Beanstalk returns to Licensing Expo with new partnerships, clients and initiatives

Celebrating its 30th year in business, global brand licensing agency Beanstalk continues to grow its clients’ licensing programmes, and has announced a series of recent new partnerships and clients in addition to new corporate initiatives in sustainability, diversity and charitable programmes.

Diageo’s Irish Stout brand, Guinness, has grown its presence in the aisles of UK supermarkets by expanding its partnership with The Flava People. The Irish beer brand launched two new sauces, the Guinness Smoky BBQ Sauce and Guinness Smoky Tomato Ketchup, bringing a twist to Britain’s much loved classic table sauces. This follows the Guinness cooking paste, a blend of Guinness beer, honey and soy, which launched in 2021.

Beanstalk also debuted a pair of cookbooks for two of its well-loved brands; Baileys partnered with HarperCollins to publish The Baileys Cookbook, featuring a collection of over 60 delectable delights, from sophisticated cocktails and desserts, to sensational hot chocolates and puddings. The recipes showcase the versatility and deliciousness of Baileys, inviting consumers to enjoy “the ultimate adult indulgent treat” at any time. Additionally, Guinness joined forces with publisher Insight Editions to bring the taste of Guinness to home kitchens with The Official Guinness Cookbook. Providing recipes for everything from savoury braised short ribs, to traditional Irish soda bread and decadent cheesecake brownies, this comprehensive book boasts over 70 recipes for dishes that feature or pair with the stouts, ales, and lagers of the Guinness breweries, including classic Guinness Draught, crisp Extra Stout, and citrusy Baltimore Blonde.

Chocolatier Godiva, together with Beanstalk, continues to expand its licensing portfolio in the U.S. and Canada with Godiva-inspired products developed in conjunction with new licensing partners, Boardwalk Frozen Treats for ice cream pints; Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery for frozen cookie dough; Le Vian for special edition Chocolate Diamond jewelry at Kay Jewelers; and Cookies United for gingerbread house and cookie decorating kits. The four new partners join Godiva’s extensive North America licensing portfolio, including General Mills, The Cheesecake Factory and Jessica Pastries, which debuted as part of Godiva’s Holiday 2021 collection.

TGI Fridays, the iconic American bar and grill, expanded its exclusive strategic partnership with the UK’s leading frozen food retailer, Iceland, through a range of new sides, mains and sweet treats, created solely with the forthcoming BBQ season in mind. The mouthwatering dishes include Beef Short Ribs with Maple BBQ, Cheese & Jalapeño Hot Dogs and Chocolate Cookie Pie.

Long-standing client U.S. Army partnered with Manly Bands for U.S. Army branded rings; Ice Shaker, a “Shark Tank” success, for shaker bottles and stainless-steel drinkware; and Diamond Supply Company for skate apparel and accessories.

For The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Beanstalk has developed partnerships across home décor, fashion accessories, gifting and educational gaming categories. Inspired by the artworks and stories within its robust collection, The Met has worked closely with selected partners who exhibit the highest level of creative development, from home textiles to accessories to social expressions. The new licensing partnerships include Lingo for educational card games, Pura for home fragrance, Caspari for paper goods and social expressions, and Scalamandré for textiles, wallpaper and trim.

In the digital media space, Tinderbox continues to develop the licensing programme for Call of Duty. Call of Duty partnered with Middle Eastern manufacturer and distributor of licensed products, Trucare, expanding the brand’s licensing program into the MENA region, which has quickly proven to be a valuable emerging market for the global gaming industry. The partnership will see Call of Duty grow its consumer product reach into these new territories across categories including apparel, accessories, housewares, and gifting.

Keeping the momentum going, Beanstalk has also added to its diverse client portfolio of global brands. Earlier this year, Skullcandy joined the agency’s client roster to unleash the power of expression; the client partnership will extend the lifestyle audio brand across consumer electronics, sporting and outdoor goods, apparel and accessories, and experiential spaces. Beanstalk also signed Cath Kidston, extending the joyful British brand into new categories in home, fashion and gifting, globally. Most recently, Beanstalk announced its partnership with Audi, the German automotive manufacturer of premium vehicles, to extend the automotive brand into new lifestyle, technology and mobility categories.

“Throughout our 30 years, Beanstalk has strategically developed licensing programmes for some of the most globally recognised brands. These new partnerships and clients demonstrate how we continue to harness the power of licensing to successfully extend brands into new categories around the globe,” says Allison Ames, President and CEO of Beanstalk. “After a two-year hiatus, Licensing Expo 2022 provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with our industry colleagues and forge new partnerships across industries, categories and territories.”

Complementary to Beanstalk’s robust client activity, the agency has premiered several corporate initiatives. In keeping with Beanstalk’s “best practices” model, it has established a global, cross-functional Sustainability Team. The key objectives of Beanstalk’s sustainability initiatives are to align clients’ sustainability goals with licensees’ efforts and capabilities and to share information across clients, licensees and industries.

Additionally, Beanstalk’s Antiracism, Allyship and Action programme continues to make diversity, racial justice and advocacy for marginalised groups a priority through education, client service and monetary donations.

Most recently, Beanstalk unveiled Licensing Labs by Beanstalk, an initiative to raise funds for charity while providing a service to the licensing community. Through the Licensing Labs by Beanstalk promotion, the agency will work with three winners to help them identify areas of opportunity for brand extension. In turn, the winners will be asked to donate to UNICEF to aid in Ukraine relief efforts. For more information on Licensing Labs by Beanstalk, visit https://www.beanstalk.com/licensing-labs-by-beanstalk.

 

Cath Kidston partners with Beanstalk to extend the brand into new categories

Cath Kidston, the British lifestyle brand known for its playful nostalgic prints, has appointed global brand extension licensing agency Beanstalk to extend its brand into new categories in home, fashion and gifting areas internationally.

Beanstalk will extend Cath Kidston’s footprint into new areas for all the family to enjoy, with a focus on key geographic markets, developed through Beanstalk’s extensive partnership network.     

Melinda Paraie, CEO of Cath Kidston, says: “We are thrilled with the new partnership, which leverages the licensing expertise of Beanstalk to create opportunities for our customers to experience Cath Kidston in new ways.  The expansion of our iconic print narrative into additional product categories and key global markets supports our long-term growth plan. Through licensed extensions, the brand vision will continue to bring nostalgic meaning and joy to everyday life.”

Louise French, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Operations at Beanstalk, adds: “We are delighted to be working with Cath Kidston, one of Britain’s best-loved brands, to extend the brand into new and creative spaces.

“The quintessentially British nature of the brand and distinctive print handwriting offer significant opportunities to create beautiful new products that offer additional touchpoints for consumers. We are looking forward to working alongside the Cath Kidston team to deliver a successful international licensing programme.”

Cath Kidston partners with Moomin Characters for new summer range of clothing, bags, and accessories

The British lifestyle brand, Cath Kidston has partnered with Moomin Charatcers to launch a new Moomin range for summer 2021, refreshing its archive prints – linen sprig and mushrooms – for a collaboration that celebrates ‘love and looking after one another.’

The new products range includes fashion for adults and children, from print dresses and pyjamas to Breton tops and embroidered shirts, as well as a selection of rucksacks, tote bags, and accessories. Stationery, water bottles, travel cups, and lunch boxes will all be available, as well as beakers and plates for children.

The colour palette for the collection is a ‘summery yellow and pink’, and the main characters featured are Moomintroll, Moominmamma, Snorkmaiden and Little My. The range boasts a strong floral theme, with characters depicted gardening, wearing traditional Scandinavian flower crowns, and enjoying meadows full of bright blooms.

Cath Kidston’s creative director, Holly Marler, said: “Nature was such an important inspiration to Moomin creator Tove Jansson – her illustrations are full of magical flowers, fascinating plants, and mysterious forests. We’re delighted to present this collection which takes its cue from Tove’s love of all things floral to celebrate summertime in bright, blooming colours.”

The price range of the collection begins at £7 for a Cath Kidston x Moomin pen and goes up to £75 for a patterned sleeveless midi shirt dress.

The Cath Kidston x Moomin range will be available to purchase from Cath Kidston 180 Piccadilly and cathkidston.com from 21st June.

Peanuts Worldwide continues its 70th celebrations with new European and Middle East partners

As Peanuts continues to celebrate its 70th anniversary this year, its licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG has inked a new wave of deals across Europe and the Middle East, with new collections inspired by Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the Peanuts gang.

The swathe of new deals with take the Peanuts property into new partnerships across fashion, accessories, homewares and gifts for children and adults.

New collaborations in the UK include Cath Kidston for a Peanuts 70th anniversary collection spanning fashion, homewares and accessories; Vayyu for an autumn/winter fashion collection for men and women; Cribstar for its second Peanuts kids’ apparel collection; Flamingo Candles for a range of scented candles; and Bamford for adult watches.

Completing the UK line-up is Tatty Devine who will launch its second Peanuts-inspired jewellery collection, and BeArty who will launch a collection of digital wall art.

Next, and from Spain, Bershka is launching a fashion collection; Andres Gallardo is on board for a range of handmade jewellery; and Woodys has created a range of 70th anniversary eyewear featuring the Peanuts gang. Also in the region, Panapop has launched a range of accessories and watches, and fashion retailer Desigual launched an apparel collection for both kids and adults.

In Germany, new collections include MDM for 70th anniversary commemorative coins, and s.Oliver for a Peanuts women’s fashion collaboration. Together with Peanuts Worldwide, WildBrain CPLG executed a publicity campaign for Peanuts’ 70th anniversary in Germany which resulted in extensive broadcast, print, online and social media coverage.

For the Middle East and North Africa, Babyshop has created a themed children’s fashion collection.

Tara Botwick, senior director, territory management EMEA for Peanuts Worldwide, said: “It’s been an exciting year for Peanuts and it’s fantastic to see the continued expansion of the merchandise offering for fans across Europe and beyond.

“From on-trend fashion collections, through thoughtful gifts and luxury accessories, these new ranges offer something for Peanuts fans of all ages.”

Charles M. Schulz first introduced Charlie Brown to the world in the comics pages of seven American newspapers in 1950. In the following days and years, he was joined by friends Lucy and Linus, his sister Sally, and, of course, everyone’s favorite beagle, Snoopy.

Seven decades later, the Peanuts gang has left an indelible mark on global pop culture and this fall has seen an abundance of merchandise celebrating the brand’s 70th anniversary around the world.

Peanuts Worldwide continues its 70th celebrations with new European and Middle East partners

As Peanuts continues to celebrate its 70th anniversary this year, its licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG has inked a new wave of deals across Europe and the Middle East, with new collections inspired by Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the Peanuts gang.

The swathe of new deals with take the Peanuts property into new partnerships across fashion, accessories, homewares and gifts for children and adults.

New collaborations in the UK include Cath Kidston for a Peanuts 70th anniversary collection spanning fashion, homewares and accessories; Vayyu for an autumn/winter fashion collection for men and women; Cribstar for its second Peanuts kids’ apparel collection; Flamingo Candles for a range of scented candles; and Bamford for adult watches.

Completing the UK line-up is Tatty Devine who will launch its second Peanuts-inspired jewellery collection, and BeArty who will launch a collection of digital wall art.

Next, and from Spain, Bershka is launching a fashion collection; Andres Gallardo is on board for a range of handmade jewellery; and Woodys has created a range of 70th anniversary eyewear featuring the Peanuts gang. Also in the region, Panapop has launched a range of accessories and watches, and fashion retailer Desigual launched an apparel collection for both kids and adults.

In Germany, new collections include MDM for 70th anniversary commemorative coins, and s.Oliver for a Peanuts women’s fashion collaboration. Together with Peanuts Worldwide, WildBrain CPLG executed a publicity campaign for Peanuts’ 70th anniversary in Germany which resulted in extensive broadcast, print, online and social media coverage.

For the Middle East and North Africa, Babyshop has created a themed children’s fashion collection.

Tara Botwick, senior director, territory management EMEA for Peanuts Worldwide, said: “It’s been an exciting year for Peanuts and it’s fantastic to see the continued expansion of the merchandise offering for fans across Europe and beyond.

“From on-trend fashion collections, through thoughtful gifts and luxury accessories, these new ranges offer something for Peanuts fans of all ages.”

Charles M. Schulz first introduced Charlie Brown to the world in the comics pages of seven American newspapers in 1950. In the following days and years, he was joined by friends Lucy and Linus, his sister Sally, and, of course, everyone’s favorite beagle, Snoopy.

Seven decades later, the Peanuts gang has left an indelible mark on global pop culture and this fall has seen an abundance of merchandise celebrating the brand’s 70th anniversary around the world.

Cath Kidston will ‘draw on British heritage to operate as a digital-first retailer in the UK’

Cath Kidston has identified opportunities to bolster its brand relevance and product innovation, as well as improve its digital presence and international partnerships, the retailer has said, in a move to deliver “a sustained profitability model” over the next three years.

The fashion and lifestyle name entered administration and underwent a restructure in April this year. Since then, it has leaned into online retailer, an arm that now accounts for 85 per cent of its business. The firm has now detailed a transformation plan that puts digital acceleration and global growth at its centre.

With renewed support and investment from parent company Baring Private Equity Asia, Cath Kidston said it has realigned its cost base and structure to create an “economically viable operating model” as a brand-led, digital first retailer.

The retailer has said that it would draw on its British heritage to operate as a digital-first retailer in the UK.

As reported by the Retail Gazette, Cath Kidston will re-open its Piccadilly store in London next month, which will operate as its global flagship and its only high street store in the UK. It will seek to leverage its wholesale relationships and franchise partnerships in over 35 countries.

Other transformation measures include streamlining Cath Kidston’s product range by curating content for customers in more meaningful ways, and refining the offer to focus on key products and easier ways to shop.

The retailer has ambitions to reclaim its status as a gifting destination where one in five UK customers have either bought or received a Cath Kidston gift, and will continue to build new categories to reflect growing consumer demand in areas such as home and kids.

Cath Kidston chief executive Melinda Paraie, said: “We truly believe that Cath Kidston is a brand for our time, and we have worked incredibly hard to create a sustainable, profitable future for the brand following our restructuring.

“Our customers sit at the heart of our new strategy, and it was fundamental to our vision that we could maintain Cath Kidston’s role of inspiring the everyday optimist with our hand drawn prints and joyful products.

“Particularly as we all face our new normal world, the role of bringing moments of joy to everyday is even more relevant.”

Cath Kidston chair Marty Wikstrom, added: “[Cath Kidston] is a brand with a powerful heritage and loyal customer following that has pivoted its business strategy to ensure that it is positioned for success in a changing retail environment.”

Cath Kidston’s administration process occured at the height of lockdown in April this year and led to the closure of 60 of its UK stores and the loss of 908 jobs. Baring Private Equity Asia had secured a pre-pack administration deal that saw it buy back Cath Kidston’s brand, wholesale and online operations.

The retailer’s 100-plus stores overseas, especially in Asia, were untouched from the administration process.