Swakara sets another record

AGRA has announced that at this week’s bi-annual Swakara auction in Copenhagen, Denmark, a new record was set when the Swakara Centenary top lot, made of 95 D-Selected Purple skins, achieved a record price of 970 Danish Krone (about N$1 270).

This price was way above the previous best price of 640 Danish Krone achieved in April last year. The average price achieved was 340 Danish Krone, compared to 393 Danish Krone for the September 2006 auction for black skins only.According to Agra’s Wessel Visser, average prices were corrected downwards by about 13 per cent.”These decreases were especially notable in the lower grades.In previous years, the lower grades achieved above-average prices, mainly due to the demand being higher than what could be delivered by producers at the time.”The corrected price level made buyers more at ease than the higher prices paid at previous auctions, and bidding went smoothly and fast,” said Visser, manager of the Agra Pelt Centre.He also said accurate and detailed local currency (N$) prices per grade will be made available on the Agra website at www.agra.com.na during the week of April 23.About 60 000 pelts were sold at this auction.Agra is the appointed agent that markets and sells karakul pelts for Namibian and South African producers internationally.Swakara prices have increased by more than 60 per cent over the past two years.According to Raimar von Hase, chairman of the Namibia Agricultural Union, the average Swakara price is still higher than mink prices, which goes against the accepted norm that mink always achieves the best prices.Said Kobus van Wyk, chairperson of the Karakul Board of Namibia: “Over the past six months, due to the warm weather conditions coupled to economic challenges, consumers cut spending on furs, which saw fur prices decreasing worldwide.Against this background, prices achieved at this auction were more than satisfactory.Indeed we are very happy with the prices achieved.”Despite the slight price adjustment, or market correction as many buyers call it, Swakara remains a highly sought-after fashion item.This could also be seen during the product inspection, which takes place prior to the auction.We had many buyers and interested parties coming to the Swakara Hall to inspect our product, highlighting the interest in our unique and special product.”The average price achieved was 340 Danish Krone, compared to 393 Danish Krone for the September 2006 auction for black skins only.According to Agra’s Wessel Visser, average prices were corrected downwards by about 13 per cent.”These decreases were especially notable in the lower grades.In previous years, the lower grades achieved above-average prices, mainly due to the demand being higher than what could be delivered by producers at the time.”The corrected price level made buyers more at ease than the higher prices paid at previous auctions, and bidding went smoothly and fast,” said Visser, manager of the Agra Pelt Centre.He also said accurate and detailed local currency (N$) prices per grade will be made available on the Agra website at www.agra.com.na during the week of April 23.About 60 000 pelts were sold at this auction.Agra is the appointed agent that markets and sells karakul pelts for Namibian and South African producers internationally.Swakara prices have increased by more than 60 per cent over the past two years.According to Raimar von Hase, chairman of the Namibia Agricultural Union, the average Swakara price is still higher than mink prices, which goes against the accepted norm that mink always achieves the best prices.Said Kobus van Wyk, chairperson of the Karakul Board of Namibia: “Over the past six months, due to the warm weather conditions coupled to economic challenges, consumers cut spending on furs, which saw fur prices decreasing worldwide.Against this background, prices achieved at this auction were more than satisfactory.Indeed we are very happy with the prices achieved.”Despite the slight price adjustment, or market correction as many buyers call it, Swakara remains a highly sought-after fashion item.This could also be seen during the product inspection, which takes place prior to the auction.We had many buyers and interested parties coming to the Swakara Hall to inspect our product, highlighting the interest in our unique and special product.”