about APCO

slider2

APCO- Empowering Artisans Since 1976

The Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers’ Co-operative Society Ltd. (APCO) was established in 1976 with a vision to promote the rich handloom heritage of Andhra Pradesh and support the weavers and artisans who keep these traditions alive. For 50 years, APCO has been working towards the development and promotion of handlooms, creating market opportunities and supporting the livelihoods of weaving communities across the state. Today, APCO is associated with 970 Primary Weavers’ Co-operative Societies, representing generations of skilled craftsmanship and traditional knowledge. Every handwoven product
reflects the culture, creativity, patience and dedication of the weavers who create it.

.

 

26dist

As APCO celebrates its Golden Jubilee – 1976–2026, it continues to uphold its commitment to preserving the authenticity and rich heritage of Andhra Pradesh handlooms while bringing them closer to contemporary consumers through its showrooms, exhibitions, retail initiatives and e-commerce platforms.

 

APCO strives to create wider market opportunities for traditional handloom products and ensure that the skills, craftsmanship and livelihoods of weavers remain sustainable for generations to come. Every handloom product carries a unique story of heritage, culture and human craftsmanship, and APCO remains dedicated to taking these stories from the weaving communities of Andhra Pradesh to customers across India and across the world.

Authentic creativity:

Handlooms are no longer viewed as just traditional fabrics or clothing from the past. Today, they have become a part of modern fashion, appreciated for their uniqueness, craftsmanship and timeless appeal. What makes handloom special is the perfect balance it creates between tradition and contemporary style.

 

I

APCO:

The handloom societies in Andhra Pradesh are organised as a two-tier structure, with the primary societies at the village level called Primary Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Societies (PHWCS) and the APEX Society at the state level called The A.P. State Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Society Ltd. (The APSHWCS Ltd), popularly called APCO.

Q&A

APCO caters to the marketing of the products by the Primary handloom Weavers Societies who majorly comprise of the poor weavers. It also ensures to provide a fair and minimum wage to the weavers with a motto of equally sharing the profits among its members unlike Master Weavers where the weavers under them are exploited and the profits go to one person who is the owner/master weaver. The Government also ensures that the Cooperative society is able to access the benefits through schemes such as thrift funds, insurance etc., which results in financially strengthening the society.

Handmade Yarn through Charkas is used in Khadi whereas in Handlooms, mill made yarn is used for producing cloth. There is no difference in weaving process.

There are about 3.50 lakhs Handloom weavers depending on weaving and allied activities. Out of which approximately 50% are covered under 1282 Weavers Cooperative Societies in the State.

Uppada Jamadhani, Pochampalli tie and Dye Silk/Cotton varieties, Dharmavaram Silk Sarees, Venkatagiri Zari Sarees, Mangalagiri Dress materials, Godavari buta Sarees, Bandar Pattu Sarees, Peddapuram silks, Poduru Khadi.

Cotton/ Silk /Zari Sarees, Shirting, Dhoties Bed sheets, Towels, Lungies, Livery cloth, Suiting, Merino Blankets, Cumbals, Mosquito Nets, Carpets, Zamkhana, Gauge Cloth, Dress Materials, Modern Handkerchiefs, etc.

With the emergence of powerlooms and machinery it has become a strenuous task to find an original handloom. So here are some authentic fool-proof methods to identify a handloom saree.
• Examine the saree bevar, or edges. Pin-marks or holes are evenly spaced on the top and bottom of the saree, as the handlooms saree are woven by pinning the saree to the loom.
• The saree is bound to have a rugged uneven surface for an ethnic appeal.
• Handloom saree is surprisingly soft in texture, you could feel it only once you drape it.
• A handloom saree would have extra thread-end at the yardage, often made into tassels.
• A handloom saree would have the exact mirror image of prints on either side.

We display our products usually in Indian currency but, we do provide an option of changing the currency under the head INR at the top right of the screen where you can choose the currency option you wish to see the price in.

Yes, prices listed on our website our inclusive of all taxes.