Agência Brasil
São Paulo – Despite the bitter taste of an 18% drop in sales in the first quarter of 2004, compared with the same period last year, toy manufacturers have not lost their optimism. The 320 firms that operate in this area and employ 23.6 thousand workers throughout the country forecast 6% growth this year in their sector. The turnaround should occur with the 21st National Toy Fair (Abrin), which began yesterday and ends April 2 in São Paulo.
The Abrin, which is aimed at store owners, wholesalers, exporters, and importers, is the largest event of its type in Latin America and the fourth largest in the world. The fair congregates 150 exhibitors, who should place 200 million toys on the domestic market in 2004.
According to Synésio Batista da Costa, president of the Brazilian Association of Toy Manufacturers (Abrinq), the sector is betting on products that sell for up to US$ 10.32 (R$ 30.00). 60% of toy production is currently concentrated in this range, at an average price of US$ 4.12 (R$ 12.00). The target for 2004 is to change this profile, concentrating 60% of production on toys with prices up to US$ 3.44 (R$ 10.00).
Another bet is on products with less technology and more interactivity.
