Toy makers face a 'glocal' challenge, but Chinese dependence far from over

Local manufacturers have blossomed under new government policy but are yet to significantly move up the quality value chain or reduce dependence on China

Until recently, Bengaluru-based Shumee Toys, which makes eco-friendly toys, Ahmedabad-based ARKidzoo Company, which focuses on flash cards and story books using augmented reality, and Pune-based Funvention that looks to raise interest of kids in studies through toys and puzzles were all little-known start-ups.

Earlier this year, however, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted their names in his “Mann ki Baat” radio address that stressed his “vocal for local” campaign. They were, he said, examples of the growing interest of start-ups and local manufacturers in the toy sector. They are also among the major gainers of the government’s efforts to focus on