The 17th Toy Biz International B2B Expo welcomed another vibrant day at Bharat Mandapam. There brightly coloured puzzles, STEM kits, construction vehicles and educational toys greeted visitors streaming into the exhibition halls. Buyers, retailers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs moved from one stall to another, exploring products and exchanging ideas across the venue.
From early business meetings to live product demonstrations, the day unfolded at an energetic pace. School representatives examined learning aids, overseas buyers discussed export opportunities, while entrepreneurs enthusiastically showcased their latest innovations. Conversations revolved around product design, manufacturing, exports and innovation, highlighting the growing diversity of India's toy industry.
The message is simple: toys are no longer viewed merely as products for play. Across the venue, it was evident that toys have emerged as tools for learning, creativity and innovation. This reflects Government's continued emphasis on strengthening domestic manufacturing, encouraging quality production and building globally competitive Indian brands. Ideas were not just displayed; they were demonstrated, discussed and transformed into products designed for classrooms, homes and markets across the world.
It is through this spirit of innovation and enterprise that the exhibition evolves beyond a conventional trade fair. Bringing together manufacturers, startups, educators, designers, retailers and exporters from across India and abroad, Toy Biz reflects the country's expanding toy ecosystem.
Every aisle presents a different story. Together they reveal an industry steadily combining traditional craftsmanship, modern technology and indigenous manufacturing with global ambition.
One of the busiest stalls in the exhibition showcases battery-operated construction vehicles, toy trucks and remote-controlled machines. Visitors pause to watch live demonstrations while retailers compare designs and discuss business opportunities with exhibitors.
At the centre is vu toys - THE INDIAN TOYS COMPANY. It is a Jaipur-based company that has spent the last four years building its presence in the Indian toy market. Gesturing towards the colourful range of products on display, founder and CEO Mr. Pankaj Sharma says, "Everything you see here is made in India. From mould making to injection moulding, everything is done by us." The company's fully integrated manufacturing process has helped it steadily build its brand. Toy Biz provides an important platform to connect with buyers from across the country.
The company's growth has also been supported by initiatives such as the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE). It enabled production expansion, while Government support for participation helped showcase products before a wider audience.
As the discussion turns to market dynamics, Mr. Sharma points another visible change. "Earlier, most of the toys were imported, but now things are changing in favour of India. Today, Indian manufacturers are producing high-quality toys at competitive prices," he says. This reflects the confidence shared by many exhibitors who see growing opportunities for indigenous brands.
Just across the hall, the atmosphere changes. Visitors pause to explore wooden puzzles, activity kits and educational games, discovering innovative ways to make learning more engaging, interactive and enjoyable.
Among the exhibitors is EDu edge, a Mumbai-based company specialising in preschool and early learning toys. Founder and Director Ms. Bela Desai says the company's journey has been inspired by the Montessori method of education. Showcasing nearly 16 new STEM and eco-friendly learning toys, she explains, "Our focus has always been on creating toys. This has helped children learn through play. This year, we've introduced several new products designed to make learning more interactive and engaging.".
For Ms. Desai, exhibitions like Toy Biz are an opportunity to interact directly with schools and educators. "Government support for MSME participation in such exhibitions helps us manage travel and exhibition expenses. This allows us to take a larger stall and showcase a wider range of products. It also encourages us to innovate, reach more institutions and expand our market presence," says Ms. Desai.
She also adds, "Every product is made in India, reflecting the company's commitment to indigenous manufacturing. Alongside serving the domestic market, the enterprise also exports its educational toys to Europe. This showcases the growing global appeal of Indian-made learning products.".
The rising interest around the stall reflects a wider shift towards experiential and play-based learning. Educational games, science kits and interactive learning tools are increasingly being recognised for fostering creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving. This makes learning more engaging and meaningful for children.
