WINDHOEK – Namibia has shipped a fresh collection of Swakara pelts worth N$39 million to the second Kopenhagen Fur Auction that takes place on September 8, in Denmark. The collection, one of the largest and most valuable ever for Namibia, consists of 55 099 pelts of approximately 40 219 black, 8 383 white, 2 145 spotted, 4 439 grey and 297 coloured C pelts.
Swakara broke a string of records at the first Kopenhagen Fur Auction in April this year, and expectations are that the sought-after Namibian pelts will again steal the hearts of the international market once more with even better prices.
Large sizes, and few damaged, characterise this event’s collection. A poor rainy season has produced fewer numbers for this collection, even though quantities of Swakara livestock are increasing in an effort to meet demand.
The top lots offered this September are once again: Black O Light Purple Extra consisting of 82 pelts and White K Flat Purple Extra of only 52 pelts.
The April pelt auction held in the Danish capital witnessed the highest average price in Namibian Dollar ever paid for Swakara pelts, locally known as Black Diamonds. The average price in Namibian Dollar was NR696 per pelt, an increase of 6,54 percent achieved at the September 2012 auction. The value of the total offer of 71 961 Swakara pelts was in excess of N&50 million.
As far as black pelts are concerned, it will be business as usual, with the exception that Mutgar is now available in Curl and Flat. Swakara White once again will offer a beautiful collection of this sought-after colour. The only changes of note are that the Stained are now offered in A and B, while Mutgar is now available in Curl and Flat.
A fairly large spotted collection will be up for sale, with the popular Flècke Purple of 84 pelts leading the chase. A fine collection of grey pelts will be on offer, collected over the past 12 months. The medium size grey pelts have been combined with the regular sizes – this is a more practical option. Naturally, in fairness to customers, this amalgamation is represented in the sample lots for inspection.
Super-rare brown coloured pelts is considered by many as Swakara’s most beautiful colour type. This September auction, the brown Swakara will not be offered for sale. It is still being considered to sell the brown collection exclusively to one customer, twice a year, through Kopenhagen Fur. Ten sample pelts will be available for viewing this September. Interested parties should contact the Swakara Board or Kopenhagen Fur for details.
Not all Swakara pelts are considered worthy of carrying the Swakara brand. Every auction, pelts not meeting exacting standards are destroyed and farmers producing such pelts have to pay for the sorting cost, without receiving any income. This September, 384 pelts were rejected by the Swakara Board of Namibia.
By Deon Schlechter