A wool story: From chance to passion

Tirzay Company in Lima Peru has been exporting wool since 1993. Victor Chesky asked Alfonso about Tirzay Company and its history. ‘It was a chance meeting that became a successful business’, says Alfonso. ‘As a young 19 year old I wanted to explore the world. I started my journey from Lima to Europe to meet potential clients for our family export business. I was still studying economics, and intending to put this new knowledge in commercial management to good use, and so I travelled to Europe in 1993 in search of business opportunities’. ‘I met an international wool agent and we became instant friends’, Alfonso continues. ‘I could not believe that an experienced businessman would be interested in working with someone so young. But that is how I found my way into the world of wool’, he remarked.

‘It was the first time this wool buyer worked with a Peruvian company. He was satisfied and he continued purchasing orders and recommended me to other agents from different countries. And so Tirzay Company was on its way’.

‘The feel of greasy wool reminded me of my grandmother and her hand knitted sweaters made with care and love from this noble

fibre. For me this industry is more than just a business. I love the fibre, and am committed to providing clients with reliable product specifications and timely logistics’, he says. ‘Peru is synonymous with Alpaca, so you may be surprised to know that there are over 12 million sheep in Peru that produce more than 10 million kilos of wool per year. Much of this wool is of good quality Criollo. Other breeds correspond to Corriedale and Peru’s very own breed Junín, which is equal to Merino and better than Corriedale and has adapted very well to the high altitudes of the Andes where they pasture freely. Sheep are farmed by communal cooperatives and private farmers who use the Tally-Hi method of wool shearing’, Alfonso comments. ‘However, let’s face it, Peru is not perceived as a high-quality sheep wool producer, but I promised myself that if I started this I would do my best to bring the highest quality of wool from Peru to my clients. Therefore, Tirzay Company has developed a process to guarantee a high quality greasy wool from 24 to 26 microns with 58/62 hm length from Junín and Corriedale sheep that meets international client specification. This is achieved by experienced sorting by highly qualified and passionate personnel, using ancestral practices specializing in collecting and sorting wool. ‘We are still a small 17 person company, but as a small company we have advantages; we provide a simpler process and direct communication, much appreciated by our clients. We do not take their trust for granted. Every delivery is tested by SGS in New Zealand to ensure quality and specifications are met’. ‘Past COVID-19 wool users around the world will be looking for alternative wool or additional wool supplies and Peruvian wool is a good place to start - competitive prices, easy logistics, and our personal service will deliver good quality wool. ‘While it is true that we offer greasy wool, we consider that our main business is building strong and lasting relationships with our clients, as they are the reason we continue to operate’, Alfonso comments. ‘It may have all started by chance, but it was passion and childhood memories that created a vision for a successful export company, trusted by our clients beyond our shores’.