BABY EXPO 2021: 25 years of leadership

On 10–12 March 2021, BABY EXPO International Trade Fair of Children’s Goods celebrated its 25th anniversary. BABY EXPO quarter-century history can safely be called the history of the Ukrainian market of children’s goods.

Every edition of BABY EXPO brings together foreign and Ukrainian manufacturers and distributors, thus creating the largest business platform in Ukraine, showing the full spectrum of children’s goods and determining further development of the industry. Trends showcased at the fair in spring guide professionals throughout the current year. That is exactly where famous and nascent trademarks enter the Ukrainian market.

Despite of dramatic changes that took place in the last year and new reality that dictated new terms, BABY EXPO 2021 guided by the slogans #BE modern, #BE flexible, #BE ahead was held in a highly professional way without sacrificing its traditional offline format and three main thematic sections.

117 companies that occupied an area of 7,089 sqm showcased both Ukrainian and foreign products for children and their parents, i.e. a great variety of modern toys: for babies and teens, soft, wooden, remote-controlled toys, creative kits, sporting goods, innovative and traditional toys; products designed for baby safety and comfort: strollers, car seats, body care and hygiene products; wear and footwear for any age and taste. Interesting newly designed products were displayed at every stand.

The fair was visited by over 2,000 professionals, i.e. distributors, owners and buyers of retail and chain stores. It should be noted that the composition of visitors qualitatively changed. There were far more targeted visitors, and the share of chain stores significantly increased, while the share of end-consumers was almost zero.

A quarter century of successful work is a proof of stability and immensity, and a kind of quality warrant. Therefore, BABY EXPO didn’t remove its traditional side events, which had proved to be very effective for business development and interaction of market players, but paid much more attention to sanitation and hygiene rules in view of the global pandemic.

Within this year’s edition of BABY EXPO, Best Toy contest was held. It is the only toy contest in Ukraine with more than 15-year-long history. Its main task is to assist Ukrainian toy manufacturers in promoting their products and improving product quality. This year 35 product samples were submitted by 12 Ukrainian toy manufacturers: Technok, Strateg, Tigres, Artos Games, Bombat Game, Taka Maka, Early Fantasies Factory, Umniashka, Papa Carlo, Kidsqo, Zolushka, and Chudisam. Although this is a rather modest result as compared to previous years, we are proud that Ukrainian toy manufacturers can introduce novelties to the market even in such difficult times.

Business program is an integral part of BABY EXPO. Visitors and exhibitors have long been accustomed that they can not only conclude lucrative contracts, find new partners or check the latest competitors’ gimmicks. They can always enhance their knowledge, learn from business sharks, and explore case studies to use in their own businesses.

Real experts shared their experiences at a three-day conference divided by the following topic areas.

10 March — Trends & Changes. Development of new market and industry trends. Today’s slogans: BE aware! ВЕ flexible!

11 March. Offline store in new reality or how to be on the top of the wave. Today’s slogan: ВЕ the best!

12 March. Be everywhere – be online: business promotion and sales via popular online channels and marketplaces. Today’s slogan: ВЕ modern!

Many changes in conditions and attitudes took place, but, despite all difficulties, BABY EXPO confirmed the status of an effective marketing tool once again.

Let’s move forward together, to new achievements and victories!