Sculptures of the Beijing 2022's mascots Bing Dwen Dwen, an ice panda, and Shuey Rhon Rhon, a lantern child, are displayed in the city center of Beijing. Photo: VCG

Officials from the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games vowed on Tuesday to increase supply of the widely popular mascot Bing Dwen Dwen, which has gone viral and faces a supply shortage, and announced that a special edition of the mascot will be launched soon. 

Guo Lei, an official from the committee, said the temporary lack of inventory for a range of 2022 Winter Olympic Games-related merchandise, including Bing Dwen Dwen, was caused by sudden surges in demand and yet-to-recovered production capacity following the Spring Festival holiday.

But, after several rounds consultations with manufactures, several factories have gradually resumed production and have taken various proactive measures to increase production, which will result in uninterrupted supply soon, Guo told a press conference, adding that the committee pays great importance to the issue.  

"At present, we have initiated limited purchasing policies across official online and offline stores, in order to let more consumers get what they want," said Guo. 

In addition, he noted that a special Spring Festival edition of Bing Dwen Dwen will be launched and go on pre-sale online soon.  

Guo said that 2022 Winter Olympic Games-related merchandise includes 16 main categories and over 5,000 different products, which will remain on sale until the end of June, urging fans to buy the souvenirs through proper channels and avoid illegal activities such as price gouging and speculation. 

Global Times