LATEST NEWS

THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE FUR SECTOR AS REPORTED BY THE AIP.

FUR INDUSTRY BOUNCING BACK: BULLISH ABOUT ASIA, MARKET, AND 2021

The leader of the global fur industry has announced the bullish prospects for fur in 2021, called for clarity from the Danish Government on the ongoing mink situation, and affirmed the place of natural sustainable fashion in a post-COVID world.

Mark Oaten, CEO, International Fur Federation, hit back at suggestions natural sustainable fur was going anywhere but up: “Actions speak louder than words: there are already strong signs that sales are robust in Asia and early indications show mink prices have increased by up to 30%. As the recent Bain report made clear, the luxury market for fashion is booming in China. Rumours of fur’s demise from the usual doubters and doomsters are wild exaggerations.”

With the global fur industry worth £22bn, Oaten has stressed that fur has suffered like every other part of the world economy: “We have taken a hit, in line with the wider economic situation. But there’s light at the end of a tunnel: I’m confident this kind of figure will be reached again within 18-months.”

Oaten attributed early indicators of a bullish bounce back not just to China but to conscientious consumers embracing sustainability: “The only thing ‘fast’ about fast fashion is its journey from in vogue to in landfill. Consumers are taking back control of their wardrobes and their environmental impact: slow fashion is booming, with natural sustainable textiles—including fur—at its heart.”

Commenting on the Danish Government’s order to cull its entire mink population, which has already led to the agriculture minister’s resignation, Oaten called for answers: “I understand why Denmark did what they did; however, we deserve answers here. Was this, on reflection, a complete and utter overreaction? We need the Danish Government to take responsibility and chart a course out of this situation.”

Oaten added that while mink is an important part of the fur industry, “it’s not the only component. I’m confident Denmark and Kopenhagen Fur will be selling furskins throughout 2021; I’m also confident that farmers in America, Canada, and other European countries can fill the temporary gap left by Denmark.”

Calling out misinformation and criticising animal activists who have sought to use Denmark to push an anti-fur agenda, Oaten said: “Listen to the science, not the usual scaremongers”. Commenting on concerns relating to furskins, he reiterated that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control rapid risk assessment explicitly stated that they are not a source of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

The International Fur Federation, established in 1949, represents and regulates the global fur sector. It has 56 members associations in over 40 countries around the world. The Federation promotes the business of sustainable natural fur and, as such, actively works to develop, implement, and advance animal welfare and environmental standards.