MUMBAI: Retail sales by Disney and its licensees are on track to reach the $26 billion level in fiscal 2007 (FY07), which would double the $13 billion in retail sales of just five years ago in fiscal 2002.

The announcement was made by Disney Consumer Products (DCP) chairman Andy Mooney at the International Licensing Expo in New York City.

DCP expects 13 per cent growth in retail sales over fiscal 2006 as it continues to expand its licensing business with a rich and diverse array of entertainment properties for all ages.

“Given the rich breadth of entertainment and content generating from across the company, there is no better time for licensees and retailers to be aligned with The Walt Disney Company than now. The breakout success of tween and preschool programming on Disney Channel and the slate of powerful films have enabled us to balance out our licensing portfolio across age segments and make an impact at retail 365 days a year,” said Mooney.

Driving this growth are global retail sales of licensed merchandise for classic franchises such as Disney Princess, Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh; new franchises such as Disney/Pixar’s Cars, Pirates of the Caribbean and Disney Fairies; and the promise of new tween franchise opportunities with programming from Disney Channel including High School Musical and Hannah Montana.

DCP opened Licensing Show with an appearance by Miley Cyrus, star of Hannah Montana, and announced that retail sales figures for its tween business are on track to reach $400 million globally in FY07.

Disney has grown its presence in the boys segment with powerful franchises behind Cars and Pirates of the Caribbean. Cars has  accelerated to the top, generating an impressive $2 billion in global retail sales with a mix of toys, electronics, home furnishings, apparel, video games and publishing. Crossing the $1 billion retail sales mark, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has also generated a year-round opportunity for DCP beyond toys with a breadth of fashion and lifestyle products and new adventures through original content from Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney Interactive Studios.