A volatile year in down and feather bedding industry

25 Jan '10

4 min read

Although there may be some temporary pullback from current market prices as backlog demand is satisfied, all of the factors leading to higher prices remain in place: increased global demand, a virtually fixed supply of down and higher cotton prices. This increase in market prices has already begun. Compared to previous 12-month lows, and depending on quality and origin of the goods, the current spot market price of duck down is up 25-50 percent, goose down prices are up 20-30 percent and the price for cotton down-proof shells is up 10-20 percent.

One factor in the increased demand for down and feathers is that a new market for natural fill bedding is beginning to open. According to Stephen Palmer, co-president of United Feather and Down, Inc. and chair of the American Down and Feather Council, “We are now witnessing the first stages of growing Chinese domestic demand for down filled comforters. This new demand, along with increasing world-wide demand associated with improving economies, will continue to put pressure on down prices from the demand side of the equation.”

The price increases of these raw materials will undoubtedly be visible on retailers' shelves in the form of higher price points for down and feather goods. In the coming year, consumers can expect to pay more for their down comforters and pillows.

American Down and Feather Council

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