Since the Inca Empire and dating back to 5000 B.C., the lives of alpacas have been preserved and extended by using their wool to create clothing and other materials. Found primarily in the Peruvian Andes, over four million alpacas are tended by thousands of Peruvians who are living far away from modern life. As a national symbol of Peru, the alpaca represents a time-honored tradition which still holds the utmost importance in the present-day lives of the Peruvian people.
DB Schenker is working with Incalpaca, one of the country’s most respected makers of the mystic alpaca fiber. Over 1,300 employees work to create high quality clothing from wool which is luxurious, soft and with a depth of color. The alpaca wool is sourced from Pacomarca, an alpaca farm 4,000 meters above sea level with over 2,000 alpacas which have been carefully selected as part of an advanced genetic improvement program. By combining traditional methods with modern practices, Incalpaca has created an enterprise which is both sustainable and thriving.
This is exactly where DB Schenker comes in: by working with Incalpaca since early 2019, DB Schenker is not only responsible for air freight and logistics services, but is also providing a crucial link between tradition and the modern world. DB Schenker handles cargo, provides competitive rates from carriers and offers 24/7 supply chain visibility as shipments move from their origin to destination. DB Schenker has already shipped several tons of cargo between Lima, Peru, and Santiago, Chile, with the goal of increasing operations and destinations over the upcoming months.
Incalpaca exports around 200 tons of textile products annually to destinations all over the world, including the U.S. (45%), Italy (15%), Chile (10%), and Spain (7%). With production increases of 24.7% in 2018, alpaca wool is currently the fastest-growing segment of the textile industry, with no sign of slowing down. By supporting with efficient logistics solutions, DB Schenker is able to keep history alive and connect the people and products of Peru with the rest of the world.
