The importation and commercial breeding of alpacas into Australia started about thirty years ago.
Today in Australia, there are approximately 175,000 registered animals in Australia which is the largest population of alpacas outside of South America.
With Australia's experience in breeding sheep, alpacas have thrived in Australia and produce world class fleece which is in high demand for fashion and home wares.
Alpacas are shorn once a year, from September in the north to end November in the south and on average the fleece yield is between three to four kilograms from each animal. The clip is very clean and lanolin free. After shearing, the alpaca fleece is "classed" to grade it into various categories and is then washed in a natural organic detergent to remove dirt and vegetable matter.
Even with a good yield from each animal, the relatively small numbers of alpacas in Australia means that the annual alpaca fleece clip is approximately 150 tonnes which is very small by commercial textile standards.
The limited supply of quality alpaca fleece restricts the quantities of commercial bedding products that can be manufactured for local and international markets.
Australian alpaca fleece is very rare and is less than one percent of the world's alpaca fleece production which in itself is also very small. With the global production of alpaca being less than one hundredth of one per cent of sheep's wool, alpaca fleece is a very exclusive and rare natural fibre with demand exceeding supply many times over.
Experience the luxury of alpaca ... fibre of the Gods
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I noticed a Facebook post last weekend "who owns Kelly & Windsor Australia?" Is it really an Australian owned business?
We are a 100% owned Australian owned and operated business. The ownership of the company is on the pubic records and we extensively use the Australian made and Owned logo under a licence agreement with The Australia Made Campaign.
Despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic, we have maintained full manufacturing and shipping operations since the initial out break. We are actually struggling to met demand for our luxurious Australian Made bedding collections.
We have instigated strict Covid Safe Policies and Practices and are prepared to offer full support to staff who may be effected in these difficult times.