Alligator farmer adds value
Alligator skin prices have dropped so significantly, some breeders have decided to add value to their wares by producing finished leathergoods rather than selling the skins as they are.
Florida-based All American Gator was selling its skins to companies such as Hermes and Gucci for $57 per square-foot just two years ago. However, with prices now down to between $12 and $15 dollars, the company has now decided to make its own finished products for retail including garments, footwear and small leathergoods.
The company, which handles around 2,800 alligators a year, makes most of its money from the alligator meat. However, until recently, the skins made for a lucrative by-product.
Although All American Gator has been producing leathergoods on a small scale for wholesale for a year now, it has decided to go a step further and open a new retail outlet in
