The Russian Association of Fashion Industry Participants (RAFI) marked its tenth anniversary in 2025 by fundamentally shifting its focus toward a diversified, multi-national sourcing model.
At the center of this milestone was the 20th season of Bee-Together.ru, the association's premier outsourcing platform, which concluded its November session with a record-breaking conversion rate: nearly 80 per cent of participating brands successfully secured new manufacturing contractors. As the Russian fashion market adapts to supply chain realignments, the event hosted over 200 factories from six nations, signaling a transition from localized production to a sophisticated, cross-border outsourcing network.
Strategic sourcing diversification and the rise of ‘CIS+ Manufacturing’
The November 2025 expo at the Radisson Slavyanskaya underscored a significant geographic broadening of the Russian apparel supply chain. While local exhibitors remained a cornerstone, the presence of over 60 factories from Uzbekistan and 25 from Kyrgyzstan highlighted the growing dominance of the CIS region in providing high-volume, cost-effective garment production. In particular, Uzbekistan has emerged as a critical partner, supported by high-level diplomatic engagement from the Uztextilprom Association. This ‘CIS+’ model is designed to navigate 2026 industry challenges with increased flexibility, allowing Russian marketplaces and large retail chains - represented by over 2,000 professional buyers - to mitigate logistical risks through direct manufacturer-to-brand communication.
Indo-Russian synergy: The rebirth of leather and footwear partnerships
A pivotal development in RAFI’s 2025 strategy was the relaunch of specialized B2B business sessions, specifically targeting the high-demand leather goods sector. In collaboration with the Council for Leather Exports (India) and the Embassy of India, the association facilitated a dedicated trade show where 20 Indian manufacturers showcased premium leather samples to Russia's market leaders, including Finn Flare, Bosco, and Zasport. The inauguration by Nikhilesh Giri, Deputy Chief of Mission, Indian Embassy, emphasized a mutual commitment to developing footwear and accessory production. This initiative directly addresses a gap in the Russian premium segment, where buyers are increasingly seeking high-quality, natural materials to replace departing Western luxury labels.
Established in 2015, the Russian Association of Fashion Industry Participants (RAFI) is a central hub for B2B connectivity in the textile and garment sectors. Over the past decade, it has connected 2,715 manufacturers with over 13,000 Russian corporate customers.
