Golden Bear Toys will take some of its most exciting licensed and own-IP ranges to Distoy London, where it is seeking new international distributors.
Golden Bear‘s award-winning interactive plush range, Curlimals, will be a big focus at this year’s Distoy. A huge hit with UK retailers since launching in July 2022, the Curlimals range comprises cute woodland creatures that respond to touch with over 45 sounds and reactions. Each has its own unique phrases to reflect their individual personalities, while all characters in the range uncurl to play and curl back into a ball to sleep.
Autumn/winter 2023 sees the initial range of Curlimals expand with the introduction of new Arctic Glow Curlimals including Perry Polar Bear, Pip Penguin and Sia Seal. They feature super-soft sparkly fur, Arctic animal sounds and a special light-up belly which changes colour when they’re warm and happy.
Curlimals continue to dominate across the globe, with a hugely positive response from consumers. Golden Bear says its international partners have allowed the brand to launch at retailers across 44 countries so far, from Hungary to the Middle East and Japan to the USA, where they are currently for sale in Walmart.
The company continues to grow and launch Curlimals in new markets, with two new TVC’s in development to support the range, and is currently looking for more distributors across the globe that can assist with further expansion of the brand.
Golden Bear will also be introducing a new family game, Farty Freddie, for autumn/winter 2023. Positioned as ‘Pass the Parcel with a stinky twist’, players pass Freddie around and when the music stops, wait to hear if the cheeky plush monkey farts, giggles or burps to play the next move in the game. Appealing to all ages, Farty Freddie is presented in stand-out, try-me packaging for instant impact and disruption on shelf.
Golden Bear is entering the tabletop games’ sector in late 2023 with Mind Meld, a fast-paced and exciting new game based on the popular TikTok trend. Players are invited to shout out a word and challenge others to see if they can mind read and achieve the ultimate Mind Meld. With two game modes to choose from, it can be played head-to-head or in a group, making Mind Meld the perfect game for any occasion and for players of all ages.
Highlighting the success of its long-standing partnership with the Acamar, Golden Bear has sold more than 3m Bing units since its initial range launch in 2019 and Bing continues to bring international success for Golden Bear. Concluding the company’s two-year staged plan to convert its entire plush range to 100% recycled fabric by the end of 2023, all plush Bing lines are now fully sustainable.
For autumn/winter 2023, Golden Bear is introducing Peek-a-boo Bing, a cuddly interactive plush that talks and moves his ears as he plays Peek-a-Boo. The Bing Lights and Sounds Fire Engine will encourage little ones to role play the Fire Engine Episode, which has achieved 1.2m views on YouTube, while Walking Bing, a walking and talking plush will help kids with their cognitive and social skills as they learn to explore nature.
Extending its long-term partnership with the BBC, Golden Bear’s Hey Duggee range delivers a wealth of appeal and choice while tapping into the learning benefits, adventurous nature and quirky humour of the CBeebies show. Sleepy Time Duggee features the iconic bedtime song from the show, is soft and snuggly body and has soothing music and soft glowing lights to aid relaxation. Parental controls include volume control and an on/off switch.
15 years since In the Night Garden first aired, Golden Bear, in partnership with WildBrain, expands its range of In The Night Garden Talking Soft Toys. Each character plays the iconic theme tune and character sounds from the show. Available as Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka, Talking Soft Toys use tactile fabrics and print detailing to help stimulate little ones’ senses through touch and sight.
For information on all products in the Golden Bear portfolio, contact customerservices@goldenbeartoys.co.uk.
