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As SJ Turns 15, Cotton Incorporated Reflects on a Long-Term Relationship
SJ Studio
6 min read
Fifteen years ago, Sourcing Journal was founded, establishing a new B2B media resource for the textile and garment sourcing community. In its earliest days, the publication’s core content revolved around cotton pricing fluctuations, and the site featured a cotton futures ticker.
Although the scope of Sourcing Journal’s coverage has expanded considerably since then to encompass sustainability, retail, logistics, technology and more, cotton continues to be a key subject within the SJ universe. “Cotton was the first link in the sourcing chain that Sourcing Journal focused on, and it continues to be a major point of intention today,” said Peter Sadera, editor-in-chief of Sourcing Journal. “As one of the world’s oldest fibers, it’s quite amazing the relevance that persists today. And of course, being all natural, it meets many of the qualities and standards that are currently sought after.”
Fittingly for SJ’s cotton market roots, not-for-profit research and promotion organization Cotton Incorporated became a supporter early on in Sourcing Journal’s history. And so began a long-term collaboration, resulting in valuable insights, objective and helpful content, meaningful activations and overall, a trusted resource.
“Sourcing Journal and Cotton Incorporated have enjoyed a strong, enduring partnership for many years, rooted in mutual respect and shared goals,” said Deborah Baron, advertising director at Sourcing Journal. “Our collaboration is highly consultative, with both teams working closely together to ensure that each initiative aligns with the evolving needs of the industry. This dynamic approach has allowed us to create impactful programs and content that resonate deeply with our readers, strengthening our partnership over time.”
Editorial Insights
For over a decade, Cotton Incorporated’s Lifestyle Monitor™ has had a second home on Sourcing Journal. This column, written by Catherine Salfino, dives into topics like consumer trends, retail innovation, material preferences and the economy, punctuated with consumer insights gleaned from Cotton Incorporated’s Lifestyle Monitor™ survey series, which just celebrated its own 30th anniversary. Over the past year, some of the most popular articles have covered Plastic Free July, denim circularity and outdoor apparel.
“For 30 years, the Lifestyle Monitor™ has offered unparalleled insights into the ever-evolving consumer landscape,” said Kim Kitchings, senior vice president of consumer marketing at Cotton Incorporated. “Through our longstanding collaboration with Sourcing Journal, we’ve been able to deliver these insights to an even broader audience, empowering brands and retailers to anticipate and respond to shifts in consumer preferences. This collaboration reflects Cotton Incorporated’s unwavering commitment to supporting the industry with the information it needs to be successful with cotton in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.”
More recently, Cotton Incorporated has brought Jon Devine’s monthly economic newsletter to Sourcing Journal, providing the industry with regular updates on cotton pricing, production and demand. This informative series charts the how and why behind pricing for fiber grown in the United States and abroad.
“Cotton Incorporated’s research and marketing efforts are invaluable to both our audience and the broader textile industry,” said Baron. “By sharing comprehensive insights through reports and technical bulletins, Cotton Incorporated provides critical knowledge on every aspect of the cotton lifecycle—from fiber to finished product.”
Cotton and denim also go hand-in hand. Cotton Incorporated was an advertiser in the first-ever issue of Rivet Magazine launched in Spring 2016, and the organization has continued to support the magazine. “We are proud to be a trusted partner and valuable resource for the denim industry,” said Jennifer Lukowiak, director, supply chain marketing at Cotton Incorporated. “Ensuring that brands deliver authentic, cotton-rich denim to their customers is essential for several important reasons. Consumers consistently favor cotton denim for its unique blend of breathability, softness and comfort. And brands prefer using cotton denim for a variety of reasons including its inherent strength, sustainability and circular properties. Rivet plays a vital role in advancing these initiatives and providing a platform to deliver a targeted message to key industry leaders.”
Cotton Incorporated has also been a part of Rivet through thought leadership and editorial content covering topics ranging from cotton pricing to mill partnerships and sustainable innovations. For instance, a Rivet Magazine piece from 2024 highlighted how Cotton Incorporated is turning waste cotton into glucose. “Cotton’s contributions to SJ underscore our joint commitment to sustainability and help to shape a more responsible future for the industry,” said Baron.
Cotton Incorporated also frequently appears in Sourcing Journal’s coverage, as reporters interview the organization’s experts on everything from fashion and fabric trends to its brand partnerships. “One of the best-kept secrets about Cotton Incorporated is that it’s an amazing resource,” said Sadera. “From things you would expect, like cotton price forecasting, but also things you might not, like trend forecasting, consumer data and scientific discovery, it really has so much information that our industry can use.”
Sharing Center Stage
As part of Cotton Incorporated’s early support for Sourcing Journal, the organization was among the sponsors for the inaugural Sourcing Summit in 2013. Cotton Incorporated’s senior vice president, global supply chain marketing Mark Messura took the stage to discuss sourcing trends, and he more recently appeared at the 2024 Fall Summit in November.
Mark Messura (second from the right) speaks at the first Sourcing Summit in 2013
“The Sourcing Journal Summit has always been considered a leadership event in the industry,” said Messura. “Cotton Incorporated continues to work with the Sourcing Journal to address the timely industry information and issues that are of utmost importance to many companies and to cotton.”
Sourcing Journal’s events have ballooned since the early days, and Cotton Incorporated has offered steadfast support. As the publication launched its first sustainability event in Los Angeles, Cotton Incorporated signed on as premier sponsor to help ensure its success. Kitchings shared the stage with Blue Jeans Go Green™ partner Zappos at SJ x Rivet Sustainability Los Angeles to discuss unlikely collaborations.
From left, Anna Copilevitz and Kim Kitchings with Peter Sadera.
Over the years, a range of Cotton Incorporated subject-matter experts have spoken at in-person and virtual events to educate and engage audiences. Devine frequently appears to share economic insights, while Dr. Jesse Daystar, chief sustainability officer and vice president, sustainability, has been a recurring speaker, sharing the latest in sustainability research and innovation, most recently alongside Mary Ankeny, vice president product development and implementation. Messura has presented on the shifting global trends and availability of cotton as well as reassurance on confidence in cotton. Meanwhile, the company’s consumer marketing division, including Kitchings; Melissa Bastos, director of corporate strategy and insights; and Andrea Samber, director, brand partnerships, have shared details of Cotton Incorporated’s retail-side partnerships, including the Blue Jeans Go Green™ denim recycling program.
“Cotton Incorporated has been a partner for so long, it’s hard to imagine a summit without them,” said Sadera. “The best part of the organization by far is the people. We’ve had so many share the stage with us, and each is professional, informative and a pleasure to work with.”
Click here to learn more about Cotton Incorporated.
