‘Pokémon’ Extends Jazwares Master Toy Deal

Jazwares, the master toy manufacturing partner for Pokémon, has extended its agreement with The Pokémon Company International to add further direct distribution rights to their existing list of territories, which include the U.S., Canada and Mexico. 

“We are proud of the work that Character Options and BOTI have done with ‘Pokémon’ over the past four years in the U.K. and Germany, and we would like to thank them for their hard work,” says Mathieu Galante, licensing director, The Pokémon Company International. “’Pokémon’ is delighted to tighten the relationship with Jazwares in the U.K. and German market. They share our commitment to the master toy program which has been very successful, reaching the Top 10 NPD in the respective markets. We’re excited to grow the program with them and keep up the positive momentum in 2022.” 

As of January 2022, distribution of the Jazwares line will transition from Character Options in the U.K. and Ireland to the local Jazwares’ team. From Q2 2022 distribution will transition from BOTI in Germany, Switzerland and Austria to Jazwares' local German team. BOTI will continue to distribute the line in Benelux. 

“It is an incredibly exciting time for ‘Pokémon,’” says Jonny Taylor, senior vice president, Europe, Jazwares. “Brand engagement is at an all-time high and the demand for all aspects of the property, including toys, is through the roof. We would like to thank the teams at both Character Options and BOTI for all the work they have done over the past few years in their respective markets. Jazwares is absolutely thrilled to begin supplying our retail customers directly on such a meaningful property. We have a phenomenally exciting line coming for 2022, which we are extremely confident the Pokémon fan base will love.”