Tag Archives: news

The Laughing Cow partners with Iconospheric for gifts, prints, and apparel celebrating 100th anniversary

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The Laughing Cow has kicked off the New Year with a brand new collaboration with the popular prints and merchandise specialist, Iconospheric.

In a deal brokered by The Laughing Cow’s licensing agency, Pink Key Licensing, Iconospheric has launched a collection of gifts, homewares, prints, and more depicting the 100-year-old food brand. The current range from Iconospheric includes mounted prints, greeting cards, tote bags, mugs, and a range of apparel.

More than 30 SKUs make up a collection designed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Laughing Cow brand, drawing on the both its vintage and modern appeal with a mix of graphics.

Richard Pink at Pink Key Licensing, who brokered the partnership, said: “We couldn’t be happier about this new partnership. Iconesphric’s product quality is superb and its fantastic to have an all year round on-line destination for anyone who is fan of products carrying the beautiful Laughing Cow artwork.”

Global animation studio Snipple launches UK-based division Snipple Originals

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The global animation studio, Snipple, is to launch a new, UK-based internationally-focused division and team devoted to the development of long-form animated content for audiences around the globe.

Called Snipple Originals, the launch coincides with news that Snipple has secured a £6million investment from BGF – the UK’s most active investor – that will see it take a minority share in the business as it fuels its global growth.

Under the leadership of London-based CEO, Kaine Patel along with co- founders, studio director Jonathan Tinsay and creative director Romy Gacia, Philippines-based Snipple Animation has worked with some of the biggest broadcast networks globally, including the likes of Warner Bros., Disney, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, and more.

Its portfolio of animation work boasts some of the world’s best loved evergreens such as Where’s Waldo? Dora And Friends: Into the City! Animaniacs, Green Eggs and Ham, Ducktales, Be Cool Scooby Doo, Phineas and Ferb, and more.

The company is now realising its ambition to launch an original production arm, drawing on its wealth of knowledge, talent and expertise. As well as its close relationships with global broadcasters and in-depth understanding of what they look for.

The operation will be led by award winning producer Karina Stanford-Smith, appointed as animation development director. Karina’s 30 years’ experience includes working with industry giants Disney, Nickelodeon, Amazon, CBBC, CITV, Zodiak Kids, Milkshake and The Jim Henson Company. She will report directly to Kaine Patel.

Meanwhile, the award-winning Vincent James has been appointed as creative director. His experience includes BBC, Nickelodeon, ITV, Children’s TV Workshop and Dreamworks. Simon Godfrey joins as Creative Development Producer, having worked with companies including Amazon, Coolabi, The Jim Henson company and Zodiak Kids.

Snipple Originals is open for business and ready to present its first content slate of five shows to potential broadcasters, streamers and IP partners.

The slate kicks off with Peeled Prawn & Shaved Sheep, a comedy action adventure series aimed at six to 12 year olds starring a sheep and prawn combo who join forces to fight crime. It is joined by Snö, a magical adventure series for four to seven-year-olds set in the far far North.

Cassidy’s Castle is a metaphysical mystery series for six to 12-year-olds about dreams, doors and destiny, while Wise Island Woohoos is an environmental edu-tainment series aimed at three to six-year-olds. Finally, Trippin’ is an over 18s comedy series based around a high octane and extremely offensive US road trip.

Karina Stanford-Smith, said: “It is so exciting to draw on the huge talent and expertise of Snipple and to have the freedom to create and develop home grown ideas. We have the perfect team in place to produce high-quality global hits that audiences will love.

“The Snipple Originals development team have been working together for 30 years in various guises. We have a chemistry that has allowed us to hit the ground running; now bringing a varied slate of projects to the table.”

Snipple Group CEO, Kaine Patel, added: “It has been a dream for me to expand Snipple into the world of original content. It’s the perfect expression of our creativity and heritage as a studio. Animation is really having a moment right now and I can’t wait to start talking to potential broadcast partners and bring them on our journey.”

British textile brand Emily Burningham lands nightwear deal with Japan’s Wacoal

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The British textile brand, Emily Burningham, has struck a new deal with the Japanese manufacturer Wacoal to launch a new collection of nightwear products across the region.

The programme – developed in conjunction with the licensing agency Cosmo Merchandising – adds to an existing range of ceramics, textiles, and stationery products that is already available across Japan.

Cosmo Merchandising has been working in Japan to develop a licensing programme for the Emily Burningham brand, signing partners across a wealth of categories. 

The new nightwear collection has already been well received, especially in the Department Store sector, with elegant displays featuring at the Isetan Group store in Tokyo.

“We are very excited about the opportunities that this new development can help to create both in Japan and here in the UK,” said Shaun Kelly, brand consultant at Cosmo Merchandising.

The Emily Burningham studio aims to create sophisticated print designs. In the UK, the studio manufactures a range of wallpaper and textiles for soft furnishings and light upholstery.

“I am delighted to have Wacoal as a new partner in Japan,” said Burningham. “The quality of this collection is very high and I am sure it will appeal to the discerning Japanese consumer.”

Hasbro celebrates ten years of Peppa Pig in the US with new content, toys, and consumer products

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Marking one whole decade since Peppa Pig first set trotters down on US soil, Hasbro has detailed a programme of 10th anniversary activity, including a year-long pipeline of new content, a new Hasbro toy line, and a roster of marketing activations, brand collaborations, and promotions.

Marking ten years since the pre-school series first aired on the Nick Jr. channel in the US, the anniversary celebrations will kick off on March 1st with Best Of episodes of Peppa Pig airing Monday to Thursday on Nickelodeon. The week will conclude Friday, March 5th with a new four-part special from series nine.

New product launches for the US market will include a collaboration with Reebok and the launch of a limited edition Reebok x Peppa collection featuring five unique footwear skus for toddlers and pre-schoolers. Meanwhile, Hunter will debut a new collection in autumn for the back-to-school season, following on from its success of its Peppa Pig boots, outerwear and accessories.

These latest deals follow close behind a recent partnership with Urban Outfitters in the US for the brand’s first teen collection of apparel and accessories which featured artwork from Peppa’s debut music album release.

Four new publishing titles inspired by the US special episodes will also be released in summer 2021. Book title formats will include pop-up, sticker and story books featuring iconic Amercan locations.

“We’re incredibly excited to be celebrating 10 years of Peppa Pig in the US,” said Hasbro’s Joan Grasso, vice president of consumer products for North America.

“Reaching this milestone cements Peppa’s evergreen status and unlocks some exciting opportunities with new trend led partners targeting multiple demographics that reflect the maturity of the brand.”

The anniversary will also be celebrated with the release of a frozen yogurt flavor, tea-times with fans and expanded charity initiatives including National Jump in Muddy Puddles Day on April 1st, Peppa Pig Birthday Parties and Playdates with The Little Gym and a year-long campaign with The Muddy Puddles Project, including the brilliant event, Mess Fest.

The Hairy Bikers cook up new kitchenware ecommerce platform with Visualsoft

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The Hairy Bikers brand is cooking up new plans for the ecommerce space through a partnership between Eurosonic Group – a UK-based specialist in homeware and kitchenware – and the ecommerce experts, Visualsoft. The partnership will see the launch of a new Hairy Bikers World ecommerce platform.

Under the partnership, Visualsoft will develop the Hairy Bikers Kitchenware ecommerce website, which will be the source of all official Hairy Bikers Kitchenware merchandise. Experienced chefs and fans alike will be able to purchase a variety of cookbooks, pots and pans, stoneware, and other kitchenware.

Eurosonic Group’s partnership with Visualsoft will allow the brand to tap into the ecommerce agency’s more than 20 years of industry expertise to allow the business to evolve, expand and trade in areas beyond its current reach.

The Hairy Biker’s Kitchenware website will receive Professional Optimum level support, along with multi-channel marketing support including Paid Search, Email Marketing and Social Media, along with hosting and maintenance.

Oliver Homshaw, ecommerce manager at Eurosonic Group, stated: “Visualsoft’s experience and track record in ecommerce was exactly what we were looking for. Along with this, their intuitive platform and the ability to access their team of experts in all fields of ecommerce made this a no brainer for us.

“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Visualsoft for the Hairy Bikers Kitchenware site. Their team really understood our vision for the site and they have been hugely supportive during the launch. We see Visualsoft as a long term partner for us and look forward to working with them for the years to come.”

The website will also be adorned with features to help the brand achieve their growth objectives. Capabilities such as autocomplete and voice search will enhance user experience on the website, and features such as visual merchandising, product upselling and add to wishlist will help the brand increase conversion rates, encourage sales and increase eCommerce revenue.

On the launch of the website, Hairy Biker, Dave Myers, said: “We are so excited about the launch of our Kitchenware website. It is a culmination of several years of work to create a one stop shop for our kitchenware. The colours on our stoneware we love – and the practicality of our new pans. The quality is great, we use them in our own kitchens and we believe them to be great value for money.

“When we write a book we create recipes that we want to use ourselves, it is the same ethos with our kitchenware range. Now we have a shop window for this, it’s great.”

Reebok teams with Universal Brand Development to launch Kung Fu Panda footwear and apparel line up

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Reebok has partnered with DreamWorks Animation and Universal Brand Development to unveil its new Kung Fu Panda full-family footwear and apparel collection. Celebrating the hit franchise, the collection if available globally from Reebok’s online platform by January 8th.

The range will then be made available through wider roll-out in time for Lunar New Year on January 15th.

Each of the Reebok x Kung Fu Panda collection’s key footwear model will embodie unique themes from the franchise, its hero Po, and the styles and teachings of the supporting cast.

Instapump Fury Dragon Warrior embodies Po’s evolution from Panda to Dragon Warrior. Prominent features include a furry suede upper with dragon graphic, a textile Pump bladder, a collar lining that ties back to his belt and waist band, and a sockliner that pays homage to fortune cookies and Po’s journey to becoming a kung fu master.

Meanwhile, the Club C Master Your Style model brings together each of the film’s six Kung Fu Masters’ unique wardrobes via a tapestry of materials and colours, while Club C Calling All Zodiacs celebrates the unique ideologies and mentalities of each of the film’s seven Kung Fu Masters: Po, Tigress, Monkey, Crane, Viper, Mantis, and Shifu.

Finally, the Zig Kinetica Master of Tai Chi model celebrates the Soul – a key theme for Lunar New Year – encouraging wearers to believe in themselves and to trust their inner spirit.

Complementing the robust footwear lineup and enabling fans to fully master their own style, the Reebok x Kung Fu Panda collection offers a full range of complementary apparel including hoodies, crew sweaters, short sleeve tees and sweatpants honoring Po’s journey to become the Dragon Warrior.

Finally, in true Reebok fashion, fans will receive footwear in elevated Lunar New Year-inspired packaging. The box’s red top symbolizes the red envelopes exchanged at holiday celebrations, while the base presents an action-packed graphic mashup bringing together themes from the Kung Fu Panda franchise.

Inside, fans will find product wrapped in tissue paper that nods to Po’s apprenticeship at his father’s noodle shop, but more literally provides a restaurant-style menu of Reebok x Kung Fu Panda footwear offerings.

Ragdoll Productions signs CAKE as global distributor for new pre-school series B.O.T. and the Beasties

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Kids’ entertainment specialist, CAKE, has signed a deal with the award-winning production company, Ragdoll Productions, to distribute its new pre-school 2D animated series, B.O.T. and the Beasties.

B.O.T. and the Beasties has been developed by Anne Wood (creator of Teletubbies, In the Night Garden, and Twirlywoos) and will premiere on CBeebies on January 11th this year. CAKE will handle the worldwide distribution rights, excluding the UK.

Brands With Influence has already been appointed as the property’s global licensing agency.

B.O.T. and the Beasties introduces pre-schoolers to the comic adventures and misadventures of a loveable robot called B.O.T. (Beastie Observation Transmitter) as he discovers new worlds and an assortment of bizarre beasties that inhabit them. B.O.T. must collect data on the comically unpredictable beasties.

Ed Galton, CCO and managing director at CAKE, said: “Ragdoll’s reputation for producing high calibre IP’s with proven global appeal is unprecedented in the preschool space and we are thrilled to be working with them on B.O.T. and the Beasties.”

Anne Wood, founder and creative director Ragdoll Productions Limited, added: “It has been the greatest fun and privilege to work with a new young team of animators to bring to life so many comic characters. We are delighted to have CAKE as our partner to launch this new series originated by the experienced team of Joel Stewart and Steve Roberts.”

Joe Boxer readies for US re-launch with Iconix Brand Group and PPI Apparel

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Iconix Brand Group has signed a new five-year licensing agreement with PPI Apparel Group to be the new exclusive underwear and sleepwear licensee for a re-launch of the Joe Boxer brand across the US. PPI Apparel will design and manufacture Joe Boxer underwear, intimates, loungewear, and sleepwear for men, women, and children.

The first Joe Boxer collection from PPl Apparel Group will make its exciting debut for the Spring 2021 season. The new line will reflect the Joe Boxer brand’s goal to make everyday fun and everyone smile.

Made to embody the energy and quirkiness that the Joe Boxer brand is well known for, the new underwear assortment includes well priced basics in an array of solids, prints and patterns with imaginative concepts.

“We chose to partner Joe Boxer with PPl Apparel Group because of their deep expertise and capabilities in the underwear and sleepwear category,” said Bob Galvin, chief executive officer and president at Iconix Brand Group, Inc. “We look forward to collaborating with Panties Plus Inc. on developing and growing Joe Boxer’s offering.”

The new collection of Joe Boxer underwear for the family will be the first category to launch at Department Stores and Online Specialty destinations, with planned expanded distribution in Q3 of 2021. PPl Apparel Group will continue to roll out Kids sleepwear and loungewear assortments for the 2021 back to school and holiday seasons.

Abe Hanan CEO of PPI Apparel Group, added: “As a company that manufactures over a dozen different licensed brands we are honored and excited to partner with Iconix in the relaunch of this consumer brand.

“It is not often in licensing that you have the opportunity to work with a brand that’s DNA is our product category expertise. When you think of the world and heritage of Joe Boxer you think of Underwear and Loungewear.”

Joe Boxer is one of almost 30 consumer brands owned by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. The brand management company owns, licenses and markets its brands through a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution in both the U.S. and worldwide.

Nickelodeon teams with the NFL and King Saladeen for SpongeBob SquarePants Junk Food clothing range

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ViacomCBS Consumer Products has struck up a new partnership with the NFL and Junk Food Clothing to launch an NFL x SpongeBob SquarePants Junk Food Collection by King Saladeen. The collection will feature apparel designed by the popular Philadelphia artist, King Saladeen.

Launching today, the collection of styles includes short sleeve t-shirts and hooded fleeces for adults and children by King Saladeen, inspired by the popular animated duo, SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star with designs and logos of the NFL and its clubs.

The launch arrives in support of the special slime-filled presentation of the NFL Wild Card Game on Nickelodeon, airing Sunday, January 10th.

“We are thrilled to produce a collection of apparel in partnership with Nickelodeon, Junk Food Clothing and King Saladeen,” said Rhiannon Madden, VP of consumer products, NFL. “The collection showcases a unique combination of styles and inspirations that will surely excite fans of all ages ahead of the NFL Wild Card Game on Nickelodeon.”

Jose Castro, senior vice president, licensing collaborations and specialty retail, ViacomCBS, added: “The partnership between the NFL, SpongeBob SquarePants, Junk Food and King Saladeen represents the best in fan culture.

“The collection channels the fun, frenetic and fantastical feelings when art, sports and pop culture collide.”

King Saladeen, said: “This collaboration is the perfect mix of Art & Sports to start a brand-new fan in both worlds. They both teach patience and Teamwork while having fun; Every kid needs to experience that. Hopefully this sparks a new level of creativity for the next generation.”

The collection is now available at NFLShop.com, SpongeBobShop.com, Fanatics.com, JunkfoodClothing.com, participating Lid’s stores, and King Saladeen’s online store.

Asmodee to launch PAW Patrol, Pixar, Marvel, and Minions licensed Dobble

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Asmodee is launching four new licensed editions of its hit speed observation game Dobble this year thanks to a slew of partnerships with PAW Patrol, Pixar, Marvel, and Minions.

Dobble, a game in which players must spot a single matching image between two cards, has grown into a national phenomenon in recent years, becoming the UK’s best-selling game of 2018 and 2019 per NPD Group data.

The game has made a success of previously launched licensed editions through partnerships with The Gruffalo, LOL Surprise, and Harry Potter. In fact, it’s according to Asmodee that the Harry Potter edition practically flew off the shelves throughout 2019.

Beginning with Dobble Pixar, the four new games will be released across 2021, offering new opportunities for fans of each property to find a new way to enjoy the fast-playing game of Dobble.

“Dobble is a game whose format lends itself very well to great licensing crossovers, which we’ve already seen with the phenomenal success of the likes of Harry Potter Dobble,” said Anil Boodhoo, Asmodee UK’s national channel director.

“We’re excited to be partnering with four iconic brands on an ambitious release schedule as we continue to take Dobble from strength to strength.”

Retailers will be able to get an up-close look at these new editions, as well as find out what else is next for the Dobble brand and discover other major new additions to the Asmodee catalogue, at the third edition of AsmoFair – Asmodee’s own virtual trade show.

Running from January 17 to 23rd 2021, the event now features a 360-degree virtual tour of a fully built show stand that brings attendees even closer to the feel of an in-person show. With weekend and evening meeting slots available, retailers can head to asmofair.co.uk for more information or to book a meeting.