Exclusive Cottons Of The Caribbean Inc

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Exclusive Cottons of the Caribbean is a vertically integrated company working with plantations and small farmers to grow West Indian Sea Island Cotton (WISIC) and we are also involved in all stages of the production of finished goods. On February 5th 2004, group of cotton growers and the Ministry of Agriculture formed Exclusive Cottons of the Caribbean Inc. (ECCI). Their mandate was to transform West Indian Sea Island Cotton (WISIC) into viable industry.

The mission of ECCI is to be an efficient producer of superior quality 100% West Indian Sea Island Cotton finished goods and value-added cotton-based products for supply to local, regional and global niche markets. In 2006 ECCI embarked on program to develop the ‘industry’: by processing cotton from seed to yarn, to fabric. To work with local and regional designers to create “Caribbean Lifestyle” a luxury product line of chic, classic and fashionable tropical couture clothing for men and women, as well as gifts and soft furnishings. To research and develop the marketability of cotton seed oil’s use as a by-product in many other products such as salad dressings, cosmetics, massage oils etc.

By a unique combination of nature and nurture, a particular strain of the G Barbadians variety of cotton, can only be grown to perfection in the unique climatic conditions of Barbados and a few other Caribbean island states - producing cotton with a rare combination of qualities: extra long staple length, fine uniform texture, great tensile strength, silky luster and an incredibly soft feel. To protect this valuable and rare cotton strain it is still gently harvested by hand in Barbados. International protection of this strain of cotton was begun when the WISIC Association (WISICA) was formed shortly after WWII. Other countries have tried to grow this strain of the G Barbadians variety but the quality does not meet WISICA certification standards. These countries grow the standard Sea Island Cotton.