The deal between AWN and KI Wool has been named DNA, the direct network advantage wool supply programme, and has been developed in conjunction with the company's knitwear manufacturing business Hysport.

The end product is the luxury knitwear label MerinoSnug, one of Hysport's premier clothing brands, with garments made from Australian Merino wool and New Zealand possum fur. As well as the MerinoSnug brand, the swing tag and point of sale signage will identify the contribution of wool grown on KI.

Story behind wool

Consumers can scan the QR reader on the garment's tag and learn more about the story behind wool produced in the region, with videos featuring island farmers. The knitwear is manufactured in Australia using state-of-the-art whole of garment knitting machines.

John Colley, AWN Managing Director, told the publication that the MerinoSnug knitwear range was in high demand, particularly from the tourism and travel retail sector. “At this stage we'll be buying 1500 bales annually from KI woolgrowers for the product, but I expect that to lift at least 10 per cent to 20pc next year,” he said. “We have large plans for the product, this is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Future plans

Products will be available from 230 retail outlets across Australia including airports, which gives access to international travellers and avoids a seasonal market downturn, the Stock Journal reports. According to the publication, plans are also in place to distribute the products through major airports and retailers throughout the world.

The DNA scheme developed by AWN is the first in Australia that allows woolgrowers to follow the journey of their wool from bale to retail. KI Wool chairperson Christine Berry said the signing of the deal was the culmination of four years’ work.

Read the original story