Czech Toys Poised for Worldwide Success In 2016

From Igráček figurines to Tatra trucks, export of Czech toys are set to see a record high this year

Elizabeth Zahradnicek-Haas

Written by Elizabeth Zahradnicek-Haas Published on 26.02.2016 10:05:09 (updated on 26.02.2016) Reading time: 1 minute

According to the Czech Toy Manufacturers Association and as reported last weeek by iDnes, 2016 is shaping up to be a record year for the export of Czech toys.

A rise in demand for Dino wooden puzzles and toys, Igráček figures, and Tatra toy vehicles, was confirmed by reports from the annual toy industry show Spielwarenmesse Fair, held in Nuremberg earlier this month, where Czech toymakers introduced their latest and greatest to the world.

Photo: Facebook / Dino Toys
Photo: Facebook / Dino Toys

Czech manufacturers in attendance saw an increased interest from Western and Northern Europe (The Netherlands, Germany, and Spain are some of the biggest markets for Czech toys abroad) as well as from Asia and South America this year.

Among the specific toys that were a hit at Nuremberg: the iconic orange Tatra dump truck toy and the MultiGo interchangeable toy vehicle system from Communist-era Playmobil knock-off Igráček, which drew interest from Venezuela and South Korea.

Photo: Facebook / Igráček
Photo: Facebook / Igráček

Czech manufacturer of tin toys Kovap hopes to roll out its limited-edition RM double-decker bus in the UK in 2016; another stand-out toy for prospective foreign buyers was the a 70th-anniversary edition of its jubilee road roller, one of the first ever toys to use a wind-up mechanism.

Photo: Facebook / Kovap
Photo: Facebook / Kovap

According to Euromonitor International, the Czech Republic is Europe’s biggest exporter in the toy market. There are currently some 230 traditional toy manufacturers in the Czech Republic though the Ministry for Industry and Trade assumes this figure is much higher. 

Industry watchers attribute the international success of Czech toys to the current worldwide passion for all things retro.

What’s your favorite classic Czech toy?

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