New Delhi, India’s interiors and furniture industry marked a significant new milestone today as imm India 2026 made its highly anticipated debut at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, bringing together leading manufacturers, designers, brands, and global buyers under one roof. The three-day international B2B exhibition, running from 1 to 3 September 2026 and organised by Koelnmesse Pvt. Ltd., launches at a time when the India Home Furniture Market is projected to reach nearly USD 40 billion by 2031, positioning the country as a rising hub for design-led furniture manufacturing and global sourcing.
The grand inaugural ceremony took place in the presence of Dr. Bharat Dinesh, President, Jodhpur Handicrafts Exporters Association (JHEA), Naved Ur Rehman, President, Moradabad Handicrafts Exporters Association, Mr C P Sharma, President, Handloom Handicraft Export Welfare Association (HHEWA), Dr. Sumit Chhabra, Vice Chairman, Buying Agents Association (BAA), Mr S C Ralhan, President, Federation of Indian Export Organisation, Mr Rajesh Gupta, President, Kirti Nagar Timber & Furniture Dealers Association and Mr Milind Dixit, Managing Director, Koelnmesse Pvt Ltd along with prominent industry leaders, international delegates, and senior representatives from the furniture, interiors, architecture, and design community. Bringing together the full spectrum of the interiors value chain, imm India 2026 is expected to host over 100 exhibitors and attract more 8000 trade buyers , creating a dynamic environment for business networking, sourcing partnerships, and industry collaboration.
Mr. C. P. Sharma, President, Handloom Handicraft Export Welfare Association (HHEWA), said “Our association represents around 5,600 export industries and nearly 2,000 domestic industries, and we see significant export potential for India’s handicrafts and furniture sectors. Dedicated platforms such as IIMM are important for giving furniture a distinct identity and connecting Indian sellers with global buyers. With the government’s strong export focus, improving quality standards and FTAs with Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, the UK, 27 European countries and five African countries, we expect export turnover to grow by 20–22% over the next three years. The industry does not seek subsidies, but supportive policies, fewer barriers and greater facilitation for production and exports. As e-commerce drives smaller-volume and faster purchases, India also needs overseas warehouses and Indian showrooms in key markets, including Europe, the UK and the US, building on the India Mall initiative in Dubai. Greater policy uniformity across states and stronger MSME support can further accelerate India’s journey towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy.”
Dr. Sumit Chhabra, Vice Chairman, Buying Agents Association (BAA), said “India’s export outlook is highly promising as global buyers increasingly look for supply-chain diversification, resilience, product development and reliable long-term partners. India’s record combined exports of US$863.1 billion in FY2025-26, including US$441.8 billion in merchandise exports, reflect the scale of this opportunity. While the US and Europe remain important markets, the UK, Australia, GCC, Japan and other emerging markets offer significant potential, particularly for value-added segments such as furniture, home décor, handicrafts and textiles.
“Buying agents have an important role in translating this opportunity into sustained business by connecting international buyers with the right Indian manufacturers and supporting product development, quality, compliance, communication and evolving market requirements. At the same time, EUDR, ESG and traceability are increasingly becoming requirements for market access, making it essential for exporters to build transparency and responsible manufacturing into their everyday operations rather than treating compliance merely as a certification exercise. India already has the manufacturing capability; the next phase is about strengthening trust, consistency, compliance and global market access, enabling Indian suppliers to become strategic sourcing partners for global buyers.”
Dr. Bharat Dinesh, President, Jodhpur Handicrafts Exporters Association (JHEA), said “In Rajasthan, the handicraft sector stands as the largest employer after agriculture. While exporters are navigating complex global dynamics and compliance frameworks like EUDR, it is important to clarify that our raw materials are sourced strictly through sustainable agro-forestry, debunking common myths around illegal logging. To expand India’s share in the global market, investing in artisan skill development is our highest priority. Platforms like this fair play a pivotal role in showcasing design-led, high-quality craftsmanship to international buyers, and we are confident that the trade generated here will drive substantial growth for the sector.”
Mr. Navneet Jhalani, General Secretary, Bagru Industrial Area Association, Jaipur, said, “Bagru Industrial Area is home to around 850 industries, including nearly 200 handicraft units that employ around 10,000 workers and collectively export approximately ₹700–800 crore annually, accounting for nearly 10% of Rajasthan’s estimated ₹7,000–8,000 crore handicraft exports. While government support has helped the sector, further measures to reduce logistics and electricity costs and improve workers’ living conditions can enhance competitiveness. India currently accounts for only around 2–3% of global handicraft consumption, highlighting the enormous export opportunity. Greater support for marketing and B2B platforms can help the industry expand globally, and platforms such as IMM can play an important role in connecting Indian businesses with international buyers.”
Mr. Ritesh Jitani, General Secretary, Kirti Nagar Timber & Furniture Dealers Association, said, “Kirti Nagar, one of Asia’s largest timber and furniture markets with a market size of over ₹2000 crore, represents a complete industry ecosystem from raw materials and artisans to manufacturers, dealers and finished products serving markets across India. The sector has significant manufacturing and export potential, but limited land and space, inadequate infrastructure and policy-related challenges continue to constrain growth. While exports are still at an early stage, we have a five-year vision to position Kirti Nagar as an internationally recognised furniture marketing hub. Our ongoing collaboration with the National Economic Forum for a detailed market study, along with engagement with various agencies, will help identify growth opportunities and build a roadmap for stronger infrastructure, policy support and exports.”
Mr. Rajesh Gupta, President, Kirti Nagar Timber & Furniture Dealers Association, said “India’s furniture industry has immense potential, particularly in exports, with the country’s traditional and handicraft furniture offering quality and craftsmanship that is not easily available in global markets. At the same time, the rise of e-commerce and organised retail is creating both opportunities and challenges for traditional dealers those who have embraced online platforms are benefiting, while others are facing pressure to adapt. Our vision is to position Kirti Nagar as a national and international marketing hub, where buyers from across India and globally can come to source furniture and allied products, whether manufactured in India or elsewhere. However, inadequate space for manufacturing and display, limited basic infrastructure, parking and cleanliness issues, and taxation remain key challenges. The 18% tax burden, in particular, adds significantly to the end cost for consumers. Our association is therefore undertaking a comprehensive survey covering the entire market ecosystem including furniture, timber, plywood, laminates and stone to identify the challenges, assess the market’s growth potential and develop a collective roadmap for government support.
Placing the Indian edition within a global context, Mr. Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer, Koelnmesse GmbH, said, “Today’s opening of imm India represents an important milestone for both the global furniture industry and India’s rapidly evolving interiors ecosystem. India is one of the most promising growth markets for design and furniture worldwide, and with imm India we are proud to bring an internationally recognised platform that connects India’s manufacturing excellence with global markets, innovation, and design leadership.”
India’s furniture sector is currently being shaped by multiple structural drivers. Government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, rising disposable incomes, and rapid urbanisation are accelerating demand for modern interiors and modular living solutions. India’s urban population is projected to reach nearly 600 million, creating sustained demand for space-efficient furniture and lifestyle-driven interior solutions. At the same time, direct-to-consumer furniture sales are projected to grow at a 36% CAGR to reach USD 17 billion by 2030, highlighting the growing influence of digitally connected consumers and younger homeowners.
Building on these market fundamentals, imm India 2026 aims to create a structured and future-focused business environment. Commenting on the opening day of the show, Mr. Milind Dixit, Managing Director, Koelnmesse Pvt. Ltd., said, “The launch of imm India today marks the beginning of a long-term industry platform designed to strengthen India’s role in the global furniture and interiors ecosystem. With the India Home Furniture Market on track to grow at more than 8% CAGR through 2031, this event will provide an unmatched opportunity for manufacturers, designers, and buyers to connect, exchange insights, and accelerate growth. Our goal is to spotlight India’s role as a design-led manufacturing hub and elevate industry excellence on a global stage.”
The debut edition has received strong institutional support from leading industry associations including Jodhpur Handicrafts Exporters Association, The Handicrafts Exporters Association Moradabad, Bagru Industrial Association, Association of Modern Kitchen, Asian Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC), Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO), Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Kirti Nagar Timber and Furniture Dealers Association, and Karur Handloom Export Cloth Manufacturers Association (KHEXMASS). This extensive support underlines the industry’s confidence in imm India as a strategic growth catalyst.
The exhibitor line-up reflects the diversity and strength of India’s manufacturing base, with participation from Source, Sunrise International, Sheela Foam Limited, Obeetee Private Limited, Phoenix Industries Limited, Royal Rugs, Khivraj Handicrafts, Sankara Furniture Designs, Metaltech Design, Saraf Exports, Tapisserie Home, The Furniture Folks and Mahesh Handicrafts, among others, amongst others.
Mr. Abhinav Bishnoi, Director, Abhinav Exports, said, “Through its participation at imm India, Abhinav Exports (Jaipur) aims to engage with European buyers who visit to select and co-develop designs tailored to their market requirements. The company is showcasing collections aligned with the decade-long shift towards artistic, multifunctional furniture that blends modern design with an Indian art influence, supporting deeper access to European markets. While the business remains largely export-driven, India’s décor segment is expanding rapidly as young couples invest considerable time and funds into curated living spaces. With international furniture brands entering India and organised retail strengthening, the sector is set for sustained growth in the coming years.”
Mr KhumarRam Choudhary, Director, Ashapura Exports, said, “The debut edition of imm India provides Ashapura Exports with an opportunity to present its portfolio of quality, sustainable, and innovative furniture solutions crafted for both residential and commercial applications. The company is showcasing designs that combine style, durability, and functionality, reflecting the evolving requirements of modern buyers. As India strengthens as a global sourcing hub, manufacturers maintaining quality and timely deliveries, backed by policy incentives, are well-positioned for sustained growth and global expansion.”
Mr Salim Ansari, Founder, Sohel Arts, said, “At IMM India Expo, Sohel Arts is showcasing its solid wood furniture collections that reflect India’s clear shift towards modern and customised designs. Over the past four to five years, bulk orders have steadily increased across local and wholesale markets, supported by rising apartment living in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, along with growth in hotels and restaurants. The market remains highly competitive, and while large retail chains often multiply prices up to three times the manufacturing cost, Sohel Arts focuses on direct client engagement, competitive pricing, premium raw materials, and detailed finishing. With nearly 70% of production in India still manual, stronger government support through improved loan rates, machinery subsidies, and tax incentives can significantly enhance India’s global furniture manufacturing competitiveness.”
Mr Rajendra Jangir, Founder, Scenicone, said, “imm India’s inaugural edition enables Scenicone to present its premium solid wood and finely finished furniture, addressing a market that is expected to reach nearly USD 31.5 billion in 2026 and grow further over the next decade, reflecting rising demand for quality craftsmanship and refined design. With India’s furniture sector expanding alongside urbanisation and evolving lifestyle preferences, organised and branded manufacturers that focus on quality and partnerships can capitalise on strong residential and commercial demand. Government support through incentives and export policies can further bolster competitiveness and global engagement.”
Mr Abhinav Bhandari, Director, Desert Art Export (Rajasthani Art Exports), said, “Participation at imm India marks an important step for Desert Art as the company expands its reach across domestic and international buyer segments. The showcase includes collection-led home décor, garden décor and utility products, along with newly developed furniture and decorative pieces crafted from reclaimed old wood, as well as greenhouses and gazebos. The Indian market is expected to witness strong growth in the near future, and export opportunities are likely to accelerate further as global economic conditions stabilise, creating renewed momentum for international trade.”
Johannes Frandsen, CEO, Obeetee Pvt. Ltd. said, “Our participation at imm India comes at a defining moment for Indian furniture manufacturing. With the global furniture market valued at over USD 700 billion and India’s export share still under 2%, the opportunity to scale is both significant and immediate. At Obeetee, we are extending our legacy of craftsmanship into a design-led furniture portfolio where design is a key differentiator not an afterthought. We are focused on creating an integrated design handwriting that aligns closely with the retailers and partners we strategically collaborate with, ensuring that our collections are not only aesthetically compelling but commercially relevant. We believe distinctive, globally attuned design, supported by vertically integrated manufacturing, international compliance, and ESG-aligned processes, is what will separate long-term partners from short-term suppliers.Through imm India, Obeetee aim’s to showcase not only aesthetic strength but manufacturing depth, operational reliability, and true partnership capability positioning Obeetee, as a preferred global sourcing destination led by design and relevance.”
The exhibition presents an extensive range of interior solutions including home and outdoor furniture, lighting and fixtures, wall and floor coverings, décor and finishings, kitchen and bath solutions, as well as handcrafted and contemporary furniture collections.
Further strengthening its global orientation, the exhibition features an International Hosted Buyer Program designed to facilitate structured matchmaking between exhibitors and pre-qualified domestic and international buyers, enabling focused business engagement and cross-border partnerships.
Alongside the exhibition, conference sessions and knowledge exchanges will explore themes such as sustainable materials, retail evolution, modular living trends, and the future of design-driven furniture manufacturing, offering valuable insights for industry professionals.
Over the next three days, imm India 2026 is expected to serve as a key meeting ground for global buyers, manufacturers, designers, and industry leaders, reinforcing India’s growing position as a design-led manufacturing hub in the global furniture ecosystem.
