Ritex International is the exclusive New Zealand importer of Saffron Cotton Yarn, the industry’s most trusted yarn for mussel socking applications. Recognised for its strength, consistency, and performance, Saffron yarn is designed specifically for use on Mussock machines originally developed by Andy Joines — which remain the standard for commercial mussel socking.

Stocked here in Nelson and supplied nationwide, Saffron yarn delivers the reliability required across large-scale aquaculture operations. With tightly controlled yarn counts, low breakage rates, and stable performance under continuous loading, it is regarded globally as a premium yarn for mussel cultivation systems.

We carry a wide range of variants, with 12/1 and 16/1 cotton the most widely used in New Zealand mussel farming. Additional counts can be sourced on request.

Why Mussel Farmers Choose Saffron Cotton Yarn:

Saffron cotton yarn is engineered for commercial mussel socking, offering consistent strength, uniform twist, and dependable machine performance. The yarn is produced to tight tolerances to minimise variability, giving farmers confidence during continuous operation with reduced risk of tearing, slippage, or breakage. Its compatibility with standard Mussock machines and continuous-rope cultivation systems ensures smooth feeding and predictable performance during high-volume production.

Because the yarn is designed specifically for marine and aquaculture use, it holds its integrity as the mussel crop establishes, yet breaks down naturally in the marine environment once the mussels are securely attached. This balance between strength and degradability is a key advantage over general-purpose cotton yarns used in other industries.

For New Zealand producers, the ability to source this yarn locally through Ritex — without relying on long offshore lead times — supports planning, continuity, and efficient in-season operations.