Clementoni focuses on creating high quality products at an attractive price, remaining flexible and nimble.

Clementoni continues to go from strength to strength, having added a number of high-profile licences to its portfolio and seen huge success with its puzzles and infant products. In the August issue, Rachael Simpson-Jones spoke to Shahbaz Khan, country manager UK & Ireland.

Shahbaz revealed that the first half of 2019 has been very good so far for Clementoni: “The market is tough, as I’m sure everyone is aware, but we are up around 10% in the first quarter, driven mainly by our infant and scientific toys, and by our puzzles.”

He cites L.O.L. Surprise! as a standout new product introduction: “Sales momentum has carried through from the end of last year, when the stock of our arts & crafts line became available. Our L.O.L. Trace & Draw and L.O.L. Cool Jewels Case are our two best-sellers from the range. Baby Clementoni is a highlight too, and is currently benefitting from good shelf space in key retailers like Smyths. Our adult puzzle offering is still performing well across the market in Smyths, The Entertainer and Argos, with consumer favourites ranging from the Panorama titles to our licensed offerings.”

He went on to explain how Clementoni focuses on creating high quality products at an attractive price, remaining flexible and nimble. This combination of factors helps the company to keep strong momentum going forward.

With upcoming launches including Harry Potter puzzles, Toy Story 4 and Frozen II ranges, the company is confident of significant consumer interest. These join novelty products within the Clementoni Baby category, such as the dancing Interactive Hippo which launched in July, and a new range joining the Scientific portfolio; Action & Reaction.

The company has carved a niche for itself with the popular Impossible puzzle concept, unique to Clementoni, while the Panorama puzzle concept has also been particularly well-received.

“Overall, we’re very pleased with how our business is performing, and we have plans to grow by another 20% this year, “explains Shahbaz. “Working closely with our retailers is crucial to Clementoni’s success. In terms of relationships within the marketplace, this approach is helping us cut through line by line, product by product, and makes Clementoni an attractive proposition to work with.”

To discover more about further exciting new releases from Clementoni, and new licences signed by the company, read the full interview, which was published in our August issue, here.