International and domestic exhibitors prepare to showcase their products at the April event.

According to the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), the global licensing market is a mature and profitable one, with sales of $262.9b in 2016. Although the US and Canada are still the leaders with 57.9% market share, the Chinese licensing market has been growing significantly with retail sales of related products reaching $8.1b in 2016.

In response to this growing demand, Toy & Hobby China will once again feature an Animation and Character Licensing Zone, providing a platform for licensors, licensees and licensed product manufacturers to connect with each other. Twenty-four exhibitors including Tencent Games, Mighty Media, Semk, Pop!, Fantawild Animation, Guangzhou Riosen and Pierrot China have already confirmed to showcase nearly 70 brands such as Ultraman, Naruto, Thomas & Friends, Marvel, Boonie Bears and GG Bond in the April show.

Toy & Hobby China will be held from 8th-10th April in Guangzhou, with more than 1,000 exhibitors showing a wide range of products.

Wendy Wen, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK), commented: “Our exhibitor profile differentiates us from other industry events as most of them are manufacturers who also show a strong interest in working with licensed characters or brands. In addition, as the most renowned fair in Southern China with 30 years of history, a large number of quality visitors ranging from wholesalers, distributors and shopping malls to department stores from around China attend the fair.”