Core Insights - The candy toy industry is preparing for a sales peak following the "June 1" Children's Day, driven by the ongoing prosperity of the children's economy [1][2] - The market is experiencing rapid growth, with the Chinese candy toy market projected to reach 4.818 billion yuan in 2024, and the global market expected to grow from 24.088 billion yuan to 33.966 billion yuan from 2024 to 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 5.89% [2][4] - Despite the growth, the industry faces challenges such as homogenization, price wars, and over-reliance on IP, which hinder sustainable development [5][6][8] Market Dynamics - Families in China are increasingly prioritizing children's consumption, with 80% of households spending 30%-50% of their budget on children's products, leading to an average annual expenditure of 17,000 to 25,500 yuan [2] - The candy toy market is characterized by creative designs and innovative play patterns, appealing to children and contributing to its popularity [2][3] - Seasonal demand peaks during holidays like Children's Day and Spring Festival, where candy toys serve as popular gifts [3] Industry Challenges - The industry is experiencing severe homogenization, with many similar products flooding the market shortly after an innovative product launch, leading to intensified competition and reduced profit margins [6] - Price wars are prevalent, with brands competing on price, further compressing profit margins and impacting overall industry health [6][7] - The over-dependence on popular IPs for product development is problematic, as rising licensing costs and fluctuating market interest can severely impact sales [6][8] Need for Standards - The lack of unified industry standards is a significant issue, leading to quality discrepancies and safety concerns, as some manufacturers cut costs at the expense of product quality [8] - Establishing industry standards covering product safety, quality testing, and intellectual property protection is crucial for creating a healthier market environment [8] Strategic Recommendations - Companies should focus on differentiated competition rather than price wars, investing in product innovation to meet evolving consumer demands [8][9] - Embracing new sales channels such as discount stores, community group buying, and live streaming can help expand market reach [9] - Collaboration among brands through resource sharing and joint marketing efforts can enhance industry resilience and foster sustainable growth [9]