Alpaca Quality Grading and Classification
topic
Peruvian grading system (international standard): Royal Baby Alpaca (<18 μm, first shearing of cria, ultra-rare, ultra-soft, $30-50/kg), Baby Alpaca (18.1-23 μm, young animals or finest adult fibers from blanket—premium next-to-skin softness, $15-40/kg), Superfine Adult (23.1-26.5 μm, $10-20/kg), Medium/Huarizo (26.6-29 μm, $8-15/kg), Strong (29.1-32 μm, outer garments, $6-10/kg), and Coarse (>32 μm, rugs, industrial, $4-6/kg). Additional factors: length (>70mm preferred), color (white commands premium for dyeing versatility, though natural colors increasingly valued), strength (>45 N/ktex), and guard hair content (<5%).
Role
Grading system critical for market segmentation and pricing—'Baby Alpaca' label (despite naming, refers to fiber fineness not animal age) signals premium softness commanding 2-3× price of adult grades and enabling brand positioning in luxury market competing with cashmere while 'Royal/Baby Alpaca' authenticity increasingly scrutinized for fraud.