By engaging directly with manufacturers, a product trial provides a hands-on experience that builds on the recognition and awareness created through outreach activities. This helps create competitive advantage and a stronger connection with local manufacturing firms. As a result, product trials are a foundational and cost-effective part of the India market development program.
Sumitra Woodcraft
Focused on supplying major international retail chains with quality interior furniture, Sumitra Woodcraft wanted to expand its supply of certified wood. However, the company’s large production volume meant they needed to confirm both quality and supply before selecting a supplying partner. FII India seized this opportunity by providing the firm with wood supplies for product trials, as well as technical support, education seminars, and frequent meetings.
This attention to detail paid off, as Sumitra transitioned to western hemlock for a major line of furniture. It is now undertaking further trials of other B.C. species, including Douglas-fir, western red cedar and yellow cedar, recognizing the unique product attributes of each species.
Sumitra Woodcraft products featured in the Canadian Wood tradeshow booth | Photos: FII India
Venture Furniture
A manufacturer of outdoor furniture, the firm was looking for alternatives to teak wood, a species of increasing cost and reduced availability. Venture connected with FII India through the IndexPlus trade show, and based on advice from the FII team, conducted a product trial using western red cedar. The results were favourable and Venture is now using B.C. cedar in their production line.
Venture Furniture | Photo: FII India
Rajdhani Crafts
A major exporter of furniture to high-end retailers in Europe and North America, Rajdhani Crafts was looking to diversify its supply of certified wood. Through FII India’s market development program—including visits to the trade show booth and attending webinars—the firm learned about sustainable coastal species from B.C., and their potential for use in furniture manufacturing. A product trial using western hemlock for chair manufacturing followed, supported with technical advice, workshops, and quality assurance from the FII team. The results were favourable and the firm is now using western hemlock in a new product line tailored to their export buyers.
Rajdhani Crafts | Photo: FII India
Hindustan Sawmill
Manufactured wood panels are used extensively in furniture production; supplying feedstock to this process opens up new opportunities for sales. Towards this end, a product trial was organized with Hindustan Sawmill using western hemlock for finger joint and edge glued boards (FJEG), a common type of panel in India. The firm was looking for a species that could replace the hardwoods typically used in manufacturing, but of diminishing availability.
FII India connected the firm with Naman In-Store—a furniture maker supplying retailers with cabinetry, furniture and finishings. FII facilitated the product trial, including technical support and assistance with PEFC certification.
