Pokémon master toy manufacturing rights have been extended to include new direct distribution territories in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Jazwares, the master toy manufacturing partner for Pokémon, has extended the agreement with The Pokémon Company international, to add further direct distribution rights to its existing list of territories, which include USA, Canada & Mexico.

As of January 2022, distribution of the Jazwares line will transition from Character Options in the UK and Ireland to the local Jazwares team. From Q2 2022, distribution will transition from BOTI in Germany, Switzerland and Austria to Jazwares’ local German team. BOTI will continue to distribute the line in Benelux.

“We are proud of the work that Character Options and BOTI have done with Pokémon over the past four years in the UK and Germany, and we would like to thank them for their hard work,” said Mathieu Galante, Licensing director, The Pokémon Company International. “Pokémon is delighted to tighten the relationship with Jazwares in the UK and German market. The team shares our commitment to the master toy programme which has been very successful, reaching the Top 10 NPD in the respective markets. We’re excited to grow the programme with Jazwares and keep up the positive momentum in 2022.”

Jonny Taylor, SVP Europe, Jazwares, added: “It is an incredibly exciting time for Pokémon. Brand engagement is at an all-time high and the demand for all aspects of the property, including toys, is through the roof. We would like to thank the teams at both Character Options and BOTI for all the work they have done over the past few years in their respective markets. Jazwares is absolutely thrilled to begin supplying our retail customers directly on such a meaningful property. We have a phenomenally exciting line coming for 2022, which we are extremely confident the Pokémon fan base will love.”