Cotton’s Share of World Textile Fiber Use Continues to Decline Feature
World textile fiber consumption more than quadrupled between the early 1960s and the late 2000s. However, while cotton consumption more than doubled during that period, consumption of other fibers (wool, chemical and non-chemical synthetic fibers) increased sevenfold. Consequently, the market share of cotton decreased from an average of 62.4% in the 1960s to 39.5% in the 2000s. By Alejandro Plastina, ICAC. Presented at the Third Breakout Session of the 68th ICAC Plenary Meeting: Enhancing Demand for Cotton Products, September 9, 2009.
10 steps for creating a successful pop-up promotion How To Do It
By Buxton Midyette, Supima. The Supima Pop-Up store was a natural outcome for our promotional campaign. In our advertising and events, the product—beautiful, natural, upscale, grown-in-the-USA Supima cotton—is always the star. We believe the product can speak for itself. Supima’s marketing follows that principal with surprising ways to reinforce that message. Sometimes subliminally. Sometimes straightforwardly. In addition to launching a commercially successful pop-up store introducing products made from Supima, we’ve actually planted a cotton field overnight in a parking lot on Houston street here in downtown Manhattan, held a prestigious design competition for emerging talent (complete with live runway show), and staged full-blown sourcing shows for the trade. But even when we’re being playful, we always stay true to our product and its premium image. The pop-up store was all about supporting our licensed brands and connecting with consumers.
IFCP Elects Officers at ICAC Plenary Meeting in Cape Town For Your Information
Mr. Zbigniew Roskwitalski was elected Chairman of the International Forum for Cotton Promotion (IFCP) for a third consecutive term at the Annual Business Meeting of the membership held in Cape Town, South Africa on September 8, 2009. Mr. Roskwitalski is the Executive Director of the Izba Bawelny w Gdyni (Gdynia Cotton Association). The meeting ran concurrently with the ICAC 68th Plenary Meeting.
Enhancing Demand for Cotton Products: The IFCP Introduces Speakers Bureau For Your Information
The International Forum for Cotton Promotion (IFCP) hosted a demand enhancement breakout session at the 68th Plenary Meeting of the ICAC to communicate promotion techniques that can be used by the cotton textile supply chain. The IFCP introduced the IFCP Speakers Bureau by presenting several of the organization’s activities over the previous year. Video clips of related material were introduced, followed by an interactive discussion with the attendees that numbered over 70. The IFCP encouraged the cotton community to embark on similar projects.
China Cotton Association to Introduce Cotton Logo for Domestic Promotion For Your Information
There are several advantages to promoting cotton domestically, including the ability to influence the competitive landscape, knowledge of the specific culture, lower costs, understanding the buying and selling habits of the consumer, and understanding the retail supply chain. The IFCP promotes cotton indirectly by “promoting the promotion” of cotton to those who have an interest in doing so. Domestically focused demand enhancement programs will be key to increasing worldwide consumption of cotton in the future. Read this excerpt by Gao Fang, Secretary General of the China Cotton Association (CCA) as they introduce a new cotton logo, and a promotion program to support it.
The IFCP Creates Industry Speakers Bureau
August 5, 2009, Washington, DC — As part of the program to address demand enhancement in a difficult economy, the IFCP Speakers Bureau has been created to invite industry experts to participate in panel discussions relating to topics that are of current interest, or that purvey a positive and factual cotton message. The first panel, run in April 16, 2008 was entitled Textile Sourcing and Product Development-2008, and was held in New York City at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). The International Forum for Cotton Promotion in conjunction with the Textile Development and Marketing Department of the College co-hosted the event, and in attendance were attendees of the 492nd ICAC Standing Committee, including Delgates, Research Associates, and Secretariat Members.
Bloomingdale’s To Launch Supima Collection For Your Information
Supima and Bloomingdale’s have announced a collaboration, where the retailer will offer a collection of apparel under the Supima brand. All items will be made with 100% Pima cotton, grown in the U.S. The program will begin in the flagship store in New York City, and will then be sold nationally throughout other Bloomingdale’s stores. The program developed as a result of Supima’s pop-up store program, where they demonstrated visual merchandising that appealed to consumers.
Supima opens a pop-up store in NYC
In its 54-year history, Supima, the Phoenix-headquartered marketing and promotion company representing U.S. pima cotton growers, has enjoyed award-winning ad campaigns, any number of prestigious co-sponsorships, and even–beginning last year–PREFAB, its own textile trade show here at Gotham Hall. But, as of Friday, March 14, it's been in the international news for another way to take its brand message about superior strength and softness directly to consumers: The Supima pop-up store that opened here at 72 Greene Street in SoHo.
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Cotton’s Share of World Textile Fiber Use Continues to Decline
World textile fiber consumption more than quadrupled between the early 1960s and the late 2000s. However, while cotton consumption more than doubled during that period, consumption of other fibers (wool, chemical and non-chemical synthetic fibers) increased sevenfold. Consequently, the market share of cotton decreased from an average of 62.4% in the 1960s to 39.5% in the 2000s. By Alejandro Plastina, ICAC. Presented at the Third Breakout Session of the 68th ICAC Plenary Meeting: Enhancing Demand for Cotton Products, September 9, 2009.
Cottons Share of World Textile Fiber Use to Decline in 2008 and 2009
World textile fiber consumption more than tripled over the last 5 decades. However, while cotton consumption increased one-and-a-half times during that period to reach 26.4 million tons in 2007, other fibers (wool, chemical and non-chemical synthetic fibers) increased eight times to reach 45.7 million tons. Consequently, the market share of cotton decreased from an average of 62.4% in the 1960s to 39.8% in the 2000s. Over the last three decades, the market share of cotton at retail only increased in advanced economies, and declined in developing economies and Central and Eastern Europe and the former USSR. By Alejandro Plastina, ICAC. Presented at the IFCP Session on Cotton Promotion: A Call to Action, 67th ICAC Plenary Meetings, November 19, 2008.
International Year of Natural Fibers (IYNF)
Producers and processors of natural fibres face the challenge of developing and maintaining markets in which they can compete effectively with synthetics. In some cases, this has involved defining and promoting market niches. In others, where their natural advantages allow them to compete effectively with synthetics, basic research and development is needed to facilitate the use of natural fibres in new applications. The main goal of the International Year of Natural Fibres is to raise the profile of these fibres and to emphasise their value to consumers while helping to sustain the incomes of the farmers.
Prospects for Cotton Promotion
The last few years have been a period of considerable change in the cotton industry. Both cotton production and consumption are persistently shifting to Asia. Europe and the U.S. must conform to this changing trend; such changes of course result in a modified flow of goods, but they also accelerate the new phenomena of companies shifting eastward. Countries such as China, India and Pakistan are growing in importance as their markets now dominate global demand and supply numbers. African countries are also fighting for their place in this evolving system. With growing demand, the cotton industry is confronted with an important opportunity for development and marketing in these countries. IFCP Chairman Zbigniew Roskwitalski on growing demand through sustainability. Originally published in Cotton International Annual’s January 2009 issue.
10 steps for creating a successful pop-up promotion
By Buxton Midyette, Supima. The Supima Pop-Up store was a natural outcome for our promotional campaign. In our advertising and events, the product—beautiful, natural, upscale, grown-in-the-USA Supima cotton—is always the star. We believe the product can speak for itself. Supima’s marketing follows that principal with surprising ways to reinforce that message. Sometimes subliminally. Sometimes straightforwardly. In addition to launching a commercially successful pop-up store introducing products made from Supima, we’ve actually planted a cotton field overnight in a parking lot on Houston street here in downtown Manhattan, held a prestigious design competition for emerging talent (complete with live runway show), and staged full-blown sourcing shows for the trade. But even when we’re being playful, we always stay true to our product and its premium image. The pop-up store was all about supporting our licensed brands and connecting with consumers.
How to Display Cotton Products
At the Cotton Promotion Workshop last May, Cotton Incorporated shared with the IFCP community different types of in-store display techniques to help consumers choose cotton at the point-of purchase. View these easy to load images that are appropriate for department stores, specialty retailers, even popular consumer shopping malls.
Benefits of Cotton
We always make reference to the benefits of cotton, but have you ever seen a list? Researched by Cotton Council International, with information gathered from Cotton Australia and Cotton Incorporated, we're building that list. Read the benefits that others have posted, and don't forget to add your own at the bottom.
10 Quick and Easy Ways to Promote Cotton on a Limited Budget
By Richard W. Silvia. While major consumer and trade advertising is an important part of getting the cotton message out to the general public, it requires a major commitment of time, energy and a big budget. There are many less expensive opportunities to promote the benefits of cotton fiber and cotton products. The key to great promotions is to maximize your dollar commitment by tying in trade partners and getting as much publicity as possible for your efforts. Try these sure-fire approaches the next time you want to promote cotton to the industry or to your target consumer audience.
More: Richard W. Silvia's bio
A Recipe for Cooperative Advertising
Developing a co-op advertising program with your key customers is an excellent way to promote cotton to the retailer, and to your ultimate customer, the consumer.
10 Ways to Publicize Your Cotton Promotion Efforts
By Anne Martin. The purpose of public relations is to create an image for you and your cotton promotion efforts. Used effectively, PR can raise awareness, create excitement, give you an edge over alternative products, and put cotton in the forefront of the minds of your target audience.
More: Anne Martin's bio
IFCP Elects Officers at ICAC Plenary Meeting in Cape Town For Your Information
Mr. Zbigniew Roskwitalski was elected Chairman of the International Forum for Cotton Promotion (IFCP) for a third consecutive term at the Annual Business Meeting of the membership held in Cape Town, South Africa on September 8, 2009. Mr. Roskwitalski is the Executive Director of the Izba Bawelny w Gdyni (Gdynia Cotton Association). The meeting ran concurrently with the ICAC 68th Plenary Meeting.
Enhancing Demand for Cotton Products: The IFCP Introduces Speakers Bureau For Your Information
The International Forum for Cotton Promotion (IFCP) hosted a demand enhancement breakout session at the 68th Plenary Meeting of the ICAC to communicate promotion techniques that can be used by the cotton textile supply chain. The IFCP introduced the IFCP Speakers Bureau by presenting several of the organization’s activities over the previous year. Video clips of related material were introduced, followed by an interactive discussion with the attendees that numbered over 70. The IFCP encouraged the cotton community to embark on similar projects.
China Cotton Association to Introduce Cotton Logo for Domestic Promotion
There are several advantages to promoting cotton domestically, including the ability to influence the competitive landscape, knowledge of the specific culture, lower costs, understanding the buying and selling habits of the consumer, and understanding the retail supply chain. The IFCP promotes cotton indirectly by “promoting the promotion” of cotton to those who have an interest in doing so. Domestically focused demand enhancements programs will be key to increasing worldwide consumption of cotton in the future. Read this excerpt by Gao Fang, Secretary General of the China Cotton Association (CCA) as they introduce a new cotton logo, and a promotion program to support it.
Bloomingdale’s To Launch Supima Collection
Supima and Bloomingdale’s have announced a collaboration, where the retailer will offer a collection of apparel under the Supima brand. All items will be made with 100% Pima cotton, grown in the U.S. The program will begin in the flagship store in New York City, and will then be sold nationally throughout other Bloomingdale’s stores. The program developed as a result of Supima’s pop-up store program, where they demonstrated visual merchandising that appealed to consumers.
Preparations for the 68th ICAC Plenary Meeting
Preparations for the 68th ICAC Plenary Meeting are progressing well, and an interactive agenda is being prepared. A robust Inaugural Session is planned for Monday September 7, including recognition of the ICAC Cotton Researcher of the Year, the Report of the Chair of the Standing Committee, a report from the Private Sector Advisory Panel, and the Keynote Speech by Berrye Worsham, Cotton Incorporated, on the topic of Positioning Cotton As a Solution to 21st Century Problems.
Putting Sustainability into Action
The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City will hold its 3rd Annual Sustainable Business & Design conference on April 2, 2009, entitled: Putting Sustainability into Action. Included in the program will be a panel discussion entitled "Cotton Sustainability in the Textile Complex". The panel is in support of the International Year of Natural Fibres (IYNF). The discussion will address factors that are considered good practices toward gaining credibility with the consumer, communicating and implementing sustainability at the retail level, and progress achieved in the cotton processing sectors, including agriculture.
