Timed to the 72nd Spielwarenmesse international trade fair, The NPD Group unveiled the winners of its Global and Europe Toy Industry Performance Awards for 2022.
The LEGO Group was named Global Top Toy Manufacturer of 2022 while The Pokémon Co. International‘s namesake brand was deemed Global Top Toy Property. Mattel’s Hot Wheels brand took the checkered flag as the Global Top Selling Toy of the Year for its 1:64-scale mainline singles assortment.
“Once again, The NPD Group is proud to acknowledge the innovation and quality of the toys and games being developed by our clients. And for the first time ever, we are celebrating two manufacturers whose efforts towards a more sustainable world have struck a chord with consumers,” says François Klipfel, President, Toys, The NPD Group. “Our sustainable toy awards include all toys made from at least 70% recycled materials, organic materials, or wood from well-managed forests. Congratulations to all the winners.”
The sustainability honorees included Ravensburger as the best-selling manufacturer and Playmobil for having last year’s best sustainable product launch with its Wiltopia range.
Pokémon gained the most market share in Europe last year.
Check out the rest of The NPD Group’s Europe Toy Industry Performance Awards below.
Europe’s Top Gaining Toy Property by Category
| Category | Property | Manufacturer / Licensor |
| Action Figures & Accessories | Funko Pop! | Funko |
| Arts & Crafts | Painting by numbers | Ravensburger |
| Building Sets | LEGO Star Wars | The LEGO Group |
| Dolls | Rainbow High | MGA Entertainment |
| Games & Puzzles | Pokémon | The Pokémon Co, International |
| Infant/Toddler/Preschool Toys | Toniebox | Tonies |
| Youth Electronics | Tamagotchi | Bandai |
| Outdoor & Sports Toys | X-Shot | ZURU |
| Plush | Squishmallows | Jazwares |
| Vehicles | Hot Wheels | Mattel |
For more insight from The NPD Group, check out the next issue of The Toy Book aka The BIG Toy Book, out Feb. 28, 2023! Don’t miss an issue, subscribe today!
