NZ exporters seek more wool promotion in Australasia

27 Mar '12

2 min read

After witnessing a significant drop in sales of New Zealand wool in Australia as well as in the domestic market this season, wool exporters in New Zealand have stressed on the need to strengthen wool promotion activities in both the countries.

According to data, New Zealand's wool exports to Australia declined by 75 percent year-on-year this season.

John Dawson, President of Wool Exporters Council, said sales of wool carpets in the two Australasian countries are decreasing due to increased competition from solution-dyed nylon carpets.

The situation has further worsened because the prices of wool, which is used in making carpets, nearly doubled last year, he added.

Mr. Dawson said man-made fibres have attempted to reproduce many qualities that are naturally associated with wool.

He lamented that the advantages of using wool are not being properly explained to consumers at retail outlets.

The Campaign for Wool, launched to bring wool back into fashion and to highlight it as a fibre that is an eco-friendly and durable option to cheaper and more disposable alternatives, is largely focusing in the northern hemisphere, Mr. Dawson said.

He added that more resources need to be diverted by the Campaign for Wool towards informing consumers in New Zealand and Australia about the benefits of wool.

Stephen Fookes, The Campaign for Wool's New Zealand Chairperson, said the Campaign is working on a strategy to devote more resources towards wool promotion activities in Australia and New Zealand.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India