A Gift For Giving
India is one of the most hospitable countries in the world, and gifting is part of its culture, heritage and social customs. Be it business or personal occasions, India and Indians are amongst the most passionate people about giving and receiving gifts. The gifting industry in India has predominantly been an unorganised sector with no recognition or representation domestically or internationally.
Therefore, the market size is not accurately available, but according to industry sources, the totalsizeofIndian corporate and personal gifting market put together is about INR 150,000 crore(£17billion). The corporate gifting segment in India is estimated to be INR20,000 crore(£2.2bn) and is growingatmorethan150%per annum. Like everything else, the gifting market is changing in India. Personal gifting is on the rise, with the number of gifting occasions increasing, such as anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and specific Indian festivals.
Corporate gifting has its own challenges and issues unique to the industry, with corporate clients being more demanding than ever before, helping to drive unique branding and customisation innovations. The growth of corporate gifting led to the formation of the corporate Gifts Association of India (CGAI) in 2013. Like the sector, it has grown rapidly and is
now a member organised association of morethan400. It is the only active association in India with members and trade affiliations, and recognition with domestic and internationally relevant trade partners and associations.
Vision
The CGAI endeavours to be one of the most respected and reputable associations in India by enhancing innovation and creativity among its members. The Association aims to lead and provide exemplary services to its members to achieve business excellence and continual growth.
Purpose and benefits
Members of theCGAI are able to access a number of benefits. The CGAI creates a platform for better unity among its members and builds collective bargaining strength. Members are updated on industry issues via seminars, conferences, newsletters, and so on. It also assists in providing legal representation for the industry and helps protect its members’ business interests. It has created a platform to redress trade and legal matters. Furthermore, the CGAI has developed strong recognition locally and internationally through affiliations with
various global trade channels providing better opportunities for members.
Events strategy
To help build the sector in India, the CGAI has developed its affiliation with industry leading exhibition partners such as Messe Frankfurt, HKTDC, Gifts &Accessories, Netlink Solutions, inFairs, and Winmark, to name a few. It also organises an intra-member annual trade exhibition that sees huge trade between its members. CGAI conducts seven seminars annually on various topics with renowned speakers ranging from motivation, technology and management style changes. On the social side, the much awaited CGAI Cricket League is organised annually as a team-building exercise among its members from different companies who otherwise are competitors in the business world
