The Polynesian pearl sector has welcomed a new entity with the establishment of the French Polynesia Pearl Federation (FPPF) on February 4, 2014. Designed to bolster export initiatives, this association aims to unite all Tahitian pearl industry professionals under one umbrella.
A Prestigious Leadership Role
Under the direction of Jeanne Lecourt, founder and director of FPPF, the association has been appointed by CIBJO (the World Jewellery Confederation) to lead the working group responsible for developing the first universal pearl classification system. Notably, FPPF is currently the only organization dedicated to Polynesian cultured pearls within CIBJO, a global body representing jewellers and producers of precious materials.
Strategic Objectives
The FPPF focuses on expanding international revenue for its members through four key pillars:
- Promoting pearl exports
- Strengthening ties with global industry players
- Sharing insights on worldwide pearl market trends
- Providing local training on pearl quality assessment and international sales techniques
Membership & Challenges
While ambitious, the federation currently has a limited membership, primarily comprising:
- GIE Tuavana
- Tainura Federation of Moorea
The FPPF aims to widen participation across the sector, positioning itself as a complementary force to existing structures—unlike pearl trading groups (GIEs), it does not organize auctions. Instead, it focuses on supplying missing international tools for local professionals.
Funding Hurdles
Despite launching promising projects, the FPPF faces financial constraints, relying heavily on member contributions. The federation is actively seeking external funding to scale its efforts and meet the growing demands of global pearl exports.
This initiative marks a critical step in unifying Tahiti’s pearl industry and enhancing its competitiveness on the world stage.
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