Shifting dynamics: India’s growing role in the global toy ecosystem

Will India succeed in establishing itself as the new powerhouse in the global toy industry? During the panel discussion at the Toy Business Forum, the transformation of the Indian toy market was discussed from multiple angles. The panel discussion started with a market overview presented by Rödl & Partner. The panel then exchanged views on opportunities, challenges, investment strategies, as well as issues related to quality and regulation. The team of experts consisted of Marlene Hösch (Spielwarenmesse eG), Tanu Ailawadi (Spielwarenmesse India Pvt. Ltd.), Carla Everhardt (Rödl & Partner), and Vivek Jhangiani (Pleasantime Products, TAITMA, ICTI).

About Marlene Hösch, Tanu Ailawadi, Carla Everhardt and Vivek Jhangiani

Marlene Hösch is the Project Director at Spielwarenmesse eG, where she leads the Fair Management team and oversees the “World of Toys” program, which helps exhibitors enter global markets. In addition, she has been a lecturer at DHBW Ravensburg since 2023. Tanu Ailawadi is Managing Director of Spielwarenmesse India Pvt. Ltd., that organizes Kids India – India’s premium toy fair. She has been associated with the fair since its inception in 2013 and has over 20 years’ experience representing leading German trade fairs across multiple industries and driving business development in India. Carla Everhardt is an attorney-at-law (Germany) and Associate Partner at RÖDL in Cologne. She has over 20 years of experience in international commercial law, with a focus on foreign trade and investment law in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, particularly India. Vivek Jhangiani has over 35 years of experience in the Toy Industry in manufacturing, import distribution and exporting as executive director of Pleasantime Products. He is currently director and past President of TAITMA. He is also director in ICTI.