The cost of down is quickly rising because of the current bird flu epidemic and some exceptionally cold winters in big markets, according to an official of Allied Feathers & Down. Prices have remained unchanged for the material ordered so far, but it cannot tell how the disease will affect pricing for future seasons.

After speaking with government officials, AF&D has concluded that the situation has turned for the worse in recent weeks as new cases of bird flu have been spotted in France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, ... Log in to view full article.