Cotton Prices in Flux
The rapidly rising price of cotton was a key concern for many of the exhibitors showing at the March 28–30 run of the Los Angeles International Textile Show at the California Market Center.The issue was also high on the agenda at a seminar titled “Fabric Sourcing: Today’s Challenges & Innovations,” hosted by Austrian fiber maker Lenzing, maker of Tencel, Modal and Viloft fibers.“This is a great opportunity for retailers; the efficiency of the supply chain is under their control,” said David Sasso, vice president of international sales and marketing at Jefferson, Ga.–based Buhler Quality Yarns. “You have to trust your supply chain that their goals are the same as yours. We want our supply chain to be very successful.”Ned Pilchman, sales manager with Greensboro, N.C.–based American Fabrics International, also advised manufacturers to work with their suppliers.“Prices are going to go up another 50 percent,” he said. “People are scrambling to figure out what to do. How do you price your garments if the prices go up every week? Speak to your suppliers. Try to get some idea what the price will be—if possible.”Pilchman said his company was offering lighter-weight goods and blends to offset the rising cotton prices. Denim mill Twin Dragon was also offering a wide range of blends, including cotton/Tencel blends and a Tencel/linen blend and Tencel/rayon/cotton and Lycra.“People who weren’t interested in Tencel before are taking another look,” said Twin Dragon’s Sales and Marketing Director Bo Dean. “Now, the price differential is not that high. Tencel appears to be growing in importance.quot;--Alison A. Nieder
