Tag Archives: food and beverage

WWE steps into the ring with Wines that Rock for first WWE Wines collection

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WWE has stepped into the ring with the entertainment and lifestyle wine company, Wines That Rock, to launch a new WWE Wines collection, featuring WWE Legend, The Undertaker, and WWE Hall of Famer, The Ultimate Warrior.

Both special vintages of limited edition wines developed in collaboration with WWE have been chosen to represent each wrestling Superstar’s unique personality and will feature individually numbered labels, unique glass, artwork, and the winemaking talents of 2020 Wine Enthusiast’s 40 under 40 Tastemaker, Andrew Nelson.

They will be available for pre-sale beginning today via wwewines.com with a shipping date of Thursday, October 22 in time for the holiday season.

“We knew these bottles would look amazing and be perfect for collectors and fans alike but wanted the quality of the wine to ultimately be the real winner here,” said Wines That Rock winemaker, Andrew Nelson.

“For The Undertaker’s Limited-Edition 30 Barrel Series, we used 100 per cent premium Cabernet Sauvignon from Lodi, California aged in oak. For The Ultimate Warrior, we looked to Mendocino County for a high quality, full bodied and flavorful Zinfandel.”

The Ultimate Warrior was one of the most iconic Superstars in WWE history and captivated audiences around the world with his distinctive ring entrances and larger-than-life personality. The powerful and flavorful wine features a rich and dark 80 per cent Zinfandel and 20 per cent Sangiovese blend from the Northern Coast of California.

The bottles will feature three unique corks produced with different images and quotes from the WWE Hall of Famer, hand-filled and expertly hand wax-dipped in his signature bright neon colors.

“It was an amazing experience to collaborate with the team at Wines That Rock on this special Ultimate Warrior wine project,” said Dana Warrior. “From the quality of the wine, to the unique bottle, label and signature wax colors, it was clear they were committed to capturing his essence and honoring his legacy with impeccable attention to every detail.”

The Undertaker Limited-Edition 30-Barrel Series is a premium Cabernet Sauvignon wine consisting of a 30-barrel production run honoring his 30-year anniversary with WWE. Each bottle is marked with an individual number and the barrel it came from, hand-filled and expertly hand wax-dipped using his signature purple color while featuring a unique tombstone shape and glow-in-the-dark label.

“Our collaboration with WWE has taken our creative and winemaking teams to a new level. Working together with their team to define the first two releases has been fun personified,” said Wines That Rock’s senior project manager Heather Hudson.  “Our goal is always to create premium, limited-edition wines that we as fans want to own. These first two releases for WWE Wines are stellar. To quote WWE’s Ultimate Warrior: ‘Live Strong, Act Bold, Be Brave. Nothing’s too hard to do, always believe.”

As part of its Rock ‘N Roll tradition, Wines That Rock has also produced one-of-a-kind branded electric guitars for both The Ultimate Warrior and The Undertaker.

Metrostar to launch Kraft Heinz into the licensing arena at Festival of Licensing

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Metrostar will be joining the line-up of virtual exhibitors at this year’s Festival of Licensing, where it will take to the screens to showcase its newest client, Kraft Heinz and make use of the platform for a hard launch of its brands into the world of licensing.

The two companies, along with the company’s global licensing agent, Brand Central, have been working with Kraft Heinz brand teams on strategies for each of the brands in the UK. As such, together they have identified their key priorities for the show.

Metrostar now reports that early conversations are going well, citing ‘high levels of interest’ amongst both retailer and licensees, and that the Festival of Licensing will ‘provide the ideal platform to introduce Kraft Heinz brands to the broader licensing industry.’

A variety of Heinz sub-brands are to be on show, including Tomato Ketchup, Baked Beans, Salad Cream, Cream of Tomato Soup, Spaghetti Hoops, as well as other brands in the company’s portfolio such as HP Sauce, Lea & Perrins, Amoy and Bull’s Eye.

Metrostar MD, Claire Potter, said: “Our workshops have generated some great new product ideas for these iconic brands. The opportunity to extend is significant and we’re looking forward to talking with potential partners in food and non-food about our thoughts. The Festival of Licensing couldn’t have come at a better time for us.”

Kraft Heinz marketing director, Northern Europe, Olivia Hibbert, added: “With unmatched strength in brands spanning across categories with over £800M in UK and Ireland sales, we are excited to take these iconic and much loved brands into new and exciting directions for the future.”

Global soy sauce brand Kikkoman looks to tantalise tastebuds in lifestyle licensing

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The popular soy sauce brand, Kikkoman is looking to tantalise tastebuds across the apparel, accessories, kitchenware, and food gifting markets, thanks to a new partnership between the brand’s master global agent Tact Communications and WildBrain CPLG. Under the deal, WildBrain CPLG will build the Kikkoman name as a lifestyle brand.

The partnership has been facilitated by ZenWorks, the Tokyo-based firm now acting as on-board consultant.

Victoria Whellans, group brands director at WildBrain CPLG Lifestyle, said: “Soy sauce is a staple condiment in households and restaurants across Europe, with Kikkoman’s iconic brand being instantly recognisable and celebrated for its quality. We look forward to working closely with Kikkoman Corporation and Tact Communications to assemble an engaging lifestyle consumer products programme which captures the rich heritage of Kikkoman.”

Shunsuke Tamura, president of Tact Communications, commented: “We are pleased to partner with WildBrain CPLG Lifestyle and look forward to building a strong licensing programme for Kikkoman in Europe with them.”

As a global soy sauce brand, Kikkoman has been supporting the development of Japanese food culture since the 1600s. Since its establishment in 1917, Kikkoman has held a management policy to blend its deep-seated traditions with a sense of innovation that is both responsive and perceptive.

Kikkoman’s motto is to promote the international exchange of food culture. Whether introducing Japanese food culture to the world, or bringing Japan in contact with the food cultures of other countries, Kikkoman is committed to the ongoing fulfillment of this goal.

Kikkoman Soy Sauce is shipped to over 100 countries from its seven overseas factories, located in the US, Asia and Europe. Kikkoman also distributes Asian foods through its global wholesale network, serving up Japanese and other Asian foods worldwide to enrich eating styles and satisfy any taste.

Finsbury Food Group and Diageo launch new Baileys Marbled Celebration Cake with more to come for 2021

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Cake manufacturer Finsbury Food Group and Diageo are strengthening their successful partnership by introducing the Baileys Marbled Celebration Cake to its growing Baileys range. Featuring traditional Baileys-infused frosting, the cake is on sale from September in Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury and Tesco.

Since 2018, Finsbury Food Group has been working closely with Diageo on its Baileys and Guinness brands to introduce the first range of adults-only cakes to supermarket shelves.

Successfully launching the Baileys Freakshake Cake, Baileys Chocolate Yule Log, Bailey’s Salted Caramel Cupcakes and most recently, the Wimbledon inspired Baileys Strawberries and Cream Cake, Finsbury has now created a cutting edge product that celebrates the signature flavourings of Baileys, teamed with the new, trending, marble technique.

Jack Cook-Broussine, brand manager for Finsbury Food Group, said: “As our Baileys range continues to do so well, demonstrated by the retailers’ response, we’re keen to continue working hard, creating delicious cutting-edge cakes that deliver something different to the cake fixture.

“As the autumn months approach, we want to give consumers a product that echoes current trends in the baking industry, at ease. Think, sat by the fire on a drizzly day with a piping hot cup of tea and slice of Baileys Marbled Cake. We see huge opportunities to build on the momentum of the range and continue to add more exciting SKUs in the future.”

Declan Hassett, senior licensing manager at Diageo, added: “We continue to work with Finsbury developing the ongoing success of the range. The marble effect is something we’ve wanted to put our Baileys stamp on for a while, we’ve been working hard to stay ahead of the curve and achieve the most beautiful design that still has that delicious, mouth-watering, signature Baileys taste, well loved by many.

“We have already enjoyed great success with Finsbury and our range of Baileys-infused cakes, and we have no doubt this is going to be one to be enjoyed throughout the rest of the year and beyond.”

The full range of Baileys cakes includes: Baileys Hot Chocolate Freakshake Cake, Baileys Chocolate Yule Log, Baileys Salted Caramel Cupcakes and Bailey Strawberries and Cream cake. New additions to the range are planned for 2021.

US metal band Deftones celebrates 20 years of White Pony album with Belching Beaver IPA

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The American alternative metal band, Deftones has extended its partnership with the Belching Beaver Brewery for another collaborative launch, this time celebrating the 20th anniversary of the band’s third studio album, White Pony.

Available in the US only and for a limited time, the launch – a Double Dry Hopped IPA – arrives with artwork styled upon the platinum-selling 2000 album. According to Belching Beaver, the 7 per cent ABV beer features ‘an upfront flavor of pineapple but finishes with a soft grapefruit note with a mild bitterness and medium mouthfeel.’

The anniversary launch marks the third collaboration between the US metal band and the Belching Beaver Brewery in the past four years. The relationship was kickstarted in 2016 when the two aligned to release the Phantom Bride IPA. The two reunited in 2018, when, after attending a Deftones concert in San Diego, the Belching Beaver team were inspired by the band’s Dia de los Muertos artwork and later went on to develop the Mexican-style lager, Dia de los Deftones.

At the time of the launch, Deftones’ lead vocalist, Chino Moreno, said: “[Belching Beaver’s] commitment to quality and excellence aligns perfectly with our ethos; from our music to our aesthetics, and now to our collaborative beer, we want our fans and consumers to experience only the best. We want it all to reflect the time and attention that was put into it.”

The band unveiled the latest Belching Beaver collaboration, the White Pony IPA, via its social media platforms this week. It arrives as the band prepare for the release of its latest album Ohms this September, and the anticipated release of a White Pony album 20th anniversary remix called Black Stallion.

In the (food and) drink with Richard Pink – Pink Key Licensing and the moveable feast of F&B licensing

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Richard Pink and his Pink Key Licensing business has become almost synonymous with the food and beverage licensing market, with a portfolio ranging from Kellogg’s, Colman’s, and PG Tips through to the likes of Pringles, SLUSH PUPPiE, and who can forget The Laughing Cow?

But it’s by Pink’s own admission that this was never a deliberate move, but moreover a natural gravitation of the firm towards the kind of brands that have a story to tell. There’s a rich history of cultural affinity with brands like Kellogg’s, Colman’s, and PG Tips that is shared the world over that arguably places this particular trio in the bracket of heritage licensing, while Pringles, SLUSH PUPPiE, and The Laughing Cow (La Vache Qui Rit for our French speaking friends) certainly tap into today’s demand for brands of pop culture status.

No, it may not have been a deliberate move in Pink’s part to find the common thread that ties all of these brands – and the extended Pink Key Licensing portfolio of those outside of Food and Beverage licensing – together, but it was certainly a very smart one, curating a central hub for some of the most iconic brands to have dominated the supermarket aisles and homestead across the decades.

Here, Licensing.biz catches up with Richard Pink, MD or Pink Key Licensing to talk about the latest trends in the Food and Beverage licensing space, the strength of the Pink Key Licensing portfolio within it, and what the future holds for the market.

It’s always enjoyable looking at the Pink Key portfolio for its Food & Beverage brands and those iconic names with real history. How would you summarise the Pink Key approach to F&B licensing?

Our focus on F&B licensing is a strategy which has evolved organically rather than deliberately. I think people have seen what we have done with Kellogg’s and SLUSH PUPPiE and begun to associate us with these types of brands. Having said that, we have developed a bit of a mantra as we’ve grown: we have to love the brand – genuinely; if we don’t love it, I don’t think we can make anyone else love it and we have to want to keep it in our portfolio forever.

Kellogg’s, Colman’s, and PG Tips arguably straddle both F&B and heritage/vintage thanks to their history and cultural role across the decades, while Laughing Cow, Pringles, and SLUSH PUPPiE are iconic in their own right. Is there a common theme for all of these brands? What do you look for in a brand?

That’s probably the third part of our mantra and something all our brands have in common: they all have a story to tell. Sometimes, as you say, this comes from the heritage of the brand but with a brand like SLUSH PUPPiE, although it plays on people’s memories, it’s still very much a contemporary brand and its story is all about what the brand is going to do in the future, where we can go and how it can develop. This is exactly the same as Babybel, The Laughing Cow and Pringles.

What are some of the key trends in F&B licensing at the moment, and how is the Pink Key portfolio tapping into these right now?

The trends for food and beverage licensing tend to be around particular eras, and luckily, we have access to a broad bank of artwork for each of our brands. As a result, we are able to allow licensees access to artwork by particular decades, for example.

Additionally, with SLUSH PUPPiE, we are very fortunate to work with the licensing agency in America, Design Plus, run by Carol Janet who has managed the brand globally and developed the style guide and assets for many years. As a result, we can be really proactive in developing artwork very quickly to reflect any trend that comes to the market.

What is the strength of the F&B licensing market like right now? Have you seen it evolve and grow over the last year, and how have events of recent months affected or influenced this market in particular?

The Food & Drink licensing market has been very strong now for a number of years. I think this is principally down to the depth and breadth of available assets. Retailers and licensees have become more aware of the amount of amazing artwork that is available because of the rich heritage of many of these brands. I think this is why the trend towards brands with strong logos and a large body of available art has been sustained over the last few years. The fact that interest in these brands has maintained has been extremely exciting for us and, although the lockdown has ‘paused’ things for everyone, I don’t see this changing.

What do you think the future looks like for the F&B licensing market coming out of this peculiar period? How responsive to this sector is retail at the moment, and how will this look going forward?

It’s very hard to say how the market will be affected by Covid and the lockdown, in the same way that it is difficult to predict this for any market sector. However, because of the rich heritage, I believe that consumers are likely to gravitate towards things they find familiar, and I believe inevitably this will have a positive effect for the food and drink licensing sector.

Can you talk us through some of the latest updates for the F&B portfolio, what have been some of the key partnerships you’ve lined up this year? Anything that’s taken you by surprise this year?

We’ve had an extremely strong year with all of our brands. I don’t think we are alone in looking into the possibilities of getting closer to the consumer through Direct to Consumer Print on Demand websites, to try and give ourselves an all year round presence as an additional distribution channel that will support our main business through licensees.

I always say that the brand in our portfolio that completely took me by surprise is SLUSH PUPPiE: we have been amazed by the consumer response and it seems to go from strength to strength driven primarily by the amazing work done by Fizz Creations and their ubiquitous SLUSH PUPPiE machine (available at all good retailers!) along with a range of accessories.

We have also been really pleased by the sales of Manchester Drinks frozen pouches, and we have some very exciting new licensees lined up for the brand who will be bringing product to market later this year.

There seems to have been plenty of activity surrounding The Laughing Cow over the course of 2019/2020 – why is this brand resonating the way it is, and what is the UK strategy for this one?

It’s still early days but the initial response we’ve had has been very positive, particularly in apparel. I believe it resonates because of the heritage and people’s positive associations with it, and the graphics are incredibly strong, but principally because the brand is so positive – it’s all about laughing, and we all need a laugh these days.

Also, we are delighted that our partners for SLUSH PUPPiE and ICEE in the US, Design Plus, have also been appointed as the US agent for the Laughing Cow – we work so well together and I think it’s going to be hugely positive for the brand and its programme.

What further developments in the F&B space can we expect from Pink Key this year and next?   

We are always looking at ways to strengthen our portfolio, but it has to meet the criteria that I outlined at the start. We do have a couple of ongoing conversations which are proving to be very positive indeed and hope to be able to make an announcement nearer to BLE about an addition to our portfolio.

 

Skateboarding brand DGK carves out new Otter Pops collab for US nostalgia chasers

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The skateboarding and lifestyle specialist, DGK has struck up a new partnership with Jel Sert to bring the popular US brand Otter Pops onto the skating scene with a new, nostalgia-driven collection of apparel, accessories, and skateboards. The deal was brokered by the licensing agency Lisa Marks Associates.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Otter Pops, the capsule collection will be launched with Zumiez and other key DGK accounts.

Founded in Hollywood in 1970, Otter Pops is a beloved treat and pop culture icon that has captivated hearts across the US for generations. Otter Pops is widely recognised as the number one selling ice pop on the west coast with national distribution and a cast of classic characters.

DGK is Dirty Ghetto Kids, a clothing, skateboard, and accessories line created by Stevie Williams in 2002. Growing up on the streets of Philadelphia, Williams and his crew of friends took to calling themselves “Dirty Ghetto Kids”. Years later, Dirty Ghetto Kids is now seen on street smart folks all over the place, with worldwide recognition of the DGK brand, and its graffiti-inspired designs.

“The new DGK x Otter Pops program will be loved by DGK and Otter Pops fans across America,” said LMA president Lisa Marks. “What better way to celebrate fan favourite Otter Pops 50th Anniversary than with an awesome DGK tee shirt, sweatshirt, socks and skateboards.”

“Otter Pops is essential to the streets like DGK,” said Williams, founder/owner/pro skateboarder of DGK. “The best go-to freezer snack in the game mixed with skateboards. A true kids favourite.”

“We couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity and timing to partner with DGK for Otter Pops 50th Anniversary,” said Kyle Harrington, brand manager of Otter Pops. “An Otter Pop in one hand and a skateboard in the other – name a better combo.”

 

Kraft Heinz taps Metrostar and Brand Central to licensing roll out of Heinz, HP Sauce and Lea & Perrins

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Kraft Heinz has tapped Metrostar and Brand Central LLC to manage the brand licensing programme for its flagship brands in the UK and Ireland. The campaign will exploring product extensions such as new food categories and merchandise partnerships with leading names in the lifestyle sector for the likes of Heinz, HP Sauce, Lea & Perrins, Amoy, and Bull’s-Eye.

The programme will build upon Brand Central’s representation of Kraft Heinz brands in the United States and Canada.

Kraft Heinz boasts a strength in brands spanning across categories with over £800M in UK and Ireland sales. The firm has more than 200 brands sold in nearly 200 countries, including eight $1bn + brands.

Metrostar and Brand Central will jointly manage the programme with Metrostar taking the lead in prospecting and licensee management.

“After discussions with several licensing agencies, we are excited to select Metrostar and Brand Central to represent Kraft Heinz in the UK and Ireland,” said Olivia Hibbert, marketing director, Northern Europe at Kraft Heinz. “We feel that Metrostar and Brand Central have the right innovative approach to take our iconic and much loved brands in to new and exciting directions for the future.”

Ross Misher, CEO of Brand Central, added: “Working with the global licensing team at Kraft Heinz, we are looking forward to expanding our program beyond the US and Canada and into Europe. There is an enormous global opportunity for Kraft Heinz across territories with its portfolio of strong brands.

“Metrostar is the perfect partner to launch into this new market with their expertise in food licensing and strong retail relationships. Kraft Heinz brands have a huge emotional connection with consumers in the UK who grew up eating these products and continue to enjoy them today.”

Metrostar MD, Claire Potter, concluded: “These brands are legends in British food and we see great potential in a number of product areas. We’re thrilled to be representing Kraft Heinz and to be working, once again, with Ross and the team at Brand Central.”

Brand Central and Metrostar partnered previously on the UK licensing campaign for Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The campaign was nominated for Best Food & Drink Licence at the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards and Krispy Kreme won the Best Health & Beauty Range in 2018.

IMG to develop licensing portfolio for Jim Beam brands as the iconic bourbon celebrates 225 years

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IMG has signed with Beam Suntory to help extend the James B. Beam Distilling Company’s portfolio of brands through a raft of new strategic licensing partnerships.

The company is widely known for its Jim Beam Bourbon, a global brand of bourbon that is celebrating its 225th anniversary this year. The James B. Beam Distilling Company’s American Whiskey portfolio also includes Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s, Booker’s, Baker’s, Legent and Little Book.

Under the partnership, IMG will be tasked with developing products that celebrate the company’s rich history, its good-natured and convivial style and its bold flavor profile. Targeted categories will include experiential, fashion, home, gift, memorabilia, grilling and bourbon-flavored foods.

Tom Bufalino, director at James B. Beam Distilling Company, said: “As we celebrate our 225th year, this is the perfect time to extend our iconic brands to products and experiences that create new platforms and occasions to welcome consumers, old and new, to our product and personality. With its deep experience and resources, there is no better partner than IMG to accompany us on that journey.”

Bruno Maglione, president of licensing at IMG, added: “It’s an honour for us to join the First Family of bourbon. This is a beloved quintessentially American brand and a time-venerated quality product that is all about family values, shared experiences and accessibility. Through the Jim Beam licensing program, we will develop products that place an accent on each of those attributes.”

IMG will develop strategies and pursue licensing opportunities for many of the other distinctive brands in the James B. Beam Distilling Company’s portfolio including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s, Booker’s, Legent and Little Book.

Downton Abbey gin and whiskey to go nationwide as Harrogate Tipple signs with Boutique Bar Brands

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It’s good news for gin and whiskey drinkers and Downton Abbey fans alike this week as Harrogate Tipple signs off an agreement with Boutique Bar Brands to act as its exclusive distributor for the UK.

Under the new deal, the North Yorkshire company’s range of spirits – including its licensed Downton Abbey gin and whiskey collection – will be able to extend its reach in on-trade, off-trade, and online as well as in premium outlets, as a part of Boutique Bar Brands’ portfolio of drinks.

Until now, the range had been available within Booths, Fenwicks, and in a number of independent outlets. BBB works with over 45 wholesalers across the UK, and currently represents three distilleries – The London Distillery Company, Greensand Ridge, and Gleann Morr.

Established four years ago by Steven and Sally Green, supported by internationally renowned distiller Tom Nichol, Harrogate Tipple has already established a loyal following. Housed in a converted barn close to the Ripley Castle Estate near Harrogate, it has an ethos of local provenance with many of its botanicals grown in the estate’s kitchen gardens and Victorian hothouse as well as using the spa town’s famous spring water.

Co-founder of Harrogate Tipple, Steven Green, said: “This partnership is our first distribution deal and marks another important step in our development. BBB has a fantastic reputation in the industry; it only represents the very best brands that have a story to tell.

“We will be able to benefit from this leading drinks agency’s extensive knowledge and contacts, particularly in on-trade premium outlets, enabling us to extend our reach.”

Philip Harding, co-founder of BBB, added: “BBB has more recently been moving into providing a distribution service to drinks brands which have already built a certain level of business within the UK, as opposed to our traditional agency retainer model. When Harrogate Tipple approached us, they impressed the team with their growth over the past few years and their ambition to push onto the next level.

“We believe that the match of Harrogate Tipple’s unique offering, supported by BBB’s network, sales team and reach, will be a great combination, enabling it to become a nationally recognised brand. The Downton Abbey range of spirits is also a very interesting addition to our portfolio, and we are excited to see how far we can take this.”

Harrogate Tipple’s current range includes Premium Harrogate Gin, Gooseberry Harrogate Gin and Blueberry Harrogate Gin; Premium Harrogate Rum; Downton Abbey Premium Gin and Downton Abbey Finest Blended Whisky.