Retail sales generated by Disney Consumer Products and its licensees are on track to pass the US$26 billion mark in 2007, effectively doubling the company’s US$13 billion take recorded just five years ago. DCP chairman Andy Mooney released the figures at Licensing International in New York yesterday, where he also stated that his company expects retail sales to grow by 13% from 2006, as it continues to expand its licensing business.

Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh still occupy top earner status in Disney’s pantheon of properties, but relative newcomers are gaining ground rapidly. Sales of products based on last summer’s CGI hit Cars have jumped to over US$2 billion, offering a mix of toys, electronics, home furnishing, video games and publishing. Meanwhile, Pirates of the Caribbean has crossed the US$1billion dollar Rubicon with a year-round program covering every conceivable category, and performing particularly well in international markets.

Disney Princess numbers are on track to pass the US$4 billion mark this year, while retail sales for the newest girls property Disney Fairies, launched just last year, should exceed US$800 million in fiscal 2007. And now DCP has the tween girls market in its cross-hairs with High School Musical and Hannah Montana leading the way. Global sales of related product should surpass US$400 million this year, with book sales being particularly strong. For example, 4.5-million copies of High School Musical books have flown off retail shelves to date and 20 titles are in the works for a 2008 launch.