NURSERYindustry News Nuremberg 2014 sees ‘strong increase’ in visitors
Organisers of the world’s largest trade fair for toy professionals have reported a strong increase in visitors to this year’s event in Nuremberg, Germany. Each year, thousands of manufacturers seize on the opportunity to showcase their products to buyers and toy traders from around the world.
The 2014 Spielwarenmesse event, held at the end of
January, welcomed more than 76,000 people from 112 countries, organisers said.
Changes to the fair layout this year and the premiere of
the TrendGallery were reported to be extremely popular with visitors. Ernst Kick, chief executive officer of Spielwarenmesse eG said he was delighted “that
Spielwarenmesse 2014 has again created the platform our exhibitors and visitors wish for their business.” Eduardo Rinke, director of Rinke Import from Brazil, spoke enthusiastically of the event when he said: “Trends start here. This is the best place for getting to know the new products on the toy market for the coming year, but also for broadening your horizon and doing international business.” Geobra Brandstätter CEO Andrea Schauer added: “Spielwarenmesse is definitely the international gathering of the industry and for Playmobil a key indicator of how the potential of our new products is rated.” Each year the event’s ToyAward honours the most innovative and creative products presented at the fair. The 2014 winner in the Baby and Infant category was the HEROS Building Block Chain from Simba Toys, which creates flexible buildings with its special chain design which can be turned and shifted without falling over. Meanwhile, the winner in the Pre-School category was the Playmobil Leisure Park. Comprised of a big wheel, carousel, swing boat and more, the rides can be moved using either a hand winder or an electric drive and also include lighting effects.
The next Spielwarenmesse takes place from 28 January to 2 February 2015.
www.toyfair.de Robbie tribute act set to entertain at Harrogate Awards
Fans of Robbie Williams are in for a treat at the 2014 Harrogate International Nursery Fair Party & Awards night with live entertainment provided by a tribute act, organisers have announced. Entertainer Paul Reason is said
to not only capture the popstar’s look but also his cheeky mannerisms, charm and sex appeal as he recreates favourite songs
from the performer’s Take That and solo careers. True to life, he will be joined on-stage by buddy Olly Murs (aka Mitch Corner). Harrogate Nursery Fair is the UK's leading nursery trade event, attracting almost every manufacturer and supplier of
baby goods in the UK, as well as numerous companies from around the world. This year’s event is from 23-25 March. The party and awards night will be held at the Majestic
Hotel on Sunday 23 March and is open to exhibitors and visitors. It will include a three course meal and brief celebrations as the BPA (Baby Product Association) Baby & Nursery Trade Awards are presented. Tickets can be purchased for £48 and are reported to be selling fast, so visitors should book early to avoid disappointment.
www.nurseryfair.com ‘Never grow old’ says Brio at 130
Swedish toy company Brio has kicked off its 130th birthday celebrations with a new range which it showcased in Nuremburg, including a remake of the company’s first ever toy, the Osby horse. With birthday celebrations in mind, Brio has chosen three new musical instruments for toddlers as part of its Spring release - a drum, a xylophone and musical shakers. The toy maker has also updated its railway with a colourful safari theme, while a new builder box “offers infinite construction possibilities”.
The toymaker has also announced that all of its wooden toys will now be made from FSC certified wood. The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is a not-for-profit organisation that safeguards, monitors and encourages sustainable forest management. FSC certification means that all wood BRIO uses is traceable and originates from responsibly-managed forests. It guarantees that raw materials do not come from illegal logging sources. Brio’s celebrations will continue throughout 2014 and
will carry the simple message to “never grow old” as Sophie Elvefors, deputy managing director of BRIO, explained: “We are celebrating 130 years of never growing old. It's a campaign that highlights the
importance and joy of play and BRIO’s
mission to create happy childhood memories. We have been doing it for generations and will always continue to do so.” The celebrations will be supported by a global digital social media campaign, PR activities throughout the year and advertising.
www.brio.net/en
NEWS IN BRIEF
• Mercury Events has announced plans to invest over £100,000 in promotion for its second Baby & Toddler Show at EventCity, Manchester. Show Director Rob Collins said that with careful planning, a campaign involving the top five media outlets in the North West can reach the entire target market.
• Medela and Mothercare are to offer an exclusive new breastfeeding package. The new Essentials pack includes the Swing electric pump, the Calma feeding device, pump- and-save bags, a Quick Clean bag for sterilising pump parts, breast pads and PureLan nipple cream.
• Toy State has launched a new range of toys for under twos through its subsidiary Papillon. The toys have been developed by award-winning specialist Stephen Reardon and aim to help children reach milestones naturally without the use of electronic technology.
• Bébélephant has announced a “groundbreaking” partnership with family PR specialists Lil’ Spin in which they plan to offer a route-to- market package to industry innovators by providing a simple solution for both their distribution and PR requirements.
• Fill n Squeeze has been snapped up by John Lewis for its Peter Jones, Kingston, Bluewater, Brent Cross and Oxford Street stores. The baby feeding product allows parents the convenience of a portable baby food pouch which can be filled time and time again with fresh food made at home.
www.nursery-industry.co.uk page 5
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28