At Nuremberg Toy Fair 2025, Licensing Magazine had the pleasure to explore the world of plushes with Barrado Peluches, the plush toy manufacturing company born in 1973 with the aim of elevating plush toys to much more than a plaything.
Roberto Calpe, Product and License Manager of the company, led us to explore their latest collections, delving into the inspiration behind their beloved products, their commitment to quality, and how they are navigating the ever-evolving landscape of play.
What were your expectations for the Nuremberg Toy Fair 2025, and how did it turn out?
We are thrilled to be here: the Fair is great in terms of press attention, attracting new partners and generating considerable interest. We are experiencing a more optimistic environment, despite the smaller crowd: this year, attendees are eager to make purchases and new connections, and licensors are showing genuine interest in our work.
One of the most prominent topics at the 2025 edition of the Fair is the Anime trend: how is Barrado incorporating anime into its collection?
Barrado has always shown a deep interest in anime, even before the trend gained momentum. We feature numerous collections showcasing beloved anime IPs, including Naruto, showcasing a soft, sleepy Kurama and three new models from classic era; One Piece, with a limited-edition Luffy Gear 5th which is among our top sellers and more models currently under development; SpyXFamily, with Anya’s Chimera, to join a consolidated offer along Hunter x Hunter, Fullmetal Alchemist, Dragonball, Detective Conan, Death Note, Captain Tsubasa. Also, we are excited to announce that we will soon introduce new additions and new releases are coming; for us, it’s essential to always bring fresh ideas to our offerings. We aim to elevate plush toys with innovative themes and intricate details, making our products as iconic as possible. Currently, we are finalizing three more runs in the Anime category, which has become a significant part of our business over the past 5 years. Stay tuned – there’s even more exciting news on the horizon!
– Watch the video interview here! –
Also, the kidult trend has been widely discussed at Nuremberg Toy Fair 2025…
I have always believed that plush toys are not just for children; they also hold significant appeal for adult collectors and enthusiasts. While we do cater to children’s properties, our design and presentation approach is distinctly more sophisticated: it’s important for us that parents and adult audiences recognize that we create iconic versions of these beloved products.
Thus, although the kidult trend is currently in the spotlight, our focus on this demographic has been consistent from the beginning, and as a small company, we have always aimed to differentiate ourselves by offering fresh and unique content rather than following the same paths as larger brands. We strive to deeply understand the needs of our audience, particularly regarding quality and attention to detail. A prime example of this approach is our Edwig plush from the Harry Potter series: the market is saturated with similar offerings, so we invested in high-quality materials and distinctive features, such as a removable magnet letter, and this level of detail sets our product apart from others in the market.
Could you share some insights about the company’s plans and partnerships for 2025?
We have several exciting initiatives underway: we are planning to launch a new line for a stylished Ladybug and Catnoir as a start of a long term collaboration with Miraculous Corp, with more items to be announced later this year. Moreover, our long-term partnership with the Asterix and Obelix franchise led to a whole new redesigned Chibi line – just presented! Further developments are following, with the upcoming Netflix series and some additional news expected in 2026.
Additionally, we are proud to announce that Barrado will release licensed limited-edition plush toys celebrating Iron Maiden‘s 50th anniversary. These plushes will feature intricate details and showcase a special anniversary logo, appealing to both fans of the band and collectors.
On the video game side, Barrado is thrilled to be working with Epic Games on the popular IP Four Guys – the collection will feature two different lines, each crafted with high-quality details, with a new wave in concept stage set for next season.
