A top company official has suggested that IKEA is looking to scale up sourcing of toys from India for its operations. The Swedish furniture has been working with around 60 suppliers and has been sourcing from India for its global operations for around 35 years. 

“Because we could be a large buyer and of course, it is contingent on meeting standards and design thoughts… but we feel that there is a great opportunity for us to come together with some potential suppliers as part of the player as well,” IKEA India Country Commercial Manager Kavitha Rao said. 

India currently sources only cotton-based soft toys from India but is seeking to expand to wooden toys as well. Speaking to PTI, Rao confirmed that IKEA will be expanding its sourcing, “Of course, yes. That is one of the main reasons why we are part of the toys fair."

"IKEA has a fairly large range of over 1,000 products as part of its children's range, which contributes around 6-8 percent currently, and we aim to reach 10-12 percent in the near future.” 

The India Toy Fair helps to connect with new partners and understand the ecosystem in India. IKEA will be expanding its sourcing to children covers beds and mattresses as well as ergonomic storage and seating solutions. 

Rao continued, "If you look at our range, we do have a range of wooden-based toys. So, if we had the opportunity to source some of that from India, we would definitely like to explore it.”