Learning more about Gerber & Co. 

Learning more about Gerber & Co. 

A word form Cape Wools - 5 October 2022 

"Merino Wool is one of South Africa's most abundant and sustainable natural fibres. Since the arrival of the first Merino sheep at the Cape in 1789, the South African wool industry has grown to support 8000 commercial and around 40 000 communal farmers, their families and farm workers employed in the industry. Over the years South African wool farmers have faced numerous challenges, from severe drought, economic instability, and international trade restrictions. Despite these challenges, our wool industry has continued to thrive, largely due to the passion and unwavering dedication of its wool producers. It is these characteristics that sit at the very heart of the South African wool industry, and they can be felt along the entire value chain.

Today we are proud to attend the official opening of Wool Month in the UK at The Campaign for Wool’s “Why Wool Matters” event. Here we have the privilege of sharing the story of Stefan and Francisce Gerber, South African wool producers who created their own fully traceable wool apparel line "Gerber & Co”, as a way to value–add to their wool and save their farm in the midst of a severe drought. The journey to creating Gerber & Co came with its own set of challenges. In many cases, they had to reinvent the wheel in order to produce the wool that we can now wear as a luxuriously soft jersey. Not only is the Gerber & Co product fully traceable and sustainable, but the brand was built on the essence of community. We hope this film will celebrate the people of Gerber & Co as they not only show us what the impact of a fully circular brand can be, but what is truly possible when South Africans come together."

• Cape Wools October 2022