The latest information on pearl farming in Tahiti

Buoyed by this result, they have made a historic decision: to break away from the Maison de la Perle and create their own grading unit.

A Break with the Maison de la Perle

The five associations and unions — GIE Poe o Rikitea, GIE Raromatai, GIE Poe o Tahiti Nui, GIE Manihi, and the SPMPPF — justified their decision with clear criticisms. According to them, the grading carried out by the Maison de la Perle is too superficial and not suited to the specific needs of auction sales. They highlight their close relationship with buyers and their ability to adapt to market demands — elements they claim are lacking within the institution.

A Call for Greater Flexibility

Georges Mataoa, representative of the SPMPPF, was categorical: “The Maison de la Perle does not adapt to our auctions. We are closest to the buyers, and we know how to adjust, especially regarding grading scales. This is not the case with the Maison de la Perle.”

Serious Accusations Against the Maison de la Perle

The pearl farmers are going even further by calling for the outright closure of the Maison de la Perle, which they deem ineffective — even harmful — to the industry. They specifically denounce alleged favoritism towards the Citizen company, to the detriment of the Tahitian Pearl Promotion Society of Japan (TPJ), one of the main Japanese buyers of black pearls.

The TPJ Boycott: A Revealing Incident

As a direct consequence of these tensions, the TPJ is reported to have boycotted the last two auctions in protest. The pearl farmers blame this situation squarely on the decisions of Minister Temauri Foster and the Maison de la Perle.

Harsh Criticism of Promotional Campaigns

The pearl farmers’ associations have also strongly criticized promotional efforts. They point to initiatives they consider “catastrophic,” such as the open-air exhibition on the prestigious Place Vendôme in Paris, which they claim left a negative impression on observers and industry professionals.

Towards a New Independent Strategy

Encouraged by the positive results of their most recent auction, the pearl farmers are confident they can promote their pearls themselves and positively influence market prices without relying on intermediary institutions. They have already announced their next auction for February 2022.

This auction, held at the Sofitel Maeva Beach Hotel since August 7, showcases the harvest of more than forty pearl farmers from the Tuamotu and Gambier archipelagos, united within five GIEs.

Accompanied by Georges Mataoa, a representative of one of the two pearl producer unions within the CESC, Madame Raoulx observed the strong interest of national and international buyers for the 392 lots presented, with an estimated value of nearly 450 million XPF. The auctions attracted buyers from Japan, the United States, Hong Kong, Canada, Hawaii, and mainland France.

Completely devoid of public subsidies, this event highlights the ability of Polynesian professionals to independently manage the marketing of their cultured pearls. This autonomy has been praised, with results showing more than 126 million XPF in sales on the very first day, and a total exceeding 300 million XPF over two days.

On the fiscal side, the event also benefits the Country, generating around 20 million XPF in tax revenue. Among the most remarkable pieces, a semi-round 18 mm pearl, classified C, from a farm in Rikitea, stood out thanks to its red hue with dark green overtones, making it a coveted item for collectors.

Through her visit, Madame Raymonde Raoulx renewed her support — and that of the CESC — to Polynesian pearl farmers, a key sector of the local economy that has been severely challenged in recent years. This auction underscores the vital importance of such commercial events to ensure income for producers and sustain the long-term viability of the pearl farming industry.