Latest Company News & Highlights
April 15, 2024 | Take a look below for a roundup of the latest news and product launches from a variety of companies, including Astra, Miniland, Jakks Pacific, and more.
Astra Announces 2024 Play Award Finalists
Astra has named the finalists for its 2024 Play Awards (formerly known as the Best Toys for Kids Awards) across 18 categories. The top three products in each category were chosen by Astra’s Play Awards Committee of Certified Play Experts and were chosen based on newness, availability, uniqueness, and significance in the industry.
Horizon Group Drives Growth with Popular Licenses
Following a strong holiday season, Horizon Group USA has maintained momentum throughout the first quarter through strategic partnerships across the creative toy category. The company’s global strategy includes growing global brands like STMT and SLIMYGLOOP and maintaining strong partnerships with top properties, including Sanrio, BBC Studios, and Jazwares, resonating with diverse consumer audiences.
Jakks Pacific, Epic Story Media Partner for New IP Wild Manes
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. has partnered with Epic Story Media to launch a robust content and licensing program around their new IP, Wild Manes. The property launches globally this year with an animated series from Epic this summer and a toy line from Jakks this fall.
Kinder Joy, Funko Launch Harry Potter Collection
Ferrero North America, the makers of Kinder Joy, has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products and Funko for a collection of Harry Potter Kinder Joy Eggs. The limited-edition assortment features 16 Funko toys — including pencil toppers, sticky notes, and figurines — hidden inside chocolate eggs.
Miniland Launches Innovators in Inclusion Campaign
Creator of educational toys and games Miniland has launched its latest initiative to promote its position as a leader in inclusive toys: Innovators in Inclusion. This campaign aims to promote the company’s role in paving the way for inclusivity in toys, encouraging tolerance, diversity, positive self-esteem, respect, and kindness. Throughout April and May, Miniland will be promoting the campaign by partnering with influencers within the parenting and educational communities to further educate consumers on the value of inclusive play.
Basic Fun! Launches Littlest Pet Shop ‘Year of the Bobble’ Campaign
PBS Kids and Fred Rogers Productions have launched “Cousin Hodie Playdate,” an online game based on the animated series Donkey Hodie, on pbskids.org and the PBS Kids games app. Timed with Autism Awareness Month in April, the game was created to help develop empathy in all kids and thoughtfully designed in partnership with advisors and experts, keeping neurodiverse children top of mind.
Want to be included in a future news roundup? Email The Toy Association’s Maddie Michalik with your company news.