Ravensburger achieves growth through innovation against market trend
The Ravensburger Group has achieved one of its most successful years despite the subdued consumer climate worldwide. The company’s turnover rose by 11.6% to EUR 669 million last year, with an investment in the trading card industry being a key contributing factor.
Long-term investement
"Given the global economic situation, we can be very pleased with the results seen in the past year," said CEO Clemens Maier on the eve of the Nuremberg Toy Fair. "We have made long-term investments in innovation and into our future viability and this is paying off." The company also significantly improved its profitability and cash flow in the past financial year. Ravensburger CFO Hanspeter Mürle explained: "Our efficient cost management successfully counteracted the tougher market conditions in the past year.”
Innovative sustainability strategy
Ravensburger was equally innovative in its sustainability strategy: with "GraviTrax Junior", the company released its first product with materials made from bio-plastic. The majority of Ravensburger products are produced in company-owned factories in Europe, and each and every product is manufactured with longevity in mind. The company ensures a high proportion of recycled materials are used and it has been using FSC®-certified paper and wood for over a decade. In 2019, Ravensburger issued a climate report, set itself ambitious sustainability targets, and established a new sustainability department. These measures are continuing to have a positive impact.
Almost all of the company's sites became CO2 -neutral by the end of last year, and most products are produced with renewable energies. Since 2023, Ravensburger has also almost completely dispensed with foil as packaging protection, saving around 100 tons of non-recyclable plastic foil per year. Currently, it is releasing the first products on the market with bags made of paper instead of plastic.
Queuing up for "Disney Lorcana“
The introduction of “Disney Lorcana” trading card game was the most successful product launch in the company’s history. Developed in-house, the game was released in August 2023 in close cooperation with licensor Disney. It fascinated seasoned trading card players and Disney fans alike, who queued up for it at international toy fairs and games conventions. This new business was the main contributor to an increase in sales for Ravensburger last year. It also provided a stronger presence for the company in specialist games and hobby stores.
“Disney Lorcana TCG”, which was launched in 2023 in North America, France, the UK and Germany among other countries, will also be rolled out in nine other European markets as well as Mexico.
Product brands hold their own in declining markets
Due to economic uncertainty and declining purchasing power, all major international toy markets - when sales in the trading card segment are excluded - saw a decline in 2023. Under those same terms, Ravensburger performed slightly better than the market. Among the factors contributing to the company’s performance was the development of Ravensburger’s established product brands.
Celebrating 50 years of the Ravensburger blue triangle
The blue triangle has risen to become one of the most popular and best-known German brands. In consumer surveys, it is regarded as a trusted brand and a guarantee of the high-quality content and materials of Ravensburger products.
In 2024, a year-round campaign will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Blue Triangle. The campaign message “Moments that connect” reflects the togetherness and connection that playing and reading together can create. The anniversary will be marked throughout the year including a selection of limited-edition products, retail promotions and competitions in digital med
Source: www-ravensburger-gruppe.de