The History of Egyptian Cotton™
Through centuries and around the world
Egyptian Cotton™ has a long and noble heritage of providing sumptuous comfort to millions of people right across the world. Synonymous with quality and luxury, our cotton has always stood for strength, durability and glorious softness.
The history of Egyptian Cotton™ is closely entwined with that of Egypt itself, having played an enormous role in shaping its burgeoning economy. From field to feeling, our cotton has come a long way.
Join us as we discover the remarkable history of Egyptian Cotton™.
1821
The birth of Egyptian Cotton™
A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN IN CAIRO
The very first Egyptian Cotton™ was actually first cultivated by a Frenchman, Monsieur Jumel. Having discovered some neglected cotton plants languishing in a beautiful Cairo garden, he spotted a fantastic opportunity. Taking a risk, he experimented a little and created a luxurious extra-long staple cotton. Egypt’s ruler was bowled over by the results and soon Egyptian Cotton™ was flourishing.
1862
Egyptian Cotton™ takes off
A REPUTATION OF LUXURY
The chaos of the American Civil War drove desperate Europeans to buy Egyptian Cotton™ as they scrambled to keep their mills turning. Prices rose across the worldwide market and the Egyptian Cotton™ reputation was secured.
1863
Egyptian Cotton™ exports double
DEMAND FOR LUXURY
As Egyptian Cotton™ started to make a name for itself, demand skyrocketed. From only exporting 596,000 cantars of cotton in 1861, Egypt more than doubled its output to nearly 1.3 million cantars in 1863.
1865
Egyptian Cotton™ hits new high
EXPORTS OF THE COTTON DOUBLE
Egyptian Cotton™ exports continue to grow, reaching 2 million cantars in 1865.
1869
Suez opens doors for Egyptian Cotton™
BY LAND AND BY SEA
The Suez Canal may have taken many years to build, but its impact was revolutionary. Ships could travel around the world so much quicker. Naturally, this led to wider interest in Egyptian Cotton™.
1970
Dam brings further expansion
SPECTACULARLY FERTILE SOIL
With the construction of the spectacular Aswan High Dam, the annual flood of the River Nile was finally brought under control. Thanks to the wonderfully fertile soil, Egyptian Cotton™ could be grown in even greater amounts .
2000
Introduction of Egyptian Cotton™ logo
A MARK OF TRUST
A brand new Egyptian Cotton™ trademark was rolled out to help consumers distinguish between genuine, authentic Egyptian Cotton™ and any poor, falsely labelled imitations.
2005
Establishment of the Cotton
Egypt Association
PROTECTOR OF THE BRAND
A non-profit association, ‘Cotton Egypt’ was introduced by the Egyptian Ministry of Industry and Foreign Trade to monitor and promote the use of Egyptian Cotton™. They promote the benefits of Egyptian Cotton™, license genuine manufacturers and educate consumers about the history of Egyptian Cotton™.