Peru, the world's top alpaca fiber producer, supplies to international markets, mainly to Asia, the United States and Europe. Peru currently holds 80 per cent of the world’s alpaca production. 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.
The Arequipa region in Peru, where 95 per cent 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. Peruvian alpaca garments and textiles have already been introduced to 30 countries.
Nevertheless, less than 25 per cent of such fiber is exported as finished apparel. So Peru has undertaken a branding strategy. The logo Alpaca del Peru (Peruvian Alpaca) guarantees a quality standard, ensuring the final product has not been altered during procedures.
Today there are about 3.5 million alpacas in the Andean highlands, most of which can be found in Peru. Alpacas are popular internationally for their luxury fiber. Alpacas are a domesticated member of the camel family. They are shorn for their valuable fleeces. Alpaca is one of the finest luxury fibers in the world. It’s incredibly soft, with a silky smooth texture.
