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Performance gear creating more demand for wool

 

A spokesperson with the American Sheep Industry Association says a record jump in wool prices last year was tied to an increase in demand for fine wool products.

“In the United States we’re seeing a huge demand for outdoor items—items that when you’re out running and hiking you want high performance gear.”

Director of Wool Marketing Rita Kourlis Samuelson tells Brownfield wool is more durable, absorbs moisture and reduces orders which is why it’s being used more in athletic apparel.  “We are seeing it expanded into more use in wool socks, we’re seeing a lot of demand in high fashion as well as the military.  The U.S. military is the number one consumer in the United States.”

Sixty percent of American wool is marketed overseas mainly to China, Western Europe and India.

AUDIO: Interview with Rita Kourlis Samuelson