They are scarce, unique, and the textiles produced from their fibre are known in the fashion centers of Paris, Milan and Tokyo. There are excellent profit opportunities and tax advantages to Alpaca breeders and investors. Historically, the alpaca's value has sustained ancient cultures, whereby tending to a graceful herd of alpacas can be an exciting way to earn a substantial cash flow and live a rewarding lifestyle. Since 1984, Alpacas have appeared, almost simultaneously, in several countries where they had never been seen before. The U.S., Canada, New Zealand, France, Australia and England have all acquired the foundation animals for national herds.
Alpacas are both profitable and enjoyable.
The industry has a solid infrastructure and a product that is in international demand with only a very slow increase in production possible. There are two dedicated alpaca fibre marketers in North America. In addition there are a numnber of Mini-Mills located in Canada to process alpaca fibre as well as a huge demand by individuals working in the cottage industry processing fibre into an end product. Peru is the major alpaca producer in the world with an estimated 3 million animals followed by Bolivia and Chile. Peru is the only country with the numbers to quickly increase the supply of alpacas, but is constrained by the lack of suitable land.