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2026 Oritain Supplier Intelligence Report
A global view of the forces transforming supplier networks
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22 October 2026
Oritain's inaugural Bangladesh Cotton Forum brought together nearly 100 textile and apparel industry leaders in Dhaka to explore the future of cotton traceability, independent origin verification and supplier collaboration.
On 22 September 2026, Oritain hosted its first Bangladesh Cotton Forum & Networking Dinner at The Westin Dhaka, bringing together manufacturers, exporters and industry experts.
As one of the world's leading apparel manufacturing hubs and the second-largest garment exporter globally, Bangladesh plays a vital role in international textile supply chains. Its manufacturers and suppliers are essential partners to global brands and retailers, making the country a key market for advancing transparency and supply chain integrity.
The strong turnout reflected the industry's growing interest in going beyond documentation to independently verify cotton origin and strengthen customer confidence.
"Bangladesh is one of the world's most important apparel manufacturing hubs. Global brands are looking for verified suppliers, and our goal is to help manufacturers take control of their sourcing risks, authenticate their cotton and turn trust into a competitive advantage," said Alexandre Lacreuse, VP Sales EMEA & South Asia.
The forum, held under the theme 'Beyond Documentation: Origin Verification in Practice', brought together experts covering cotton sourcing, international regulation, supply chain intelligence and forensic origin verification.
Alexandre Lacreuse, VP Sales EMEA & South Asia at Oritain, opened the forum and joined the industry panel alongside Josh Biss, Senior Account Executive. They were joined by Ram Krishnan, a local advisor and former cotton trader, and two speakers from Cotton Council International: Ali Arsalan, Cotton Council International Representative in Bangladesh and Stephanie Thiers-Ratcliffe, Senior Director of Global Operations.
Against the backdrop of evolving global sourcing requirements, the main message from panelists to suppliers was that those who can independently demonstrate the origin of their materials will be better positioned to build trust and compete internationally.
As regulatory requirements tighten and brands demand greater assurance, suppliers increasingly need to show that the cotton they source genuinely matches its declared origin. A theme that ran through the forum was that traditional traceability and documentation need to be backed up by independent scientific verification.
According to Oritain's 2026 Global Supply Chain Intelligence Report, 15% of finished garments from Bangladesh tested in 2025 showed an at-risk cotton origin. Origin-related risks are not unique to Bangladesh, and this figure relates specifically to the products tested, not Bangladesh's textile industry as a whole.
By verifying origin directly in the fiber, Oritain helps suppliers move beyond declarations, proactively manage sourcing risks and give their customers greater confidence.
Independent verification is not simply about meeting compliance requirements. It can also be a real competitive advantage.
The discussions in Dhaka reinforced that suppliers are now taking an active role in building more transparent, trusted supply chains.
Building on this momentum, Oritain recently released its 2026 Oritain Supplier Intelligence Report, a newly published resource distinct from the Supply Chain Intelligence material shared during the forum.
Based on research involving 122 senior supplier decision-makers across 10 markets, including Bangladesh, the report reveals that:
These findings challenge the assumption that suppliers are reluctant to embrace transparency. Instead, they show a growing willingness to adopt verification, strengthen relationships with buyers and demonstrate the integrity of their supply chains.
The report explores the drivers of supplier transparency, the challenges manufacturers face and how independent origin verification can help turn trust into a business advantage.
To access all the findings, download the 2026 Oritain Supplier Intelligence Report.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Dhaka. The enthusiasm and quality of discussions throughout the day showed Bangladesh's commitment to building stronger, more transparent and more resilient cotton supply chains. The forum marks an important step in Oritain's engagement with Bangladesh's textile industry.
We look forward to continuing these conversations, strengthening local partnerships and helping more suppliers turn origin verification into a competitive advantage.