West Indian
Sea Island Cotton
The "Jewel of Fibers"
Barbadense cotton was first introduced to the global market by Columbus, who arrived on a Caribbean island in 1492. Following the area's annexation by the British, the cultivation of this crop commenced, reaching its first peak in the 18th century. However, in the latter half of the 18th century, Barbadense began to be cultivated in the U.S., and its cultivation in the Caribbean islands declined temporarily when its production in the U.S. exploded under the name "Sea Island Cotton."The expansion of Sea Island cotton cultivation in the Caribbean did not resume until the early 20th century. This was due to the introduction of improved-quality seeds from the United States. Commercial cultivation of Sea Island cotton in the Caribbean resumed and evolved into the world's first branded cotton, "West Indian Sea Island Cotton," with the support of the Sea Island Cotton Association, established by the British government.
Following socioeconomic changes in the Caribbean, including independence from the United Kingdom, Jamaica is now the sole producer of West Indian Sea Island Cotton. We are engaged in the commercial cultivation of Sea Island cotton under a direct contract with farmers in collaboration with a local non-governmental organization. It is a premium product with full traceability and the face of the producer clearly visible.
With fair trade in mind
Cotton has a negative history of being cultivated on large plantations in colonial countries, where workers were exploited. It is worth noting that some cotton producing countries are still reported to engage in inappropriate practices such as child labor. However, our involvement in the cultivation of Sea Island cotton ensures that both producers and consumers are treated fairly. To illustrate, the price of cotton is not set mechanically in the cotton market. Instead, it is negotiated to cover production costs and ensure that workers receive fair wages and benefits. The standards exceed those of the major Fairtrade certification standards.
Why Handpicked?
A significant proportion of the work involved in cultivating Sea Island cotton in Jamaica is still carried out manually. The most symbolic of these is the harvesting of the cotton bolls.
The cotton bolls mature and pop sequentially from the bottom of the cotton tree to the top. In Jamaica, the cotton bolls are harvested by hand to ensure that each mature boll is picked at the optimal time, in line with the growth of each individual tree.
Cultivation in Jamaica is also carried out in accordance with the annual cycle of wet and dry seasons. The irrigation water is sourced from rainfall. In recent years, there have been fluctuations in the timing of the start of the rainy season, which has had an impact on our production. We are working to stabilize production while supporting our farmers with a long-term perspective.
The cotton bolls mature and pop sequentially from the bottom of the cotton tree to the top. In Jamaica, the cotton bolls are harvested by hand to ensure that each mature boll is picked at the optimal time, in line with the growth of each individual tree.
Cultivation in Jamaica is also carried out in accordance with the annual cycle of wet and dry seasons. The irrigation water is sourced from rainfall. In recent years, there have been fluctuations in the timing of the start of the rainy season, which has had an impact on our production. We are working to stabilize production while supporting our farmers with a long-term perspective.
Initiatives with Local NPOs
The cultivation of Sea Island cotton in Jamaica has a long history, with multiple periods of production. The first instance was in the early 18th century, with a more recent resurgence in the 1990s.
The Jamaica Agricultural Development Foundation (JADF) was instrumental in the revival that began in 2014. This non-profit organization, established to diversify Jamaica's agriculture, which is heavily dominated by sugarcane, provides support to farmers as they work with new crops. It was instrumental in our 2013 trip to the region to work with farmers and remains a partner today.
The cultivation of Sea Island cotton in the Caribbean was revitalized by seeds brought from the United States in 1904, and it quickly spread to countries such as St. Vincent, Montserrat, and Antigua. In 1932, the Sea Island Cotton Association was formed in Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean with the objective of safeguarding this traditional and reviving industry.
Following the establishment of the association, a logo was created to brand the product as "West Indian Sea Island Cotton." The logo, which depicts a Caribbean island and the sea, was registered as a trademark in England in 1935. It is still used today on products made from Sea Island cotton, featuring a holographic tag or woven name with the logo as a motif.
Following the establishment of the association, a logo was created to brand the product as "West Indian Sea Island Cotton." The logo, which depicts a Caribbean island and the sea, was registered as a trademark in England in 1935. It is still used today on products made from Sea Island cotton, featuring a holographic tag or woven name with the logo as a motif.
West Indian Sea Island Cotton Association
West Indian Sea Island Cotton Association Japan (WISICA Japan) oversees the management of trademarks in the Japanese and East Asian markets, while also ensuring the traceability of its members' Sea Island cotton products. The Association was established as a Japanese branch of the Caribbean West Indian Sea Island Cotton Association in 1975, one year after the first shipment of raw cotton was supplied to Japan. Its members include Japanese apparel companies. Upon registering a license with the Association, you will be granted the right to use Caribbean Sea Island Cotton yarn and a tag bearing the aforementioned logo mark.
