The EUCOTTON project, formally titled Premium Quality Cotton from Europe, was funded by the European Union under the Promotion of Agricultural Products Programme (AGRIP). It ran from January 2022 to December 2024, with a total budget of EUR 2.01 million and an EU contribution of EUR 1.77 million. Coordinated by EVROPAIKI SYMMAXIA VAMVAKOS EOOS (European Cotton Alliance) in Greece, the project aimed to raise awareness and recognition of European cotton, focusing on its premium quality and sutainability attributes. The campaign sought to educate consumers and trade professionals on the benefits of European cotton and promote demand for textiles made from this high-quality raw material.

The EUCOTTON project implemented a comprehensive promotion campaign combining digital outreach, media engagement, and industry networking.

Key outputs of the project include: 

• Development of a digital presence, including the launch of a dedicated website and social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, achieving over 807 followers and 14,106 website visits.
• Effective media engagement: developed a digital press dossier and distributed press releases in target markets such as Spain, France, Germany, and Italy.
• Targeted advertising campaigns, including paid social media promotions and white-list B2C advertising, reaching a global audience of over 5.8 million consumers.
• Widespread media coverage: published inserts in print and digital media, across Spain, Greece, and other target countries, achieving millions of readers and reinforcing the message of quality and sustainability.
• Strategic industry engagement: produced and distributed 830 promotional articles at key industry events to enhance visibility and engagement.
• B2B networking initiatives, including four meetings with fashion and textile companies and a high-profile networking event attended by over 50 industry representatives.
• Sponsorship of major industry events, such as the 5th Mediterranean Cotton Roads in Greece and the 36th Bremen Cotton Conference in Germany, providing direct exposure to more than 500 professionals.

EUCOTTON contributed to EU objectives by promoting sustainable and high-quality raw materials within the textile value chain. By highlighting the superior quality and environmentally responsible production methods of European cotton, the project supported the competitiveness of EU agriculture and textile ecosystems. The campaign encouraged transparency in sourcing and strengthened consumer trust in European products, creating added value for the EUCOTTON trademark. These efforts align with EU strategies to enhance resilience, sustainability, and market recognition for European agricultural products, ultimately supporting the modernisation and competitiveness of the textile ecosystem.

EUCOTTON was coordinated by EVROPAIKI SYMMAXIA VAMVAKOS EOOS and involved close cooperation with leading cotton associations and stakeholders across Europe. The project fostered collaboration between agricultural producers, textile manufacturers, and fashion industry representatives, creating synergies to promote European cotton globally. Through joint events, B2B meetings, and targeted campaigns, EUCOTTON facilitated knowledge exchange on sustainable cultivation practices and quality standards, reinforcing Europe’s position as a trusted source of premium cotton and supporting the transformation of the textile ecosystem towards more sustainable and competitive production models.