A delegation of Chinese wool industry representatives hosted by British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) are on a visit in UK and are checking out key aspects of the UK wool supply chain.
“The delegates are in UK to gain a greater understanding of the wool industry as a result of the significant increase in the volume of UK wool exported to China in recent years,” BWMB CEO Ian Hartley said.
“With exports of British Wool to China now accounting for about 30 per cent of auction sales it is important for the Chinese industry to learn more about British wool,” a BWMB press release said.
“We are, therefore, pleased to host this study visit, organised by the Nanjing Wool Market, to look at the wool supply chain from farm to auction here in the UK,” it added.
Ian Hartley added that the visit would include time spent on various wool farms across UK and also includes visits to the Wool Testing Authority (Europe) laboratory and BWMB’s headquarters and auction venue at Bradford.
Wu Yan Wen, the vice secretary of the China Wool Textile Association said the visit was an ideal opportunity to investigate possibilities of working more closely with BWMB to help China’s carpet manufacturers build brand awareness.
“British wool is widely used in China to produce good quality carpets and this trip will be beneficial to all involved in the wool industry in China and the UK,” Wen too added.
Zhou Ge of the JiangYin Hen Hao Wool Textile Co said he was looking forward to visiting farms to gain a greater understanding of farm management in the UK.
“I am also interested in the grading, packing and testing processes and also keen to understand as much as possible about the varying British wool types,” Ge informed.
Ian Hartley informed that the diversity of wool types available in the UK meant, there was a wide range of uses for UK wool in China and it was important to demonstrate the stringent quality control measures in place.
“Our Chinese customers are important to the success of the UK wool trade and this visit is a great opportunity to engage with them,” Hartley observed. (AR)