12/04/2021 – Toy & Edu China/Baby & Stroller China/Licensing China

Industry future looks bright

The concurrent Toy & Edu China, Baby & Stroller China and Licensing China fairs confirmed the strong optimism in these three domestic sectors, following a successful three-day run at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center last week.

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The trade fair trio Baby & Stroller China, Toy & Edu China and Licensing China can record more visitors this year than in 2020. © Messe Frankfurt (HK)

 

The fairs saw a substantial increase in visitors from last year, with 82,481 buyers (2020: 61,553) connecting with 1,413 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions from 30 March to 1 April. Online solutions were also available on the ‘E-connect 360’ digital platform to engage global industry players.

Speaking at the conclusion of the fairs, Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK), commented: “After a challenging year in 2020, we are pleased to be able to continue hosting in-person events for the toy, baby product and licensing sectors following last August’s editions. Exhibitors reported strong momentum in the resilient domestic market as it continues to move forward in its recovery, with many praising the fairs’ strengths in providing valuable opportunities to capture the rebound, especially as Shenzhen is a core city for the Greater Bay Area initiative, and is well-known for technological innovation and manufacturing abilities.

With global travel restrictions still in place, many international brands partook through their local offices this year, while the digital platform, with a range of online exhibition services including business matching and livestreaming, has become an important trade and networking tool for those unable to travel to Shenzhen.” Registered exhibitors and buyers can still access this platform after the fairs till the end of April.

She continued: “Pleasingly, the three fairs have shown growth in the exhibitor and visitor numbers even in this difficult time. New market opportunities are also emerging, with expanded product offerings such as children’s fashion and museum licensed products featuring at the fairs. And to assist exhibitors to capitalise on the evolving market demands, a number of VIP buyers, particularly from the e-commerce field, were invited to the fairs. With these buyers praising the high-quality of exhibitors and their comprehensive product coverage, the fairs have once again lived up to their reputation as a one-stop sourcing platform.”

Concurrent events offer education

The 2021 editions of Toy & Edu China, Baby & Stroller China and Licensing China also featured a series of seminars and conferences led by renowned industry experts from these three sectors. The topics zoomed in on the opportunities presented by e-commerce, the rise of domestic brands and resurgence of traditional elements, and more, providing attendees valuable insights to stay ahead of the Chinese market under the current climate.

Exhibitors’ voices

“Toy & Edu China plays a significant role in the industry as it connects Chinese buyers with Hong Kong manufacturers who are developing their own brands and designs. They are here to showcase Hong Kong-made innovative products and grasp the potential presented in the Chinese market. We have been very busy so far with a lot of inquiries from visitors, so the result is very promising.” Ivan Ting, Chairman, Hong Kong Toys Council, Hong Kong.

“The fair is an ideal platform for companies to get a foothold in the Greater Bay Area. From the customers’ responses on our new products, and also the pre-orders we have got, we are confident about the toy market. The pandemic did not have much impact on us; our domestic sales were down for the first few months of the outbreak, but since then they have rebounded significantly. There is still much potential in China as the country is focusing on the stimulation of internal circulation and demand.” Xingzhuan Ye, Sales Director, Dongguan Tai Tat Premier Commerce Ltd, China

“We are here at Baby & Stroller China to explore new business opportunities especially with domestic distributors and the gift industry as we have focused more on the Chinese market over the past year. The visitor flow is higher compared to last year and we welcomed over 100 clients yesterday. Since the pandemic was contained in China we have seen rapid recovery in the baby product industry, and potential and positivity in the market can be forecast.” Ms Pucca Liu, Founder, Guangzhou Fengcai Co. Ltd, China

Buyers’ review

“We are a cross-border e-commerce company and this is my first visit to Baby & Stroller China. I am very impressed by the scale of the fair. The fair is the perfect place to be if one wants to learn about the latest innovations and industry developments. I also joined the business matching service and have to give it 10 out of 10 as I found exactly what I am looking for with the help of the organisers. I will definitely place orders afterwards.” Vega Siu, Amazon Team Leader, Xcsource Group, Hong Kong

The next editions of Toy & Edu China, Baby & Stroller China and Licensing China fairs will take place at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center, with the exact date to be announced later.

Toy & Edu China, Baby & Stroller China and Licensing China are organised by Guangdong Toy Association, Guangzhou Li Tong Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.