France’s National Baby Toy Secretly Made in China

Why It Matters

The scandal undermines consumer trust and exposes risks for brands that trade on national origin, likely inviting regulatory scrutiny on labeling and boosting demand for stricter transparency and enforcement. It also threatens sales and brand equity for products positioned as premium domestic goods.

Summary

A French investigative report revealed that Sophie la girafe, a beloved baby teether long marketed as a symbol of French manufacturing, has been produced in China since roughly 2019, with partial offshoring dating back to 2013. The company allegedly used vague labeling and continued to imply French production while the French factory largely ceased operations, reopening only for visits. The disclosure has sparked public anger in France, where consumers paid premium prices under the belief they were supporting domestic industry and national heritage. The product is still marketed in China as a French item despite its manufacturing shift.

Original Description

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France’s most popular teething toy Sophie la Girafe has been the centre of controversy following claims that it is marketed as French, despite most production having shifted to China. Vulli, which has made “Made in France” its hallmark, admitted on May 4, 2026 to manufacturing the giraffe toys in China, as revealed in an investigation by online media outlet Mediapart. It insisted, however, that the situation was only temporary.

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