Mumbai: Kids India 2013, the Indian edition of the world's biggest trade fair in the toy industry started on Friday with a grandeur opening at the Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The exhibition will see a representation of more than 100 companies showcasing latest products and technologies till the 26th of October 2013.
The fair is organized by Spielwarenmesse eG in cooperation with Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) and with the support of the Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) and The All India Toy Manufacturers' Association (TAITMA). The trade fair has emerged as a must-visit event for the entire toy industry in India.
Speaking on the Inauguration ceremony, Ernst Kick, CEO, Spielwarenmesse eG, said "The growing prosperity of the Indian population is accompanied by rising sales of consumer goods and toys. The expanding demand calls for a large range of products, which opens up new opportunities for the toy industry. Indian toy market is very promising and in the next five years it is expected to register a growth of 40 per cent. Kids India 2013 is providing an excellent platform to generate new business for toy manufacturers in India."
Mr Kick has observed for a long time now, that the importance of games and toys as an economic factor is increasing in India. At present, approximately 300 professional toy manufacturers exist in India. The number could go up further if the Government extends its help in terms of policy and regulations.
Eminent Bollywood actress, Perizaad Zorabian, who was also a part of the inauguration ceremony said, "20 per cent of the total kids of the world are in India, hence, the toy segment in India has tremendous scope to grow."
Participating companies include leading brands such as Mattel, Funskool, Simba, Dickie, Frank Educational Aids, Chicco, Hexbug, Toyzone Impex, Jasco Handicrafts, Zephyr, Brightway Exports, HanungToys& Textiles, Universal Legguard Works, Shinsei, Playcraft, Peacock Toys, Pleasantime Products, Wasan Exports and many more. The international fair programme will increase the World-wide significance of Kids India.
The toy market in India is rapidly evolving and the event is all set to provide the much needed momentum to the toy industry. The show is witnessing participation from over 100 Indian and International manufacturers showcasing toys, baby articles, licensed products, sport articles, leisure and hobby articles for the buyers. In addition, the workshop and seminar programme will highlight the current key issues in the industry. The fair not only provides a product overview, but a complete overview of the market as well.
Seeing prospects especially for the local industry, Bernhard Steinruecke, Director General, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, said "The Indian toy market is continuously growing and we can witness more and more spending on toys. This is a sustainable trend which will persist even during times of economic difficulty. The fair offers the Indian toy industry a professional forum for consolidating and expanding its business success."
"Out of 108 exhibitors, 91 are from India, which clearly shows the growth of the toy industry in India, despite tough competition from the global market. The Indian market is moving into a mature stage and today, Indian manufacturers' priority is quality and not the price" said Vivek Jhangiani, President, The All India Toys Manufacturing Association.
He further added, "The growing prosperity of the Indian population is pushing up sales of consumer goods and toys. With Kids India we are creating a B2B marketplace for the rising demand. This provides the traders with a concentrated display of Indian toys supplemented with international suppliers and brands."
Ms Sonia Prashar, Director of Marketing & Trade Fairs, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce said, "Kids India 2013 will also kick off the campaign 'Value of Play' which aims to create awareness about toys and playing in the overall development of a child. Indian consumers are beginning to understand the importance of play and we would like to use this fair as a platform to promote this awareness and educate consumers about the benefits of toys.
Social projects will also benefit from this campaign, as there is very little play out there for the economically backward. As a small gesture to start with, exhibitors at Kids India will be encouraged to donate some of their exhibits at the end of the fair. These toys will then go to social institutions in India."
"Kids India particularly brings totally new business opportunities for the Indian companies that have previously not taken part in trade fairs outside India. They get access to international markets and have the possibility of meeting buyers who were previously beyond their reach. Kids India will bring international buyers to India, which will boost exports" said J.K. Dadoo, Chairman of Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC).
In the varied workshops and seminar programmes at Kids India, national and international speakers presented topical issues in the industry. Philippe Guinaudeau (CEO, Kidz Global) discussed the toy trends in India and the world, whereas Nagarajan Subramanian (Entheos Consulting - licensing agency of Warner Bros Consumer Products in India) dealt with "Licenses and Toys: The Dream Team". The National Institute of Design (NID) rounded off the programme with a workshop on the subject of Design in Play.
Kids India focuses on the whole spectrum of playing!
Kids India, Mumbai
Kids India in Mumbai is organized by the Nuremberg fair and marketing services provider Spielwarenmesse eG. The international trade fair for kids' articles covers toys, baby articles, licensed products and articles for sport, leisure and hobbies.
Kids India takes place annually in the autumn in the Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC). Spielwarenmesse eG is supported by the Indo German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) in the organization of Kids India.
More information about the premiere of Kids India from 24-26 October 2013 is available on the Internet at www.kidsindia.de.
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