Pokémon has debuted monpoké, a new brand expression for kids and babies with an entertainment series, licensed merchandise and book titles.

The Pokémon Company International has unveiled that monpoké, an expression from the Pokémon brand featuring curated, Pokémon-branded baby and toddler offerings, has been released in additional markets around the world. Previously exclusive to Asia, the popular monpoké expression has expanded its footprint to reach the littlest Pokémon Trainers with engaging content, licensed merchandise and books highlighting fan-favourite Pokémon like Pikachu, Dedenne, Smeargle and more.

“Pokémon is an iconic cross-generational brand beloved by Trainers worldwide, with many having grown up with the brand and now sharing their fandom with their own children,” said Heather Dalgleish, senior director of publishing at The Pokémon Company International. “With the expansion of the popular monpoké expression into more markets, parents around the world will have another playful and adorable way to introduce the Pokémon world to their little ones. Monpoké reflects The Pokémon Company International’s latest efforts to deliver innovative products and experiences that appeal to our diverse fanbase, and we can’t wait to welcome a new generation of young Trainers to the growing Pokémon community.”

To help parents introduce their young ones to the Pokémon world, The Pokémon Company International released Fun Times on monpoké Island, a series of videos starring fan-favourite Pokémon as puppets. Available now on the official Pokémon YouTube channel, this series lets young Trainers join their new Pokémon pals on adventures across the island.

Parents and their little ones can discover monpoké with a ready-to-wear collection for newborns, babies and children, as well as a nurturing skincare line, created in collaboration between The Pokémon Company International and French luxury childrenswear label, Bonpoint. The Bonpoint skincare range is made in France and suitable for sensitive skin of all ages.

Capturing the playful nature of the monpoké expression with an elevated French touch, both collections are available now at Bonpoint limited locations, as well as www.bonpoint.com, with select items available at Pokémon Center in the US, Canada and UK. More information about this collaboration is available here.

Young Trainers can explore the Pokémon world with a range of engaging monpoké titles from leading global publisher Scholastic. Featuring soft and sweet illustrations, the monpoké titles introduce young children to new Pokémon friends in a fun and interactive way. The range of picture books and board books star beloved Pokémon including Pikachu, Eevee, Piplup, Dedenne and more. Learn more about the monpoké collection from Scholastic here. The next monpoké title, Pokémon monpoké: Meet the Friends, will release on 7th May and is available for preorder now where books are sold.

Additional experiences and offerings will be released in the future to provide more ways for young Trainers to immerse themselves in the Pokémon world.

The Steve McQueen estate has announced a raft of new licence agreements and global sub agent partnerships, brokered by Renaissance Licensing.

Chad McQueen, the only living son of legendary actor Steve McQueen, has expanded the Steve McQueen licensed product portfolio with a number of newly granted licences in recent months.

Brokered by Renaissance Licensing, the new partnerships include:

• A special edition chukka boot based on a design that Steve himself wore from The Original Playboy of Denmark.
• Automotive-inspired luxury timepieces from B.R.M. Chronographes of France.
• A special edition Desert Rider from Metisse Motorcycles of the UK.
• A limited edition co-branded Steve McQueen X Le Mans capsule collection with Automobile Club de l’Ouest for Diverse, one of the leading apparel companies in Poland.

These new partnerships speak to McQueen’s global appeal as one of Hollywood’s most famous leading men.

Chad McQueen said: “It is so gratifying to see the continued interest that people all over the world have in my dad. Each new partnership is a chance to reach a whole new generation of fans.”

To continue fueling the international expansion of the Steve McQueen brand, Renaissance Licensing has signed multiple sub agents for territories outside of North America, including:

• Blue Chip Brands for the Australian and New Zealand markets.
• Interactive Licensing Management for the Greater China, Japan and Southeast Asian markets.
• Gorian Consumer Products for the German, Swiss, Austrian, Netherlands, Belgian and Luxemburg markets.
• Infiniss for South Korea.

“Having local partners in key markets for the Steve McQueen brand is critical for our expansion strategy,” said Liz Van Denburg, partner at Renaissance Licensing. “We have worked with these agents for many years and are confident in their ability to bring best-in-class partners to the Steve McQueen family of licensees.”

Panini’s Official England Sticker Collection Tournament Edition 2024 is available now, with 387 stickers to collect.

Panini has announced the launch of the eagerly anticipated Official England Sticker Collection Tournament Edition 2024.

Featuring 100% official kits and packed full of past, present and future Three Lions stars, plus elite players from four of Europe’s greatest national teams, Panini says the collection is the ultimate companion to the summer of football.

The collection boasts 387 stickers, including 130 special stickers. Collectors can kick start their collection with a starter pack that includes an album plus five sticker packets.

Commenting on the collection, Katie Gritt, head of Marketing for Sport at Panini, said: “The Official England Sticker Collection Tournament Edition 2024 has landed, ready for football fans to collect their favourite England players ahead of what promises to be a memorable summer of football. As well as the current England squad – and the favourite players from France, Germany, Italy and Spain, all in 100% official kit – this must-have collection features England Legends, Next Gen players and amazing facts and stats on Europe’s biggest superstars. It’s the sticker collection to have this summer.”

Panini’s new collection features a Legends series with the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney, all available to collect.

Former Liverpool and England star, Steve McManaman, who also features as a Legend in the series, said: “It’s a really proud moment being included as a Legend and those specific stickers standing out with a unique design. My 12-year-old boy will be talking to his mate about the stickers in the new collection, and now his dad is on one of them. For football lovers, sticker collections and the quest to try and fill up your book, is one of the great memories of growing up.”

The Official England Sticker Collection Tournament Edition 2024, is available now at www.panini.co.uk/englandstickers and retailers nationwide.

Heinz and Barbie have teamed up to release Barbiecue sauce, a limited-edition pink vegan mayo with BBQ sauce that will be available this month.

Heinz has teamed up with Mattel to launch the limited-edition Heinz Classic Barbiecue Sauce.

Available from today, this pink vegan mayo with BBQ sauce comes following last year’s continued Barbiecore craze, with Heinz teasing its fans about whether this dream condiment should be made a reality. The response from Heinz fans was overwhelming with one commenting: “If you make it happen, I’ll dye my hair pink.” Another said: “Please do this, I beg you.”

After huge public demand, Heinz and Mattel are now releasing Barbiecue just in time to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of the Barbie brand.

The smoky sauce, with beetroot extract to achieve that signature pink colour, is marketed as a fun addition to any spring/summer menu.

Thiago Rapp, director of Taste Elevation at Heinz, said: “Barbie well and truly won the hearts of Brits all over again last year, and after seeing the reaction this sauce brought to our fans on social media, we knew we had to make it a reality. We’re always looking for ways to innovate and give our fans what they want, and we’re thrilled to be able to bring this iconic partnership with Mattel to life.”

Ruth Henriquez, head of Consumer Products, Publishing and LBE Mattel EMEA, added: “This partnership with Heinz opens up another avenue for Barbie fans to bring home the world of Barbie. Last summer, we worked quickly with Heinz to bring to life the prospect of a Heinz Classic Barbiecue Sauce in digital form, so it’s now so exciting to be able to put the physical product into our kitchen cupboards. This collaboration embodies the spirit of innovation and fun that both Mattel and Heinz are known for, and we can’t wait for fans to enjoy this delicious and unique product.”

For those that want to be one of the first to try this limited-edition sauce, 5,000 bottles are now available on www.heinztohome.co.uk. A limited run will also be available in Tesco stores nationwide from 17th April, followed by Ocado and other retailers from May with an RRP of £3.39. Prices are at the sole discretion of the retailer.

StudioCanal has announced a new executive line-up at The Copyrights Group, with the appointment of Sissel Henno and Benoit Jaubert.

Sissel Henno

The Copyrights Group has appointed Sissel Henno to the new position of head of Global Sales – Licensing and Retail. It was announced by Francoise Guyonnet, CEO Copyrights Group and EVP Kids’ Brands, StudioCanal.

In a pivotal role between the brand, the creative team and partners, Sissel will manage the licensing and retail teams, leveraging Copyrights’ extensive experience in kids and family properties. She will lead the commercial strategy for the division in crafting licensing and merchandising programmes spanning the UK and EMEA through to a global scale, and will also oversee retail operations, including the Paddington store at Paddington Station in London.

Paris-based Benoit Jaubert has been appointed VP Sales at The Copyrights Group/StudioCanal. Reporting to Sissel Henno, Benoit sells licensing and merchandising rights in France and oversees Copyrights’ agents in Europe, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. Benoit will ensure the development of the Paddington franchise in France.

The Copyrights Group has now created a team of four senior executives to operate its merchandising and licensing business for major StudioCanal IPs.

Benoit Jaubert

Francoise Guyonnet, CEO Copyrights Group and EVP Kids’ Brands StudioCanal, said: “As StudioCanal continues to accelerate its growth in children’s IP through The Copyrights Group, we are delighted to have Sissel join us to lead our new stellar line-up of licensing and merchandising experts. This new team will help us implement our plans to further consolidate the incredible strength of the Paddington brand, as well as securing new IPs and build our business, both globally and locally.”

Sissel Henno said: “I am thrilled to be joining the highly-experienced Copyrights Group team and our network of 14 specialist agents around the world at this particularly significant and exciting time. The imminent opening of the Paddington London Experience and launch of the highly-anticipated third movie, Paddington in Peru, later this year are two exceptional opportunities for our company.”

StudioCanal’s sales teams will be at MIPTV this week to launch series three of global hit series, The Adventures of Paddington, and pre-sales for the soon-to-be-launched new CGI animation series of beloved pre-school brand, Miffy.

Sega has unveiled its second annual fan celebration with Fearless: Year of Shadow, highlighting its iconic characters Sonic and Shadow.

Sega has announced its latest campaign, Fearless: Year of Shadow, to celebrate the fans of Sonic and Shadow. Last year, Sega launched the Fast Friends Forever programme, which highlighted the special bond that Sonic and friends Tails, Knuckles and Amy Rose share with their fans.

This year the focus shifts to brooding hedgehog, Shadow, who is set to star in the upcoming video game, Sonic X Shadow Generations, as well as the highly anticipated movie, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, later this year.

To kick off the campaign, Sega has created a launch trailer, featuring original music that celebrates Shadow and the fearlessness of its fans. To watch the trailer, click here.

Fearless: Year of Shadow continues throughout the year with a variety of action-packed activations, including:

• Motorcycle Tour – A custom-built Shadow-inspired motorcycle is set to appear at MotoGP and more. Shadow’s motorcycle will be on display in the MotoGP Fan Zone in the UK this August. For future dates and more locations, follow along on the Fearless website.
• Shadow X Sonic Generations – Shadow the Hedgehog is back in Sonic X Shadow Generations, an all-new collection featuring two unique experiences. Fans can play as Shadow the Hedgehog in a brand-new story campaign, and tackle 2D and 3D stages as classic and modern Sonic in a newly remastered version of Sonic Generations.
• Mobile Game Events – Play the Fearless mobile events in Sonic Forces and Sonic Dash for a chance to unlock powerful Shadow variants, including Super Shadow, Vampire Shadow, Sir Lancelot and Dragon Hunter Lancelot.
• Lego – Shadow the Hedgehog fans can create the Lego Sonic the Hedgehog toy set.
• Sonic Speed Café – Sonic Speed Café, the official Sonic the Hedgehog themed restaurant, is serving up new locations, menu items, merch and more.
• IHop – Fans can enjoy Shadow’s Chaos Chocolate Pancakes at IHop until 5th May.
• Sonic Symphony World Tour – Sonic’s greatest moments are coming to the big screen with a rock band and live symphony orchestra. The world tour will now feature original Shadow scores, along with some of his coolest moments on screen.

Wondery’s chief brand officer, Nicole Blake, and podcaster Guy Raz, host of How I Built This and Wow in the World, are set to keynote Licensing Expo.

Nicole Blake

Licensing Expo has announced its second keynote, featuring Wondery‘s chief brand officer, Nicole Blake, to discuss franchise development opportunities from podcast IPs, alongside How I Built This and Wow in the World co-creator and host, Guy Raz, as podcasts signal the next hotbed for brand extensions.

On Wednesday 22nd May, the keynote, “Is Podcasting Where the Next Hit Franchise Will Come From? Sounds Like It.”, will explore how Wondery Kids, along with Guy and the rest of the team, is evolving Wow in the World, a top kids and family series created by Tinkercast, from a podcast into a global lifestyle brand. Nicole, a franchise development veteran, will examine Wondery by applying a Hollywood-style approach to franchise building and consumer products to develop podcast IP.

Guy, renowned for in-depth interviews on How I Built This and a co-founder of Tinkercast, provides unique insights into how companies can create a culture of innovation and wow-worthy stories about how Wow in the World, the No.1 podcast for kids and their grown-ups, is going from podcast to play. How I Built This features interviews with entrepreneurs as they share the origin stories of some of the world’s biggest companies and most iconic brands.

Amanda Cioletti, vice president Content and Strategy, Informa Markets Global Licensing Group, said: “Licensing Expo is the global stage to highlight the multifaceted business of licensing, and one of the areas we have identified for discovery and growth is from the podcasting space. Wow in the World’s origin story is a fantastic example of the endless opportunities audio-based properties have in the consumer product space, as Nicole and Guy, each respectively celebrated for their industry leading perspectives and expertise, challenge us to think about licensing in a fresh way – like from podcasting.”

Guy Raz

“We are incredibly excited to be working with some of the best companies in the industry to grow podcasts like Wow in the World into true lifestyle programmes, with touchpoints across audio, live events, consumer products and more,” said Nicole Blake. “We believe podcasts hold as much potential for franchise building as traditional Hollywood IP, and are thrilled that the licensing industry is eager to explore audio-first IPs’ untapped opportunities with us.”

“Our kid and grown-up listeners are so committed to what we do and are constantly looking for deeper ways to connect with Wow in the World,” said Raz. “Creating products that align with our values and our audiences’ was a natural step for us to take, and we couldn’t ask for better partners than the experts at Wondery Kids as we enter the consumer products space.”

Licensing Expo will take place 21st-23rd May at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. For more information or to register to attend or exhibit at Licensing Expo 2024, visit www.licensingexpo.com.

To celebrate its 60th anniversary, Anderson Entertainment will be releasing a multi-platform experience entitled Stingray: Deadly Uprising.

Anderson Entertainment has unveiled Stingray: Deadly Uprising, a multi-platform saga that spans audio, novellas, comic strips and a live, full-cast performance. On 13th July 2024, a kick-off event at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, will commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s Stingray.

Stingray: Deadly Uprising brings to life a new chapter in the Stingray saga, told across diverse mediums, ensuring that every fan experiences the excitement in their preferred format.

Told as part of Anderson Entertainment’s newly expanded licence with ITV Studios, fans will see the return of beloved characters like Troy Tempest, Phones and Marina, while new foes emerge from the depths, aligning with Titan. Placed within the narrative of the original series timeline, this new story is an official part of the Stingray’s canon.

Jamie Anderson, managing director of Anderson Entertainment and writer of the Stingray: Deadly Uprising arc, said: “Celebrating 60 years of Stingray is not just about looking back at the incredible legacy left by my father, Gerry Anderson, but also about pushing the boundaries of storytelling into new and exciting territories. With Stingray: Deadly Uprising, we’re honouring the past while boldly navigating the future of this beloved series. We’re incredibly grateful to ITV Studios for allowing us to tell this new epic story for fans worldwide.”

Andrew Clements, range producer, said on the ambition and scope of the anniversary project: “Working on the 60th Anniversary range has been an exhilarating challenge. This project is a testament to the enduring appeal of Stingray and its ability to captivate imaginations, and we hope it will spark the same sense of wonder and excitement in today’s audiences as it did six decades ago.”

Key Story Events and Releases include:

1. “Deadly Concerto” – Live Performance

2. “The Titanican Strategem” – Novella & Audiobook No.1

3. “Tales From The Depths” – Comic Anthology Volume One

4. “Project Orca” – Novella & Audiobook No. 2

5. “Battle Lines” – Comic Anthology Volume Two

Fans can find all things relating to this narrative on the newly launched mini-site, Stingray: Deadly Uprising, and visit www.shop.gerryanderson.com for merchandise.

Kawaji UK has launched a new canned water brand, Juji Water, to embrace the plastic purge and take on category leaders.

Anime and Kawaii culture fanatic, Kawaji UK, has announced a new own-brand that will be launched into the canned water sector. The announcement of Juji Water comes quickly off the back of a recent successful launch of its all new Kawaji soda range of collectible cans, featuring well loved licensed brands of Dragon Ball Z, Hatsune Miku, Fuzzballs, Pusheen and Rilakkuma.

New Juji Water will feature Kawaji’s own sub-brand and character, Juji, who adorns the 500ml aluminium can and forms a big part of the kawaii visual marketing push.

CEO of Kawaji, Richard Woodall, who wants to disrupt the sector, said: “There’s too much plastic. The world needs cheering up and we at Kawaji don’t currently have a water brand. One thing we do have, is Juji and access to an English water spring. So we put the two ideas together and wrapped it up in a very easily recyclable, non-environment damaging, non-pacific plastic gyre-appearing, aluminium can.”

“No far-flung Fiji fountains have been foraged for any water in our production,” Richard continues. “It’s crazy how much resource we use to ship water around the world.”

Campaigns from Kawaji will aim to strike a chord with consumers who love cuteness and kawaii, and want a bit more fun and joy in their water brand of choice. As a result, Kawaji will be leading on activations with: ‘Less Death, More Cute, Just Water – Juji Water from Kawaji’.

All of Kawaji’s canned water and sodas are UK Premium made, and are officially licensed and exclusive products. Available in 12 x 500ml cases and 160 cases per pallet. To secure stock that will be fully available in April 2024, place pre-orders now. Juji Water can be ordered online or direct via Kawaji’s wholesale channels.

Find out more at www.kawaji.co.uk.

Pophouse has announced the acquisition of the music catalogue, brand name, likeness and trademarks of iconic American rock band, Kiss.

Pophouse has concluded a landmark agreement with the iconic band Kiss. Pophouse is the Swedish entertainment and music investment firm renowned for its development of brand-building activities in music and entertainment, such as the groundbreaking Abba Voyage show in London, in which Pophouse is the founding investor.

Pophouse has acquired Kiss’ artist share of the master recordings and publishing rights. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

Working closely with Kiss, Pophouse will follow its unique, value-add approach of drawing upon its world-class, in-house creative and storytelling expertise to unlock new audiences and revenue streams. Pophouse will use its proven, industry-defining playbook to create new content and experiences to enrich the Kiss catalogue for fans, old and new, actively seeking to enrich and add value to the brands and artists it partners with. Inclusivity and community have always been vital to the Kiss experience, and Pophouse is committed to nurture the close relationship between Kiss and its devoted fans moving forward.

Johan Lagerlöf, head of Investment at Pophouse, said: “Kiss is one of the most recognised and iconic bands in the history of music. They redefined the concept of rock shows and have always taken their artistry to new, uncharted territories. The band has consistently been able to appeal to new generations of fans and our mission is to fulfill the band’s vision to become immortal, and to let new generations discover and be part of the Kiss journey and carry it forward.”

“Kiss has sold more than 100m records worldwide and has throughout its 50-year career continued to push the boundaries in popular culture,” said Per Sundin, CEO at Pophouse Entertainment. “The band’s enigmatic personas, unparalleled band attributes and iconic imagery have made them a cultural force and a legendary act with multigenerational appeal. We will safeguard and enrich this legacy through future global endeavors by breathing new life into their characters and personas, while also leveraging and elevating the visual world of Kiss.”

As part of the partnership, Pophouse will create digital versions of Kiss that will allow the band and their unique personas to live forever. The project, already underway, was previewed at the final Kiss show in Madison Square Garden, New York on 2nd December 2023. The avatar show is planned to launch in 2027.

Gene Simmons, bassist and co-founder of Kiss, said: “We have always been breaking new ground in popular culture, and this partnership will ensure that we continue to do so for years to come. We already have several plans in development, where the avatar show is one, a biopic another and a Kiss-themed experience a third. The future could not be more exciting.”

“Our journey with Pophouse is fueled by the desire to eternally resonate across diverse facets of global culture,” added Paul Stanley, lead vocalist and co-founder of Kiss. “This partnership is not just a chapter; it’s an eternal symphony of rock ‘n’ roll immortality.”

The partnership with Kiss marks Pophouse’s second investment outside of Sweden, following the acquisition of Cyndi Lauper’s music catalogue, adding a truly global brand with a diverse and dedicated fanbase to the firm’s portfolio of international artists.

To watch a trailer for the Kiss x Pophouse collaboration, click here.