From Muzaffarnagar's Jaggery to Gujarati Products Shine at Uttar Pradesh International Trade Expo
On the second day of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Expo (UPITEX) 2025, Lucknow residents indulged in enthusiastic shopping. From Gujarati sarees and Afghan dry fruits to khadi garments from various districts of Uttar Pradesh, the expo had something for everyone. Organized by the UP State Chapter of PHDCCI with support from the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, Invest UP, and ODOP Uttar Pradesh, the event at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan also featured a captivating Kavi Sammelan in the evening. Earlier in the day, industry experts shared insights on the role of digital transformation in enhancing the retail sector.
The Elegance of Khatli Work on Cotton
Sujata Shinde, owner of Jaish Fashion from Surat, shared, “We’ve brought a range of short and long kurtis, one-piece dresses, and three-piece sets for the people of Lucknow. Our collection includes fabrics like muslin, tissue, and cotton with mirror work and Gujarat’s signature Khatli embroidery, which has been very well received here.”
Interest in Skincare Products and Dry Fruits
Visitors to the expo showed a particular interest in skincare products. Pure India’s Marketing Manager noted, “Shoppers have been purchasing a variety of natural soaps, hair packs, face packs, and pain relief oils. We offer 35 types of soaps and 20 varieties of hair packs.”
Nadeem from Muzaffarpur mentioned, “Customers are especially drawn to jaggery sugar. Flavored jaggery in sesame, turmeric, coconut, peanut, and fennel-cardamom varieties is also in high demand.” Khadi kurtas, shirts, and Nehru jackets from Meerut were another favorite.
Hamid from Kabul, Afghanistan, added, “Lucknow residents are loving our Afghan almonds, walnuts, dates, blackberries, plums, blueberries, apricots, raisins, and figs.”
The evening concluded with a Kavi Sammelan featuring poets like Shravan Kumar, Dr. Lokesh Tripathi, Dr. Sarvesh Tripathi, Yogendra Yogi, and Vinay Prakash, whose works were met with great applause.
Digital Transformation in Retail
A conclave on the role of digital transformation in improving the retail industry was also held. Keynote speaker shri Irendra Chhabra, President of Bharuwa Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (a Patanjali Group company), discussed the impact of ERP and digital transformation, stating, “Data and deep analysis are now accessible within minutes. Digital transformation is the backbone of every retail business, starting with new-age ERP systems. Think digital, think business.”
Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, emphasized, “Digital transformation is a necessity today, simplifying, streamlining, and making business processes transparent.”
Shri Vivek Agarwal, Co-Chair, UP State Chapter, PHDCCI, noted, “For 120 years, PHDCCI has been a bridge between industry and government. Today, the digital world allows people to shop from home without stepping into the market.”
Shri Sanjeev Sarin, Chair of the Retail Subcommittee, UP State Chapter, PHDCCI, highlighted, “Consumer behavior is changing rapidly. If we don’t adapt, the market will force us to.”
Shri Rajneesh Rawat, Managing Director of Origins Advertising Pvt. Ltd., shared, “Implementing ERP nearly a decade ago significantly enhanced our market credibility.”
Finally, shri Atul Srivastava, Regional Director, UP State Chapter, PHDCCI, concluded with gratitude, remarking, “The retail industry contributes the most to GDP in Uttar Pradesh after agriculture. Digital tools now enable consumers to better experience products.”
