Press release -
Collectables, Licences and STEM toys steal the show at Toy Fair 2019
Toy Fair 2020 to return 21-23 January at Olympia London
(London, UK) 24 January, 2019 –The 66th annual Toy Fair opened its doors on Tuesday, with more than 250 exhibiting companies out on the show floor. Thousands of new products have been launched, with inflatables, a dancing llama and tea sets grabbing headlines in BBC News, The I, The Sun, Metro and many other outlets.
The very best of the UK toy industry was on display at this year’s Toy Fair. Thousands of journalists, influencers, and industry visitors flocked to Olympia London, where they had the opportunity to see the latest product launches and network with the wider industry. The show’s newest addition, the Content Creation Zone for vloggers and video teams, was bustling with bookings during media day from press and exhibitors reviewing toys and recording interviews.
From the newest start-ups to the biggest names in the industry, exhibiting companies of all sizes were also out in force on Toy Fair TV. Hosted by Gavin Inskip and Anna Williamson, Toy Fair’s dedicated TV team broadcast the latest news and launches live throughout the event, watched on screens around Olympia London and on the Toy Fair website.
Toy Fair 2019 also saw the return of Toy Fair’s Hero Toys, awarded to the most innovative and creative toys launched at the show. Judged by the BTHA and a panel of independent retailers, the top 25 toys represented the best of the best from the show floor. Toys from LEGO and Hasbro were among the winners.
“Congratulations to the entire industry for another successful Toy Fair!” commented Majen Immink, Director of Fairs and Special Events at the BTHA. “I was incredibly impressed by the launches we’ve had at this year’s show, and the sheer creativity and passion our industry had on display. My thanks to everyone, our exhibitors and visitors, for making the show such a success. We look forward to seeing you at Toy Fair 2020!”
The BTHA, organisers of Toy Fair, announced that Toy fair 2020 will again return to Olympia London, running from Tuesday 21nd to 23rd January. Applications for Toy Fair 2020 are now open at www.toyfair.co.uk.
Toy Fair Exhibitor Testimonials
Louise Tyrer, 8th Wonder Ltd
“Toy Fair has been an amazing success, enabling us to launch our new “Only Fools and Horses” talking plush which are available for immediate delivery. Also our popular pre-school wooden Licensed Toys, “Hey Duggee, Something Special, Sarah and Duck” available from June.”
Debra Tiffany, Brainstorm Limited
“Our first day at Toy Fair was madness – there were so many appointments booked in and we were delighted with the response to our new products particularly EUGY and the new Brainstorm Toys addition – See the World Through Others’ Eyes. All in all another great show for us at Olympia and we look forward to coming back again in 2020.”
Roger Martin, Coiledspring Games
“Toy Fair has once again been a fantastic experience for us. It is such an important event in the calendar, not only allowing us the opportunity to catch up with colleagues and clients in the industry, but also provides an opportunity to meet new buyers. Our team has been busy showcasing our fantastic range of games, puzzles and jigsaws, including new product launches such as The Mind, Zombie Kidz Evolution and Planet. After such a positive start to the year, we’re looking forward to what 2019 brings!”
Kate Gibson, Gibsons
“2019 marks Gibsons’ 100 year anniversary of trading as a British, family business. Toy Fair was the first opportunity for us to celebrate with our colleagues, customers and friends. We want to thank everyone who came by…especially those who wished us a Happy Birthday! It was a truly fantastic show and will be remembered for many years to come.”
Anita Frost, Green Bean
“Thank you Toy Fair 2019, we loved it! Now back to Green Bean Studios we go to continue creating precious moments through fun adventures.”
Karen Nunn, Green Board Games
“We’ve had an incredible show – not least with the announcement of the winning Young Games Inventor 2018. This year our portfolio is strengthened further by a variety of STEM inspired games and we are proud to be supporting Dyslexia Action and Anna Kennedy charities as part of our initiatives – all of which have been welcomed by retailers existing and new.”
Steven Russell, Jumbo
“It’s been another great and entertaining show for us! We’ve seen everyone we wanted to and gained a lot of new contacts! We also have some great plans to work on for retail, product development and dsriving a successful 2019 – which is what the show is all about!”
Scott Kenworthy, K-PLAY INTERNATIONAL LTD
“The reaction from our visitors goes to show that Toy Fair is still THE place to launch our new lines.”
Pete Rope, Laser Beam Eyes
“We launched JUNKO just before xmas and Toy Fair was our first foray into the toy industry. It has been useful on so many levels. We met press and retailers, got some orders which was great but the thing we never expected was the feedback and advice, which has really helped us understand both the industry and to plan for the future. An irreplaceable experience.”
Marie Bureau, Le Toy Van
“We always enjoy London Toy Fair. It is our home show and we have been attending for more than 20 years. We love the vibes here!”
Alan Ford, Rainbow Eco Products
“This is the second year of exhibiting here and we have been delighted with the quality contacts so far and the response to our newly rebranded product range. Definitely attending next year.”
Molly Francis Coleman, Roma
“This was our first Toy Fair and it won’t be our last. We’ve made some invaluable contacts, met stockists from around the world and had a great reception to our new Dolls Pram range.”
Patsy Boyle, Tobar
“Tobar have had a great show, we’ve loved our new ground floor location. We’e seen lots of customers and our exciting new lines have been really well received by customers and the media.”
Mary Wood, TOMY
“What a show! We could not have had better feedback not only for our core brands Lamaze, Toomies, Britainsand Aquadoodle but importantly for our new launches – Ritzy Rollerz & Adorbs. Drumond Park and TOMY games have been brilliantly received and the icing on the cake is our “secret” product – every retailer who has seen it, has told us it is the product of the show. TOMY is well and truly back.”
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About Toy Fair
Toy Fair is the UK’s largest dedicated toy, game and hobby trade exhibition taking place at Olympia London. The event takes place over three days at the end of January each year and plays host to hundreds of exhibitors, from startups to some of the biggest toy companies, launching thousands of new toy lines.
Toy Fair 2019 took place from Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 January.
About the BTHA
The British Toy & Hobby Association was established in 1944 to represent the interests of British toy manufacturers and to raise standards of practice in the industry. Today it has around 150 members ranging from international toy giants to small family-run businesses that together account for more than 80% of the UK toy market. Membership of the British Toy & Hobby Association shows the member’s commitment to adhere to the BTHA Code of Practice under the umbrella of the Lion Mark which includes rules covering ethical and safe manufacture of toys, toy safety, a ban on counterfeit goods, an assurance to market responsibly, a commitment to improving sustainability and a desire to promote the value of all play through support of the Make Time 2 Play campaign. Our members are manufacturers committed to making good quality toys in a responsible way. The BTHA also administers the Toy Trust - the industry’s charity.
