As the world's top alpaca-fiber producer, Peru supplies 7,000 tons of said fleece to international markets, mainly to Asia, the United States and Europe, Peru's Exports and Tourism Promotion Board (PromPeru) informed.
In 2015, alpaca fleece sales exceeded US$159 million, whereas the garment-manufacturing sector generated revenues worth close to US$47 million, a 2.3% increase over the previous year.
However, such leadership is not only based on the Inca nation's capacity to take the lead on international alpaca trading.
Peru currently holds 80% of world's alpaca production. Since this enables to prove origin throughout the production process, it generates opportunity over other textile-producing countries.
"Alpaca-breeding associations; shearers; processing, industrial and artisanal dressmaking companies, as well as spinners and fashion designers comprise this sector, which has reached its highest peaks over the past two years," PromPeru expressed.
Arequipa region, where 95% of fiber is industrially transformed, holds all production chain elements within its territory: from fleece harvesting, through processing and dyeing, to garment-manufacturing with added value.
No other natural fiber producer has this logistic capacity, PromPeru underlined.
Promotion strategies
Peruvian alpaca garments and textiles have already been introduced to 30 countries.
Nevertheless, production and promotion processes require further optimization to place said fleece in the luxury segment, since less than 25% of such fiber is exported as finished apparel.
One strategy to achieve this international boost is the creation of 'Alpaca del Peru' (Peruvian Alpaca) logo, the first sectorial brand in line with Marca Peru (Peru Brand).
Launched by the Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry, PromPeru and the private sector in 2014, Alpaca del Peru guarantees a quality standard, ensuring the final product has not been altered during procedures.
(END) RGP/RGP/DHT/MVB