Leather goods and accessories have been a fashion statement for many years for both men and women. They are also functional and durable, thus a preferred choice for smart professionals as well.
A Brief History of the Leather Industry in India
This may come as a major surprise to the young, well-to-do, style-conscious generation who are fond of leather items. The use of leather in India can be traced back to 3000 BC. The Rig Veda mentions ‘Mashaks’ or sacks that were commonly used along with straps, bands, bags, and sails of ships.
Post World War II, the leather industry in India witnessed massive growth. From 25 large
leather goods manufacturers in 1913-14, the industry grew to 114 units employing over 26000 workers in 1941.
Today, India accounts for around 13% of the global production of leather hide. India reportedly exported more than $470 million worth of leather and leather products. The yearly growth from the previous year is around 32%.
Most Profitable Leather Products
-- Garments
-- Watch band
-- Shoe
-- Bag
-- Corporate gifting items
-- Furniture and home decor
Among the popular leather products, footwear accounts for almost 48% of the total items consumed. India is the second-largest footwear producer and consumer after China.
Reasons for Industrial Growth in India
-- Abundance of Raw Material: India produces about 3 billion sq. ft. of leather annually. India is also termed as the World’s Tannery
-- Premium Hide: Availability of some special breed of goat/cow/sheep produces premium quality skin
-- Robust Tanneries: Eco-friendly and technologically well-equipped tanneries
-- Skilled Labour: Large population of skilled labour
-- Advanced R&D and Design Institutes: India boasts of high-quality institutes producing world-class designers. The country also has ample R&D facilities
-- Massive Internal Market: Throbbing Indian middle-class with an international mind set presents a profitable domestic market for consumption
-- Great Foreign Tie-Ups: India is one of the strongest exporters of leather and leather products
-- Ancillary Industries: Leather chemicals and other support industries have propelled the overall growth of the industry.
Key Attributes Of A Custom Leather Goods Manufacturer
-- Production capacity to ensure quick turnaround time
-- Raw material sourcing to procure high quality hide
-- Quality designers capable of giving a variety of design options for the client
-- Adoption of modern production technologies to ensure customization such as embossing, custom tagging, tailor made cut, etc.
Industry Experts (www.industryexperts.co.in) have large pool of leather product manufacturers that can cater to a wide spectrum of industrial buyers needs.