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Space Jam: A New Legacy unveils gigantic licensing plans and ‘largest Looney Tunes merch line-up in decades’

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Hasbro, Mattel, and Upper Deck have joined am all-star line up of licensing partners for Warner Bros. upcoming theatrical release of Space Jam: A New Legacy, with plans for toys, collectables, and games to roll out all year long.

The global toy and entertainment companies join master toy partner Moose Toys who earlier this month released its full line up of toys, play-sets, plush, and figures based on the Space Jam title, a reboot of the hit 90s film this time starring LeBron James.

A full line-up of licensing partners around this year’s blockbuster film was unveiled late last week, spanning the toys, collectables, and games aisles, as well as fashion, food and drink, accessories, sporting goods, publishing, pet products and more. The licensing portfolio for this year’s release has taken on a global scale.

In the toy space, master toy partner Moose Toys us joined by Funko, who will be releasing its Space Jam: A New Legacy assortment including nine Pop! figures, five Pop! key chains, 12 Mystery minis and a Space Jam: A New Legacy Funkoverse board game.

Collectors will be able to get their hands on three exclusives – a ten-inch LeBron James Jumbo Pop! and flocked Tasmanian Devil, a LeBron James variant Funko Pop! available via Amazon, and a Porky Pig landing on Funko.com soon.

This year’s licensing line-up marks the largest Looney Tunes merchandise collection to be rolled out by Warner Bros Consumer Products ‘in decades.’ Further collaborations include partnerships with brands such as Nike, Vilebrequin, Spalding, the Cotton On Group, and LeBron James’ own athlete empowerment brand, Uninterrupted.

It all lands ahead of the film’s release on July 16th this year.

“The original ‘Space Jam’ was a cultural phenomenon when it debuted in 1996, so it’s no surprise that premier partners around the world are inspired by ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ and excited to bring a new collection to a new generation of fans,” said Robert Oberschelp, senior vice president of franchise management and marketing for Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

“We are excited to collaborate with such elite brands to deliver a robust lineup of merchandise that unites the singular style of LeBron James with the iconic fun of the Looney Tunes characters.”

Nike Inc. will release a “Space Jam: A New Legacy” collection globally featuring LeBron James and favorite Tune Squad characters including Bugs Bunny, Lola Bunny and the Goons, Vilebrequin will launch “Space Jam: A New Legacy” swimwear and leisurewear, while the Cotton On Group is releasing new products globally including men’s and children’s apparel, along with stationery, mugs and phone accessories.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg for the licensing plans for this year.

The latest iteration of The Carousel @ Bloomingdale’s, the retailer’s rotating pop-up shop, will celebrate “Space Jam: A New Legacy” with a unique curation for the family, offering court-inspired fashion to playful outdoor entertaining finds to gifts that enhance the at-home streaming experience.

It will open next month at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street flagship in New York City, select stores nationwide and Bloomingdales.com.

 Space Jam in fashion

 Warner Bros Consumer Product’s “Space Jam: A New Legacy”-inspired fashion collections offer something for everyone with global collections from Nike Inc. and Vilebrequin; stylish plus-size apparel at Torrid; streetwear fashions from Tommy Hilfiger, Bait, Madhappy, Diamond Supply, and NTWRK x UNKNWN; and additional fashion forward lines from Members Only, Forever 21, MeUndies, PSD, Bleacher Report, Rue21 from Hybrid, and Freeze and Pac Sun from Bioworld in the mix.

Capsule collections will also launch from Junk Food Clothing, Pottery Barn Teen and Cakeworthy. Playing with style will be a slam dunk when wearing “Space Jam: A New Legacy” Gamer Jersey, hat, hoodie and t-shirt,all available on Uninterrupted.

There’s  something for every child from infant to tween with cool kids’ fashions from the Gap, Haus of JR, and Outerstuff.

In EMEA, fashion partners include H&M (Worldwide), Primark (US and Europe), Fanatics, Snipes (Europe), LPP (Europe, Middle East), with more to be announced.

In the Asia Pacific region, A Bathing Ape, Carnival, and Freak’s Store are just a few of the partners providing “Space Jam: A New Legacy”-inspired fashions and footwear, plus a limited edition footwear and hat collection are available only in Japan from Converse Japan.

In Australia and New Zealand, EB Games will offer adult tees, headwear, accessories and stationery – everything from drink bottles and backpacks to keychains and totes. Best & Less will welcome “Space Jam: A New Legacy” to Australia with a new range that includes sleepwear and outerwear for the whole family.

In Latin America, designs will launch from Cuidado con el Perro, Paris, Ruz, Centauro, Colecao and more. In Mexico, there will be Cuidado con el Perro t-shirts, Ruz plush and costumes, and novelty board games. In Chile, Colombia and Peru, Paris, Stilotex and Ripley will give fans access to incredible “Space Jam: A New Legacy” inspired products.

In Brazil, fashion and toys will be available from partners such as Grendene, BandUp!, Piticas, Renner, Marisa, Cartel 011, Acuo, Iron Studios, Riachuelo, Grow, and Jandaia, among others, and Rasip will offer new “Space Jam: A New Legacy”-inspired food. An exclusive “Space Jam: A New Legacy” fashion collection with designer Alexandre Herchcovitch under his brand ÁLG will be revealed soon.

On your feet

Come on and slam with Nike Inc.’s Space Jam collections. Fans can buy and wear the same basketball shoes “King James” wears in the film. With youth and adult styles featuring Wile. E. Coyote, Lola Bunny, Bugs Bunny and the rest of the squad, the whole family can “Jam” out and dress up in Nike’s Space Jam collection, which also includes jerseys, tanks, hoodies, jackets, socks and backpacks.

Converse will launch new graphic Looney Tunes sneakers in adult and youth sizes, featuring classic Looney Tunes designs and animation themes, while Crocs will unveil “Space Jam: A New Legacy” slide-ons.

In the accessories space, partners such as Sprayground, Danielle Nicole, Loungefly, Accessory Innovations and Fast Forwardwill capture the on-court action of favorite Tunes on backpacks, court bags and more.

Fossil will release its exclusive Space Jam by Fossil capsule collection, featuring collectible accessories and a limited-edition box set jam-packed with beloved Tune Squad characters on July 7. Starring characters such as Bugs and Lola, the collaboration includes three collections with limited-edition watches, backpacks, small leather goods and more.

Check out digital watch faces and bands Mobyfox, a limited edition collection of watches by Undone, and more styles for the entire squad from Accutime. Whimsical bracelets from Alex and Ani put the Tune Squad on your wrist.

Caps, beanies, and other headwear will arrive courtesy of Junk Brands, Love Your Melon, Mitchell & Ness and New Era, while socks and hosiery will launch courtesy of Stance, Hypnotic Hats, Highpoint, Berkshire, and Rock Em’ Socks.

Sporting the Goods

Spalding, the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world, will continue its legacy of playing an integral role in growing basketball and culture by releasing a new merchandise line inspired by the family film. Spalding will release exclusive hoops and balls and other limited-edition merchandise, hitting U.S. and international retailers, Spalding.com and the Spalding App this June.

Meanwhile, in Home Goods, Franco will introduce movie-themed bedding with blankets, throws, comforters and more, while Hallmark, GeekiTikis and more will bring the Looney Tunes Squad to the kitchen and beyond.

General Mills, Kraft Heinz, McDonald’s, Ferrara Candy Company and more premier food and beverage partners will also join the roster, while in per products, BarkBox will will provide themed chew toys and plush squeak toys for animals.

The licensing roster is complete with more than 20 published titles, spanning movie tie-ins, readers, books and activity books from Penguin Random House, as well as colouring and activity books from Bendon, and fun novelty book formats from Phidal.

Finally, DC Publishing will launch a graphic novel adaptation of the animated/live action movie, written by Ivan Cohen (The Batman and Scooby-Doo Mysteries) alongside an all-star line up of artists. On sale 6/29 for $12.99. Available at major book retailers and participating comic book stores. Also available on Apple books and Amazon.

TOMY puts new Ricky Zoom toys into gear as kids’ series makes second season debut in the UK

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TOMY is preparing to launch its follow up master range of Ricky Zoom toys this year, as the popular preschool series revs itself up for its second season debut here in the UK.

First launched in July 2020 during what has been a challenging period for retail, Ricky Zoom toys have made a solid start and are set to launch more new lines throughout 2021. These include TOMY’s unique Wind & Launch assortment, a wheel launcher that will send Ricky’s red bike racing.

The launch will follow on from the top selling success of last year’s Speed & Stunt Ricky Zoom play-set, the third best-selling Ricky Zoom item overall at retail, and is already tipped to ‘be equally as popular.’

Fresh hype around the TOMY master toy line is expected to coincide with the second season debut in the UK of the CGI animation, as Hasbro and its global entertainment studio, Entertainment One, rev up for its launch on Nick Jr and Channel 5’s multi-platform preschool brand, Milkshake!

The CGI animated series follows Ricky, a speed loving little red rescue bike who enjoys to zoom around Wheelford. The show has already enjoyed a ‘strong success in the UK’ among its preschool audiences, while the brand has picked up a number of licensing partners lead by TOMY master toy range.

“We are thrilled to bring Ricky Zoom back to the number one channel for preschoolers in the UK with Milkshake! and Nick Jr.” said eOne’s Monica Candiani, EVP, content sales, family and brands.

“The show has had such strong success in the UK among young viewers, allowing us to secure a number of licensing partners across a variety of categories. We can’t wait for audiences to watch season two, which I am sure will deliver even more exciting all-bike adventures in the colourful world of Wheelford.”

Louise Bucknole, VP programming kids, ViacomCBS Network UK and Ireland, added: “We’re delighted to be welcoming back Ricky Zoom and his two-wheeled friends on Nick Jr. in June and and Milkshake! later in the year in the UK.

“It’s a fun and playful show which is a favourite among preschoolers, and we look forward to sharing their new adventures with our young viewers.”

Joining master toy partner TOMY on the growing licensee list is the likes of Penguin (story, activity, novelty books); Redan (magazines); Character World (bedding); MV Sports (wheeled toys); Ravensburger (puzzles and games); Cooneen (nightwear & socks); Blues (daywear); and Drew Pearson (accessories).

The supermarket giants have added Ricky Zoom into their preschool aisle following strong performance of the FSDU programme last Autumn/Winter. Other forthcoming toy highlights include the new interactive Maxwell’s Transforming Trailer Playset, which can be renovated into a mobile repair station and comes complete with both Maxwell and Ricky bikes.

Further product ranges from other licensees will roll out gradually throughout the year, bringing broader distribution.

Marketing activity has also been buoyant, with Ricky proving popular among parent influencers. A Dadsnet campaign to support Smyth’s Toys launch of the Speed & Stunt Play-set reached almost 408,000 via influencers and 558,000 via paid media, while a Ricky takeover on UKMums.TV hit almost 622,000 impressions, with a blogger reach of almost 296,000 and the site’s associated Twitter Frenzy reaching almost 392,000 unique accounts.

Green age waste ban | The Insights Family explores sustainability in the kids’ market

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This article appears in the Spring/Summer edition of ToyNews

With greater purchasing power comes greater social responsibility… or words to that effect. Undeniable though, is the increasing demand and interest in sustainability and eco-consciousness among target audiences. Here, The Insights Family’s founder, Nick Richardson explores the issue

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Figures from the latest Kids Insights data shows that over half of UK kids aged three to 12 have “a lot” of influence over the toy purchases their parents make. In addition to this, UK kids spend a collective £709m of their own money on toys and games in 2020.

However, children’s purchasing power has changed with growing interest in the environment.

Sustainability is becoming a way of life for many consumers as more people are choosing to buy greener, healthier, ethically sourced, and more environmentally sustainable products. Eco-friendly products accelerated their infiltration into toys in recent years and companies – the likes of Hasbro, LEGO, Mattel, MGA, Playmobil and Clementoni included – also understand that a clear and transparent environmental strategy can give them a competitive advantage while staying relevant.

This trend will increasingly affect families’ purchasing habits and toy brands are strongly recommended to emphasise their environment friendly credentials when planning their marketing campaigns.

The increasing penetration of smartphones and tablets among children is stimulating social activism while also driving eco-friendly product purchases. So-called ‘Greta effect’, named after Greta Thunberg following her “how dare you” speech at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit, raised the awareness further.

There is also a large eco-influence coming from parents. According to our Toys & Games Global Report 2020, over a third of UK pre-school parents think that it is important for their children to take care of the environment – a year-on-year increase of 56 per cent. Over a third of parents hope to teach their child to take care of the environment before they have even reached their fifth birthday.

Brands have already started to work on producing eco-friendly toys, or at least use more recyclable packaging. According to our Kids & Family Industry Report 2021, 69 per cent of toy companies believe they can make a difference in the sustainability sector.

As a good example, LEGO is another toy manufacturer which has made substantial progress and commitments to change by 2030. The company introduced reusable plastics for bricks and is said to be considering the idea of a LEGO subscription service. In an effort to improve the brand’s sustainability, a rental service could reduce the fossil fuels required to make LEGO, all while keeping eco-conscious parents happy. LEGO is also making a switch towards paper bags instead of single-use plastics.

Meanwhile, Mattel introduced its own MEGA Biobloks at 2020 Nuremberg Toy Fair with the aim of reaching its 100 per cent recycled materials goal by 2030. Likewise, Clementoni revealed its Baby range made from 100 per cent recycled materials in January 2020 as part of its own sustainability push.

The same with Amazon, the favourite online shop of two million kids aged three to nine in the UK, has revealed plans to roll out 500 electric delivery vans in the UK as part of their Climate Pledge. From manufacturing to distribution, there are opportunities for corporations to make improvements to their sustainability practices to engage sustainable consumers.


What does this mean to you?

Brands need sustainability to be incorporated into long-term business strategies, with public transparency and accountability surrounding these targets, to show their loyalty and awareness.

We believe the brands that will succeed at appealing to the sustainable consumer will be the ones who make it straight-forward and rewarding for customers to change the way they consume, purchase, or behave.

Children’s influence on their parents and brands continues to grow every day. Therefore, understanding what attitudes kids hold in real-time and how this affects their purchasing decisions is a critical advantage for brands.

With the purpose to provide children, parents, and families with a voice to shape their worlds, The Insights Family is highlighting why brands need to pay attention to trends like this and carefully reflect on consumers opinion.

The Insights Family® has released its Kids & Family Industry Report 2021 where we have shown how companies are also responding to societal needs, with 64 per cent reporting their business decisions will be affected by a drive towards sustainability.

To read the Kids & Family Industry Report 2021 and learn more about the attitudes, behaviour, and consumption patterns of kids, parents, and families, and to get freemium access to The Insights Family® real-time data portal, please visit: https://try.theinsightsfamily.com/toynews

The Insights Family (formerly The Insights People), is a global leader in kids, parents, and family market intelligence, providing real-time data on their attitudes, behaviour, and consumption patterns. Every year the company surveys more than 362,100 kids and more than 176,800 parents.

Hasbro and Gamepath release first details of the Monopoly: Lifesized attraction coming to London this summer

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Hasbro and Gamepath – a new division of Selladoor Worldwide – have released the first details of the Monopoly Lifesized experience – a new gameplay attraction due to open in London on August 14th this year.

The attraction will bring together the best of the iconic board game with escape room challenges and team co-operation for the ‘first of its kind in the world’ experience as players move around the board, participating in missions in order to acquire properties, earn money, and progress through the game.

Monopoly Lifesized is an immersive, on-your-feet version of the world’s favourite family game brand. Players will be able to experience the thrill of staging a heist in Mayfair, competing against the clock to build some of London’s most iconic buildings, or solve a baffling murder mystery.

The experience will be held at 213 – 215 Tottenham Court Road, a 22,000sq ft building over three floors in the West End. The building will house a retail outlet selling a range of Hasbro game merchandise, as well as The Top Hat – a Monopoly themed bar and restaurant serving signature cocktails and a British small plates menu.

Monopoly Lifesized will consist of a 75 minute gameplay segment on a 15 x 15m board, featuring eight properties, two Utility Companies, two Train Stations, Jail, Free Parking, Go, and Just Visiting. Each board can host between eight and 24 people split into four teams, all playing against each other.

Each team will have their own personal Monopoly token  – Scottie Dog, Boot, Racing Car, etc. – leading them around the game, taking scores, and giving hints where required. Each property square will have a full-sized location specific room behind it that players enter to participate in a challenge to ‘acquire’ that particular property.

The challenges will be a mixture of physical and mental puzzles and games that will test players’ skills and lateral thinking, and will be themed appropriately for the square, featuring either some historical or current day relationship with that part of London.

Monopoly: Lifesized will be created by a team drawn from across the immersive theatre, tech, and escape room worlds. Creative producers on the experience are Tom Beynon and Paul Mansfield, with set design by Tim McQuillen-Wright (designer for Secret Cinema experiences Stranger Things, Blade Runner, and Moulin Rouge) with costume design by Sarah Mercade, sound design by Luke Swaffield, and production management by Entourage.

Julia Posen, head of development at Gamepath, said: “Hasbro’s original board game continues to lead the market year in, year out and is loved globally by every generation that has grown up with the game. It has been an exciting journey to work with the talented Gamepath production team to bring this new experience to central London.

“We’re very excited as we know we have created something really special for people of all ages. When you step into the world we’re creating, we promise a dynamic, lively interactive experience and a great night out. Get ready for high risks and high rewards where there’s no ceiling to winning. As long as you can stay out of jail.”

David Hutchinson, CEO of Gamepath, added: “For us, Monopoly: Lifesized represents a major entry into a growing and exciting marketplace. Audiences want to consume live performance differently, and what better way than to jump into a lifesized version of the world’s favourite board game? Our creative team has been working their magic to fuse an experience that puts our audiences centre place on the board, and brings together our theatrical roots with innovative, digital and immersive storytelling.

“After everything we’ve missed out on individually and collectively and given the decimation of our high streets and city centres, it’s really exciting to be launching this now – we hope that we’ll be able to contribute to the recovery of Central London, and bring people back together in our fabulous Capital with a major new attraction in a major new destination building.”

Matt Proulx, vice president, Location Based Experiences at Hasbro said: “We are thrilled to be working with our best-in-class partners at Gamepath. Given its track record creating world class live performances, we believe that combining their skills along with our beloved Monopoly brand will create an exceptional, one-of-a-kind experience that truly brings the Monopoly game to life in a way only once imagined. We cannot wait for individuals of all ages to be able to once again get out and play together.”

The venue will be Covid-secure, adhering to all latest government guidelines, including one-way systems for the retail and food and beverage areas, hand sanitisers throughout the building, an enhanced deep cleaning regime, and with temperature checks undertaken for patrons and staff on arrival.

The capacity for each gameboard is limited to 24 maximum, and players are encouraged to form teams within their household bubbles. The producers will keep guidelines under constant review.

Fanattik partners with Hasbro to launch Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons gifts and collectables

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The pop culture gifting specialist, Fanattik, has signed a new partnership with Hasbro for its popular Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons franchises.

The team will work with the brands to develop pop culture focused gifts and collectables including money boxes, clocks, gifts, and more.

Both Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons have seen sales surge this past year, operating under the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment within Hasbro. The two franchises helped the global entertainment company to robust first quarter sales, contributing to a gaming category that totaled $365.3 million for Q1 2021.

Anthony Marks, MD or Fanattik, said: “Retailers have enjoyed strong sales with TCG related product created by Fanattik over the past two years, and they were asking us to replicate this success with other brands and we listened to them.

“You can’t get much bigger than Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons.”

The two tabletop gaming properties enjoy a fanbase of millions around the globe, with numbers growing and set to continue growing as Hasbro rolls out further product and brand extensions. With an upcoming Magic: The Gathering Netflix series, a live action Dungeons & Dragons film, and a raft of video games featuring both on the horizon, demand for product is tipped to swell.

“With sales related to both of these brands exploding in Europe, we would like to invite gift and toy retailers who are not already talking to Fanattik to contact myself to book a video appointment to learn more about both of these ranges,” said Luiz Ferreira, head of sales, Fanattik.

Ferriera can be contacted via luiz@fanattik.co.uk

Hasbro partners with Star Editions to launch online Personalised Monopoly shop

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Hasbro has struck up a new partnership with the personalised giftware specialist, Star Editions, to launch a new online shop for the family gaming brand, Monopoly. The new site has now launched to feature an extensive range of customisable, Monopoly-themed products.

Star Editions has created a bespoke, online shopping destination for Monopoly fans, featuring the property’s iconic colours, game pieces, and classic board design. Products include Personalised Art Prints, Mugs, Bags, Apparel, Homewares, Stationery, and even furniture.

Will Marston, CEO of Star Editions Ltd, said: “Working with Hasbro and the Monopoly brand has always been on our wishlist and I am thrilled to say that we have achieved that goal this year and are proudly launching www.PersonalisedMonopoly.com.

“Exclusive personalised and non-personalised gifts for Monopoly fans on a range of over 30 different product types. Together we have created some truly unique gifts which combine state of the art personalisation software and a ground-breaking product offering – raising the bar in online retailing.”

Hasbro teams with Robosen to launch world’s most advanced Transformers robot

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Hasbro has partnered with one of the leading companies in the field of robotics to launch the world’s most advanced and programmable robots to the market through the Transformers franchise.

Its partnership with Robosen Robotics has witnessed the creation of Transformers Optimus Prime Auto-Converting Programmable Advanced Robot – a collector’s edition that carries not only a $699 price tag, but the ability to convert from a vehicle to a robot, a walking function, and a race setting when in vehicle mode.

And that’s not all for this robot 11 years in the making. This is the first consumer robot that features comprehensive code development, and robot control by either voice or via mobile app.

‘Now together with Hasbro, Robosen will be able to provide an unparalleled interactive experience for the millions of fans of the Transformers franchise, with new products and collectibles being announced in the months to come,’ read a statement issued when the robotic was announced via Hasbro’s consumer facing platform, Hasbro Pulse.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Hasbro and look forward to ushering in a new standard of robotics with the most advanced Transformers robots for consumers ever created,” said Sean Tang, director of Robosen USA.

“The team is working hard to deliver an amazing user experience for fans of this esteemed franchise and produce Transformers that will be a premium addition to their collection with its superior functionality.”

Casey Collins, general manager and SVP, global consumer products, Hasbro, added: “We are equally excited about this collaboration. In our continued persistence to elevate branded play, Robosen’s advanced innovation within robotics, will allow our fans to bring their favorite Transformers characters to life in a way never achieved before within collectibles.”

Robosen Robotics’ cutting-edge technology in artificial joint driving algorithms and digital electric drive technology were on full display at last year’s CES when they debuted the T9, an advanced programmable robot that was an attendee favorite with numerous video posts on social media, as well as garnering top press placements in major worldwide news outlets.

All of the products and collectibles will be meticulously designed and crafted with state-of-the-art, high-grade metal alloy parts, combining a classic industrial design with the most cutting-edge robotic technology, while providing an ultimate entertaining experience filled with programming, and pure fun.

LEGO, Hasbro and Microsoft Xbox among second wave speakers at Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit

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The LEGO Group, Hasbro, and Microsoft Xbox have been unveiled among the second wave of speakers to take to the stage at this year’s Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit.

They will be joined by the likes of Revlon, Elizabeth Arden, Studiocanal, Chefclub, and Perry Ellis as well as the already announced BBC Studios and Asda for the three-day digital licensing event taking place from June 9th to 11th this year.

The LEGO Group’s Stephanie Freeman, global licensing manager – outbound, and Mark Bezodis, licensing managing director, Perry Ellis International will contribute to an opening day panel session called Brainstorming the future of licensing in retail and vice versa, alongside Penguin Random House and Licensing International MD, Graham Saltmarsh.

Day one of the event will focus on Trends and Retail and the five experienced panellists will cover questions being asked at retail right now, including:

  • Whether and how to pivot online
  • How stocking and selling licensed product could change in the future
  • The benefit of adapting to in-store experiential offerings
  • How to reinvigorate returning customers to bricks and mortar stores
  • The impact digital strategies are having on IP

Bezodis commented: “BL&IS is an important event for the licensing industry because, for many, it’s an opportunity to pause and listen to the pioneers of the industry and the only event which seems to have its finger on the pulse of all things licensing and retail.”

LEGO’s Freeman, added: “I am honoured to join a panel at B&LIS and provide my insights and experiences over my time in licensing and also during the last year. Touchpoints for people within the industry are essential during these times, to ensure we all keep connected and feel a sense of being part of a larger team, and I am looking forward to learning from fellow panellists and it will be great to engage with people I wouldn’t necessarily cross paths with.”

The second day of BL&IS will focus on sustainability and CSR with content curated by Products of Change and speakers from Hasbro, George at Asda, Lyfcycle, DNA Brands and Brands In Limited will address the damaging effects of the fashion industry on the planet, and how the industry is transitioning to a sustainable future.

John Friend, head of Halo and Xbox Consumer Products at Microsoft will join a day three panel alongside Difuzed head of gaming and esports Dan Amos and Scott Macrae, Asda’s new business and partnerships manager.

The summit’s third day takes a deep dive into content and digital transformation, and John Friend’s panel is called Next Level: Why Gaming and Esports is Dominating the Entertainment Leaderboard. He and his fellow panellists will help delegates to understand:

  • The types of games on the market and their relative franchise strength/accessibility to consumer products markets
  • The role of community and evangelism in gaming consumer products
  • Navigating rapid speed of consumption to capitalise on opportunity and maximise longevity
  • Tapping into the potential of streaming

BL&IS is a three-day virtual event that has been designed to help middle-management, business leaders and owners to navigate the changing retail, content and consumer landscape.

Online registration for the Brand & Licensing Innovation Summits is now open at www.brandlicensinginnovationsummit.com.

Early bird discounts of 30 per cent are available until 16 April. A three-day delegate pass at the early bird rate will cost just £175 (£158 for Licensing International members). Qualified retailers are invited to register for free.

Moonpig grows its kids’ gifting portfolio with LEGO partnership and ‘ambitious plans for more to come’

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The online gifting specialist, Moonpig has detailed its huge ambitions’ for its giftable kids range, growing its portfolio of toy partners and most recently welcoming LEGO into the fold.

The firm’s partnership with the LEGO Group marks a significant step forward for the company as well as ‘its biggest brand launch on its site to date.’ Until now, Moonpig has partnered with the likes of Playmobil, Hasbro, and Pokemon, but not launched a portfolio as large as its LEGO deal.

The partnership has been billed as ‘the first of more to come,’ as Moonpig outlines its vision to “become the ultimate gifting companion for customers.”

David Rimmer, commercial director of Moonpig, told Licensing.biz: “We have been a huge emphasis on bolstering our gifting offer. As part of this, we have brought on board a number of new toy brands recently, including Playmobil, Hasbro, and Pokemon and will continue to add beloved brands as we build our kids’ gifting and birthday ranges.”

The new LEGO range features 13 different themes with more than 50 products, spanning Duplo LEGO, LEGO Marvel, and LEGO Architecture.

Its licensed line up features the popular LEGO Harry Potter and LEGO Star Wars, while the top selling LEGO City and LEGO Friends also feature.

Moonpig launched the new brand with bespoke site looks – a dedicated landing page as well as content all around the site to showcase the extensive range, and has the ambition to grow the offer even further throughout the year.

Rimmer added: “We are very excited for Lego to join our offer as the latest addition. Our ambitions are huge for our kids range, so make sure to watch this space.”

The Moonpig business has been bolstering its expanding gifting offer with a long list of brands. In the past three months, Moonpig has introduced over 50 new brands across food, alcohol, beauty, home and toys, including Playmobil, Hasbro, and Pokemon.

Hasbro and Entertainment One unveil Peppa Pig content plans through to 2027

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Hasbro’s global content studio, Entertainment One, has outlined a new content plan for Peppa Pig, confirming that 104 new episodes have been given the go ahead for production.

The plans will ensure that a pipeline of fresh content of the popular pre-school IP will be in place through to 2027. The new epsidoe roll-out will bring the total number of Peppa Pig episodes to 485.

Animation studio Astley Baker Davies (ABD), the original creators of Peppa Pig, will work closely with eOne to transition creative production duties to the award-winning British animation studio Karrot, with Andrea Tran at the helm as director. The animation style, music and voice talent will remain unchanged.

“As demand for Peppa Pig remains as strong now as it’s ever been, we couldn’t be more excited to announce that additional new episodes are underway. In creating the global evergreen preschool series, Astley Baker Davies has achieved a rare, once in a generation success story,” said Rebecca Harvey, EVP global brand and marketing at eOne Family and Brands.

“The show’s enduring popularity is a tribute to their skill as storytellers and their dedication to the characters and their craft. We wish them every success as they embark on their next adventure.”

“We remain committed to producing fresh Peppa Pig content that will continue to resonate with each new generation and that will underpin the long-term future of the property. We are, therefore, delighted to welcome award-winning British animation studio, Karrot, who will honour all the elements of the show that make it beloved of families around the world.”

Neville Astley, Mark Baker, and Phil Davies of Astley Baker Davies, said: “Peppa Pig has been a huge part of our lives. It’s a source of great pride that it’s given joy to so many children for so many years.”

“Peppa will always be close to our hearts and we couldn’t be more pleased to be passing the torch to the extraordinarily talented team of artists at Karrot who will continue to deliver our adored Peppa to the world for many years to come.”

Key talent from ABD have been tapped to join Karrot, maintaining continuity and bringing valuable knowledge and experience of making the show over many years. This includes Phill Hall who joins as head writer, having co-written numerous episodes of Peppa Pig since 2007.

Founded in 2008, Karrot is a BAFTA and Emmy award-winning studio that has built an industry reputation and is best known for creating charming British animated series’ including Sarah & Duck.

Jamie Badminton, series producer at Karrot, said: “Peppa Pig has a charm and simplicity that is timeless and universal.  It’s a giant honour to be continuing the legacy that Astley Baker Davies has created. We will remain faithful to their vision and look forward to being part of Peppa Pig’s future, enduring success.”

eOne continues to drive growth for Peppa Pig with an investment in new content, fresh CP lines and wide-reaching brand marketing plans. Series nine kicks off this Spring with the new four-part US special which sees Peppa and family take a road trip around America followed by a further 22 new episodes that will roll out globally throughout 2021.

Inspired by these new episodes, the theme of ‘Peppa Adventures’ will extend into the exciting retail debut of the first global toy line from Hasbro.

 The brand’s digital footprint also continues to expand this year with the release of a second music album in July, new content on the official YouTube channel where Peppa Pig was ranked the number one most streamed kids show of any age in 2020 and new Audio Stories for families to enjoy on-the-go.

In the UK, a partnership between Peppa Pig and Team GB will leverage excitement around the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. More recently, plans for a brand new Peppa Pig theme park in Florida’s Legoland have just been announced to squeals of delight and the attraction is set to open its doors in 2022.