Supima
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Supima is a non-profit organisation in the United States whose main objective is to promote the use of American Pima cotton around the world[1] and is involved in quality assurance and research programs. Founded in 1954, it derived its name from superior pima.[2]
Supima licenses over 300 selected high-quality mills, textile and clothing manufacturers, and retailers to use the Supima trademark. Members finance the activities of Supima by payments calculated on a "per bale" basis.
Its other activities include:[1]
- research programs to improve the quality of American Pima cotton
- timely crop and market information to its grower-members and licensees
- advertisements in both consumer and trade publications
- presentations to customers both in the USA and abroad
- participation in major international exhibitions and events
The Board of Directors of Supima is made up of Pima growers from Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.[3]
Production of Supima cotton has risen from about 100,000 bales per year in the 1980s to over 800,000 bales in 2006. More than 90% of Supima cotton is exported from the United States, the majority of this being for the overseas manufacture of finished fabrics, clothing, sheets and towels which are re-exported to the United States for sale. The top five importers of Supima cotton are China, Pakistan, India, Japan and Indonesia.[2]
