ES. Gifts World Expo has completed more than two decades of successfully serving the gifting industry. Looking back, what have been the defining milestones in the show’s journey?
Himani Gulati. Gifts World Expo’s journey has been one of steady evolution. It began in 2003 with just 25-30 exhibitors displaying diaries, pens, desk accessories, and keychains. That small footprint quickly proved there was appetite for a dedicated platform, and the show broke away to become a standalone B2B exhibition for the gifting industry, one of the earliest signals in India that gifting had matured into a specialised business category.
One milestone I’m particularly proud of is the sheer breadth the show has built over the years. Gifts World Expo today is the only exhibition that brings every gifting category under one roof be it Corporate Gifts & Promotional Solutions, Celebration & Festive Gifts, Wedding & Trousseau Gifting, Luxury & Premium Gifts, Awards & Rewards, Houseware & Kitchen Appliances, Electronic Gadgets, Handicrafts & Home Décor, Wellness & Beauty, and Branding & Customization Machineries, among others. No other platform in India offers this level of category in a single show, and that comprehensiveness is what has made it a true one-stop sourcing destination rather than a niche vertical event. Since then, the growth has been consistent and, honestly, gratifying to watch. As we head into our 31st edition, Gifts World Expo is set to host 750+ exhibitors, 5,000+ brands, and over 25,000 products on display, with 176 new entrants joining this edition, reflecting that the platform continues to attract fresh energy year after year. The show has also expanded geographically, from Delhi to Kolkata, Bengaluru, and recently Mumbai under a strategic partnership with Messe Frankfurt India, while expanding its international footprint, including participation from a dedicated China Pavilion this year.
Another significant milestone has been our strategic partnership with Messe Frankfurt India. Now, Gifts World Expo is being jointly organised by MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. and Messe Frankfurt India. Under this joint venture, Gifts World Expo and Paperworld Delhi are jointly organised and co-located exhibitions. Earlier, Paperworld was held only in Mumbai. This year, alongside Gifts World Expo Delhi, it marks its inaugural edition in New Delhi, bringing the gifting, stationery, and office essentials categories under one roof for the first time in the capital. It’s an evolution of the show and building on this evolution, this time, Gifts World Expo Delhi has introduced hall-wise product segregation. Each hall has specific product categories, making it easier for buyers to navigate the exhibition, plan their sourcing journey, and connect with their target exhibitors more efficiently.
ES. Corporate gifting, festive gifting, luxury gifting and personalized merchandise are all witnessing rapid growth. Which of these segments do you believe will shape the industry’s future?
Himani Gulati. The gifting industry has evolved into one of the most dynamic and diverse market segments. Today, there is a gift for every occasion, every budget, and every purpose, reflecting the growing depth of the industry. This expansion is being driven by changing consumer preferences, greater demand for personalisation, thoughtful design, and value-driven purchasing decisions. At Gifts World Expo, we are witnessing a clear shift from conventional, one-size-fits-all gifting to solutions that are purposeful, well designed, and personalised. Today, it’s no longer about the gift itself; it’s about the message and values it carries. That said, festive and wedding/trousseau gifting also remain strong volume drivers in India, and luxury and premium gifting is growing rapidly as consumers seek higher-value offerings. What ties all of these together and what I believe will define the industry’s future is customisation. Whether it’s a corporate buyer sourcing branded merchandise at scale or a consumer shopping for a festive hamper, the expectation now is that the product feels considered and personal.
ES. Today’s buyers are looking beyond products – they seek innovation, sustainability and customization. How are exhibitors responding to these changing market expectations?
Himani Gulati. This is exactly why we’ve introduced dedicated spaces into the show rather than leaving these conversations to happen organically on the floor. Our Start-Up & Innovation Hub gives visitors direct access to fresh, scalable ideas from emerging brands, while the Discovery Hub is where market-ready innovations take centre stage. Sustainability, in particular, has moved from being a buzzword to a genuine sourcing criterion for corporate buyers, which is why we introduced the Sustainable Innovation Hub- a space entirely dedicated to responsibly made, well-designed gifting solutions.
On customisation, we’ve expanded our Branding & Customization Machineries segment considerably, giving corporate buyers direct access to the technology and processes behind personalization, not just the finished product. And through Gift Talks, we’re creating a forum for industry experts to unpack these shifts directly with attendees because increasingly, buyers want context and insight alongside the sourcing opportunity.
ES. International participation has been steadily increasing in Indian trade exhibitions. How is Gifts World Expo attracting overseas exhibitors and buyers?
Himani Gulati. International participation has grown meaningfully, and this edition reflects that we have a dedicated China Pavilion featuring leading international exhibitors across distinct categories, alongside strong representation from our top Indian exhibitors like Everwear, Vinod Cookware, PM Overseas, Swayam, Welspun, Xech, Pikmee, Luggero, Karachi Bakery, Renee Cosmetics, and Fuzo. Messe Frankfurt India’s global exhibition network combined with our expertise and deep understanding of the Indian gifting and sourcing landscape, has allowed us to open new international channels far more effectively than either organisation could alone.
ES. As organisers with decades of experience in delivering successful trade exhibitions, what are the key factors that have contributed to the sustained growth of Gifts World Expo?
Himani Gulati. A few factors have consistently driven the success of Gifts World Expo over the years. First, we have always evolved with the market, ensuring the exhibition reflects changing gifting trends, sourcing needs, and buyer expectations. Second, our expansion has been strategic. We entered markets like Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Mumbai only when the timing and market potential were right, focusing on sustainable growth rather than rapid expansion.
Equally important are the strong partnerships we have built with our association bodies such as the National Jute Board, CGAI, HHEWA. Most importantly, the exhibition has earned the trust of the industry. Leading brands return year after year because they generate quality business and meaningful connections, while buyers keep coming back to discover new products, reliable suppliers, and fresh business opportunities. That continued confidence from both exhibitors and visitors is the strongest measure of our success.
The evolution of the gifting industry is clearly reflected in the evolution of the show. Today, almost every leading brand has a dedicated division catering to B2B gifting, backed by institutional sales teams. This itself is a strong indication of how significantly the gifting market has grown and evolved into a strategic business category.
