Khilona India Fair’23 to gather MSME enterprises to realise sector’s export potential

Greater Noida/ Delhi NCR – 17th August 2023 – The second edition of Khilona-India Toys & Games Fair, conceptualised & organised by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), is scheduled from 18-20 August 2023 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway. A B2B show, organized with the support from Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of MSME and Ministry of Commerce and Industry Khilona aims at bringing together a comprehensive representation of the Indian toys & games sector.

Dileep Baid, Chairman, EPCH informed, “Khilona-India Toys & Games Fair resonates with the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ in toys & games as well as India realising its full potential in manufacturing for this segment, with an aim of becoming a global sourcing hub in this segment,” and added that Khilona is to congregate a full spectrum of India’s toys & games manufacturing industry, with a cross section of around 150+ businesses, ranging from medium and small exporters, artisan entrepreneurs and designers to India’s leading manufacturer exporters. The 12 display segment will cover 24 product categories will feature Accessories for children’s room, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Back to School Categories, Cycles & Paddle Wheels, Board Games, Building and Construction, Characters & Collectibles, Dolls and other similar Toys, Educational Toys, Electronic & Precision Toys, Games & Puzzles, Heritage Toys, Hobby Sets, Infant Toys, Innovative Toys, Musical Instruments, Outdoor leisure & Games, Ride-on and Pull-along Toys, Remote Controlled Toys, Soft Toys, Subscription Kits, Sustainable & Eco-friendly Toys, Traditional & Craft Toys and Toys for Specially Challenged Children.

“Khilona reflects bigger ambitions for the future of India’s toys & games industry and is expected to become instrumental in increasing India’s role in the global supply chains by enabling toy manufacturers, predominantly the MSMEs and traditional toy makers, with the necessary market linkages to enhance their traction in overseas markets and India’s share in global toys & games trade,” shared Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, IEML. He further added that the range of toys and games manufactured in India reflects cultural diversity, they are timeless, ageless and interactive. Toys categories such as dolls, soft toys, baby & infant, pre-school and board games are highly labour intensive and have high potential for scaling up manufacturing. For buyers and traders from across the globe, Khilona is an exclusive opportunity to network and partner with traditional, modern and upcoming toy manufactures; understand from eminent policymakers, industry experts and academics about various key aspects related to the Indian Toys & Games Industry; learn about new trends and opportunities; and create strategic B2B alliances.

R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH added, “this is one of the important events in the Indian toys and games industry and is dedicated to showcasing the latest and most innovative products from renowned manufacturers and emerging entrepreneurs alike. With an impressive array of exhibitors from various segments of the industry, it promises to be a major platform for exploring the latest trends, designs, and advancements in toys and games. Visitors can see India’s strengths in innovations and high precession manufactured toys alongside traditional toys & games as well as collectibles. Vibrant Theme Areas would highlight India’s toy making clusters & hubs including regional toy making crafts and heritage dolls. Products made from natural materials will be in focus areas. Added attractions like Toy Craft Demonstrations and a Panel Discussion titled, ‘Made in India Toys-Inspiring Creativity and Encouraging New-Age Innovation’ are also planned during the show.”

This B2B show is going to be visited by overseas buyers from countries like Canada, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Netherlands, Oman, Palestinian, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, USA, Uzbekistan Vietnam etc. and confirmation to visit from major Indian retailers like Hemleys-Reliance, Lulu International Shopping Malls, More Retails, Toyzstation, Trends and Gifts, Mavericks, Shoppers Stop and many more has also been received.

Traditional toy clusters like Channapatna Lacquer ware Toys, Kondapalli Wooden Toys, Ettikopaka Lacquer ware Toys, Varanasi Wooden Toys, Asharikandi Terracotta Toys, Jaipur Kathputli, Kinhal Wooden Toy, Nirmal Wooden Toys, Tanjore Terracotta Dolls, Indore Leather Toys, Cuddapah Raja Rani Wooden Dolls Chitrakoot wooden toys, Bishnupur Toy & Doll will also showcase their crafts represented by craftspersons Shri Verma further added.

Expected visitors to the fairs include Importers, Wholesalers, Brand Owners, Speciality Stores, Retailers and e-commerce platforms, Kindergarten & Schools, Designers & Merchandisers, Play & Special learning groups, etc.

The Indian toy industry is among the fastest-growing globally, projected to reach $ 3 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12% between 2022-28. Domestic market size currently stands at an estimated value of $ 1.5 billion. India’s Toy Exports witnessed an increase from US$ 203.42 million in 2018-19 to US$ 325.72 million in 2022-23.