Woolmark exploring Indian market in sports wear

The Woolmark Company is exploring the large market in India for wool by tapping the great potential in sports wear and yoga sector, a top company official has said.
India imported about seven to eight per cent of Australian wool, while China imported nearly 75 to 80 per cent, even as the use of wool in textile sector was just two per cent globally, Woolmark Company Country Manager (India), Arti Gudal said.
Dispelling the perception that woolen garments were heavy and more suited for colder season, Arti told reporters on the sidelines of a workshop held recently at nearby Tirupur that the wool has trans-seasonal benefits and can be used in any climate, be it summer or winter, depending on the right blend.

She said that there was tremendous potential for wool in India, particularly in sports wear in cricket and also yoga, which of late was getting international recognition.
On availability of wool to cater to the increasing market trend, John Roberts, General Manager (Eastern Hemisphere), Australian Wool Innovation Limited said that around 35,000 rearers off-load the fibre thrice a week, accounting for nearly 1.8 million bales (each bale is 190 kg).
"Innovation and appetite for the wool is huge," Roberts added.

A section of 150 knitwear manufacturers, who attended the workshop, said they were willing to explore the possibility of enlarging their market with the use of woolen yarn and wool blended fabric in the manufacturing process.

The foray into wool-based products though may take a while, the first product from Tirupur is likely to be introduced at least in November, Arti said.
On price comparison, she said that it was five times more compared to cotton, which is sold at about Rs 300 per kg, which is mainly used by knitwear manufacturers.