Historic Break with Pearl House After Record 363M XPF Sale
In a bold move signaling industry upheaval, Tahiti’s pearl farmers have declared independence from the state-backed Maison de la Perle following their second successful auction of 2024, which generated 363 million XPF (≈€3M) from 278 lots sold.
The Breakup: Why Farmers Are Going Solo
1. Rejecting “Outdated” Sorting Standards
The five key producer groups—GIE Poe o Rikitea, GIE Raromatai, GIE Poe o Tahiti Nui, GIE Manihi, and SPMPPF—cite the Pearl House’s grading system as “overly simplistic and auction-illiterate.” They argue their direct buyer relationships enable more market-responsive pricing.
2. Accusations of Institutional Dysfunction
- Favoritism Claims: Farmers allege the Pearl House prioritizes partnerships with Citizen over Japan’s Tahitian Pearl Promotion Society (TPJ), a major buyer that boycotted recent auctions in protest.
- Promotion Blunders: Paris’ Place Vendôme exhibition (May 2024) is singled out as a “disastrous misstep” that alienated industry professionals.
3. Ministerial Backlash
SPMPPF representative Georges Mataoa minced no words:
“The Pearl House can’t adapt to auction realities. We’re on the ground with buyers—they’re not.”
Industry at a Crossroads
This revolt reflects deeper tensions:
Autonomy vs. Centralization: Farmers demand control over pricing and promotion. Market Realities: TPJ’s boycott underscores risks of alienating key buyers. Political Fallout: Minister Temauri Foster faces mounting pressure to reform—or dismantle—the Pearl House.
“We’ve proven we don’t need gatekeepers,” declared a Rikitea farmer. “Our pearls, our rules.”
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