Pokémon follows its record-breaking sales performance in 2016 with continued growth in Europe throughout 2017 for its cards and toys.

According to figures recorded by the NPD Group, Pokémon is the number one Strategic Trading Card Game property in Europe, with total sales exceeding €100m. Total sales for such games in Europe in 2017 were over €122m, giving Pokémon a 82% share of the market.

Pokémon TCG sales continued to rise in key territories, with growth of 42% in the United Kingdom, 56% in Spain and an incredible 644% in Italy. Pokémon toys also saw a significant rise in sales in 2017, with an increase of 54% in the UK, 14% in Germany and 146% in Italy.

Pokémon gained additional recognition at the UK Toy Fair in London by winning two separate awards. The Pokémon Trading Card Game collected Pocket Money Toy of the Year at the Toy Industry Awards, organised by the British Toy & Hobby Association and Toy Retailers Association. Additionally, the new line of Pokémon toys made by Wicked Cool Toys and distributed by Character Options was crowned the winner of the Toy Fair 2018 Editor’s Choice Award, which was voted on by media visiting the show.

Simon Benton, VP of Pokémon TCG Sales Europe, commented: “The continued success is testament to the fantastic support of all our retailers and the Pokémon TCG’s huge appeal, and with further expansions and promotions planned, we expect another strong performance in 2018.”

Peter Murphy, senior director of marketing at The Pokémon Company International, commented: “Wicked Cool Toys’ first Pokémon master toy range has been fantastically well received by retailers and the media at the recent toy fairs in London and Nuremberg. The huge interest in the new toy line is hugely encouraging, and we expect sales to continue to rise when the range launches later this year.”