(Yicai Global) Nov. 7 -- The Warmpaca range of toy alpacas made from real Peruvian alpaca fur has become a success in China, largely through the trading platform offered by the ongoing China International Import Expo, generating huge benefits for the Peruvian craftsmen who make them.

A 1.2-meter-tall hand-made Warmpaca toy alpaca commands attention at this year’s expo in Shanghai. It is the largest toy alpaca in China and is part of a wide range of furry alpacas, from key holders to cuddly stuffed toys, designed by Ma Yuxia and her Peruvian partner.

Although Ma got her first order for 1,000 toys in 2016, sales did not take off until Ma took part in the first CIIE in 2018. The booth that year attracted crowds of visitors and all the exhibits sold out. Ma also secured orders from five brick-and-mortar stores.

Since then, sales have jumped 21-fold, Ma said. And the business has expanded from one Peruvian artisan called Mamani to over 300.

The success of Warmpaca in China lies in the design. While toy alpacas in Peru are not uniform in size and are quite crude, Ma adjusted the design to suit the Chinese market. Every toy she makes smiles, she said. And her Peruvian partner has trained Peruvian handicraftsmen to make the toys to the standards of the Chinese market.

The business gives Peruvian artisans a handsome and stable income. Ma’s company works directly with craftsmen without using any middlemen, Ma told Yicai Global. She pays more than the going rate so long as the toys meet the requirements.

This pleases the Peruvian government as Warmpaca will make alpaca wool more popular in China and boost trade, which will ultimately benefit Peruvian alpaca breeders and handicraftsmen, Ma said. China is one of the world’s most important consumer markets and will naturally continue to be favored by the Peruvian alpaca industry.

Editors: Shi Yi, Kim Taylor