Reader Reaction: Does the London Book Fair remain a favourite for Indians?
Last year, the volcano ash caused chaos. Tanvi Parekh finds out how the acclaimed show will be.
Rishab Singhvi, International Print-O-Pac
"We have been exhibiting at LBF every year since 2001. Our aim is to meet up with all our existing and prospective customers. It is a forum to meet relevant buyers and also for our export business development. Niche book exports from India will flourish, there being huge untapped potential. So far we have covered the tip of the iceberg. We expect book exports from India to grow by 10-15% each year. LBF hold the key to mapping trends and new developments in book publishing and production. The conferences and seminars alongside are interesting and informative. Please meet us at R-735 from April 11-13, 2011."
Rajnish Shirsat, Repro India
"Its been six years in a row that we are participating at LBF. Repro wishes to showcase ourselves as a comprehensive book publishing solution company operating in content, print and fulfillment. Our focus will be in the domain of educational, trade and children’s book publishers. The future of book exports in India is challenging. We aim to be a company with technological edge, offering entire services in the publisher’s value chain and also global delivery models. Our new stand, a paradigm shift from a printing company to a company offering solutions will be launched at the LBF."
Vasant Goel, Gopsons Papers
"We have been visiting LBF since 1994 and participating since 1997. We aspire to expand and add new customers this year. Such events are useful if organised well with clear agenda.
Both, exports of printed books and the domestic market in India are set to grow each year. As more capacity is added in India, changes in external environment (China, trade barriers) are all positive indicators. We plan to double our capacity in the years to come and are confident about the market prospects. We need more printing companies to invest in technology and grow in size so as to improve brand India as a preferred print destination."
Nagendra Rao, Manipal Press
"This is the fourth year in line that we are participating at LBF. Our focus is mainly on UK based publishers. The fair will give us an opportunity to meet the leading publishers and understand their requirements. This will benefit us for planning our future strategy. With the prices going up in China and the sizable capacity enhancement in our country, India will be an attractive destination for exports in the coming years."