woolmark Company reinforces its position as the global authority on wool, leveraging its international network to bridge supply and demand while fostering long-term, trust-based trade relationships in high-value markets.