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Cannabis brand Old Pal moves into beer brewing with the launch of Old Pal Ale

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One of the top-selling names in the cannabis lifestyle space, Old Pal, has detailed the launch of Old Pal Ale, a new beverage extension that aims to celebrate the message of ‘sharing’ that has become synonymous with the Old Pal name.

Brewed in small batches, Old Pal Ale takes its ethos from the core lifestyle message of Old Pal’s shareable cannabis products developed under the Old Pal Provisions name that ‘encourage community and connection.’

Old Pal is joining a growing number of cross-pollination projects between the cannabis and brewing industry, something that has recently been heightened via the global cannabis market leader Aphria and its acquisition of Sweetwater Brewing.

Old Pal Ale is a traditional ale that does not include THC or CBD, it’s simply brewed to be beer.

“If 2020 has shown us anything, it’s that we all need to find ways to create shareable experiences with our friends and community, so we worked to create OPA to give our community another way to come together,” said Charlie Cangialosi, Old Pal’s COO and former Anheuser-Busch InBev executive.

‘The Old Pal community has come to enjoy relatable, consistent strains and enjoyable smokable products so in a similar spirit, Old Pal Ale is a light and refreshing ale with a soft malt sweetness and a touch of hops,’ read a statement from the company.

‘It’s light and drinkable but boasts a complex taste with notes of sweet citrus, honey, floral and ripe berry.’

The can itself has been designed by Old Pal’s creative partner, LAND who has defined a look for other recognizable brands in the beverage space like Stumptown Coffee and Madre Mezcal.

The announcement comes shortly after news of the growth of the Old Pal Brand into Oklahoma marking the fourth state where Old Pal cannabis products can be found.

“With this and the further recognition of the Old Pal look nationwide, Old Pal Ale ditches gimmicks seen in the beverage industry and instead expands on the idea that like cannabis, beer brings people together to bond over a beverage, especially at a time when we’re sticking to small groups of friends and family to weather the pandemic,” concluded the company.

WildBrain partners with Samsung to launch new kids’ and teen channels featuring its hit series

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WildBrain has forged a partnership with Samsung to launch multiple new kids’ and teen channels featuring a range of series from its content library on Samsung TV Plus, a free ad-supported video service distributed exclusively on Samsung smart TVs.

The first new linear channels have now launched to millions of Samsung users, with “Caillou and Friends” in Spain and France and “Teletubbies and Friends” in Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

This initial launch will be followed in spring and summer 2021 by Degrassi channels for teens in the US and Canada, plus additional kids’ channels across European territories featuring Strawberry Shortcake, Bob the Builder and other favourite series from WildBrain’s library.

The partnership with Samsung represents the first time WildBrain has launched ad-supported linear channels on a connected-TV service in Europe and comes as new research shows smart TVs and ad-supported video streaming have become favourite viewing options in both US and European homes.

The recent nScreenMedia report “Making Screen Time Family Time”, which was sponsored by WildBrain Spark, found that 62 per cent of 3,000 US parents surveyed choose smart TVs as the most popular devices for co-viewing with children in the home.

75 per cent watch content with their children several times a week or more, and 90 per cent said ad-supported video is an important entertainment source for their children.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s “Behind the Screens” report on accelerating viewership trends found that ad-supported video-on-demand consumption grew by 29 per cent since January 2020 across over 30 million Samsung smart TVs in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Samsung is the clear leader in global smart TV sales, with over 14 million units sold in Q3 2020, almost double their nearest competitor, according to market research firm Trendforce.

“All indicators show that connected TVs are the new choice for home viewing and that families are increasingly turning to ad-supported video services on this platform as a source of quality entertainment,” said Deirdre Brennan, EVP, content partnerships at WildBrain.

“Through this exciting partnership with Samsung TV Plus we will offer distinct channels that draw on WildBrain’s deep content library, allowing us to share iconic shows like Teletubbies, Caillou, Strawberry Shortcake and Degrassi with millions of families across North America and Europe.”

Asmodee partners with Blok.Party to bring CATAN to its digital tabletop device TapTop

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Asmodee Entertainment is embarking on a new partnership with the social gaming platform, Blok Party, to bring the wildly popular board game title CATAN to its TapTop digital tabletop device in 2021.

TapTop is a tabletop device that allows players to engage with digital versions of popular physical tabletop games, including other Asmodee titles such as Ticket to Ride, Splendor, and Codenames. The device also enables players to create their own tabletop games and card games, as well as interact with NFC figures such as LEGO Dimenstions, Nintendo’s Amiibo, or even Skylanders.

“I started in the video game industry in 1984 and have watched Catan take its place alongside the board game legends over the past 30 years,” said Gilman Louie, partner at Alsop Louie Partners, the lead investor in Blok Party. “Catan proves the value of having a social platform for board games, interacting with other players, making it easier to set up and play games, and allowing the game to merge digital and physical interactions through game play. This is a great partnership for both companies.” 

Since its creation in 1995 by Klaus Teuber, CATAN and its many expansions have sold more than 32 million games around the world. The game is published in more than 40 languages and is sold in more than 70 territories. As the world’s pre-eminent boardgame, CATAN is a truly global phenomenon and enjoys growing success in the digital, lifestyle and entertainment categories through Asmodee’s carefully curated deals.  

“CATAN has long been one of the premier board games so a partnership with the premier digital tabletop gaming platform is a natural fit,” added Christian Dunn, interactive licensing manager at Asmodee Entertainment. “Blok Party’s ambition matches our own and this deal is the first of several over the coming months as many great Asmodee titles will be coming to TapTop in 2021 and beyond.”

CATAN arrives on TapTop devices in early 2021, with more details expected soon.

The Emoji Company details new Streetwear fashion collabs and Brazilian Cheese Bread restaurants

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The Emoji Company has secured a slew of recent partnerships across both the global fashion and food and beverage markets, including a new deal with the premium streetwear brand Wicked Fashions Inc, and the famous Brazilian Cheese Bread restaurants, Rei do Mate.

Wicked Fashions Inc has teamed with Emoji to create a signature streetwear collection under its Southpole, Lockedt29, and WT02 clothing lines. The fashion line aims to combine the Emoji brand’s expressive icons with Southpole’s athleisure styles and will feature hoodies, jeans, shirts, and sweatpants.

The first collection is set to launch Holiday 2020. The partnership was brokered by Retail Monster, LLC., the emoji company’s North American Licensing Agent. 

“We are excited to enter into a groundbreaking collaboration with an established leader of the streetwear industry in the US,” said Marco Hüsges, CEO and founder, the emoji company. 

Meanwhile, over on the Brazilian Cheese Bread restaurant scene, and Emoji has now detailed a new partnership with Rei do Mate in a move that will see the franchise develop a set of collectable cups featuring designs from the Emoji by Britto collaboration.

Thanks to a deal brokered by Lotus Global, customers buying the 18 cheese bread combo can take home one of the exclusive Emoji by Britto collectable cups. The promotion will run across 300 of Rei do Mate’s stores, as well as on its online platforms that offer delivery service.

“We are thrilled about the launch of this promotion that will truly entertain Brazilian people during the Xmas season,” said Hüsges. “This partnership is the perfect symbiosis of our partnership with famous artist Romero Britto and we are proud to be working with Rei do Mate again for the Brazilian territory.”

Spread Group expands its partnership with Warner Bros for new licenses and markets

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Spread Group – the firm formerly known as Spreadshirt – has expanded its partnership with Warner Bros to bring 14 of its brands including Harry Potter, Batman, and Friends, to new target markets in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.

The latest development is an extension of a European partnership that has existed between Spread Group and Warner Bros since 2012. Over the past eight years, Spread Group has developed more than 1,700 designs with popular Warner Bros. heroes and symbols across Germany, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

The Warner Bros. brands are among some of the best-sellers on these European Spreadshirt marketplaces.

“We are excited about the opportunity to use our know-how to launch into new markets and to strategically develop our partnership with Warner Bros. In doing so, we will cover design, marketing and production, to the web presence on our Spreadshirt marketplace, as well as on Amazon and eBay – according to our 360-degree approach,” said Ann-Katrin Hager, head of licensing Europe of Spread Group.

The licensing deal will make Warner Bros. will one of Spread Group’s largest partners. It will offer over 1,000 Warner designs on the Spreadshirt marketplaces in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia as well as 1,500 item positions on Amazon.com.

Hyve Group reveals dates for the all-virtual Spring Fair @ Home 2021

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Hyve Group has confirmed the dates of its Spring Fair @ Home virtual event, an all-digital show that will take the place of the in-person Spring Fair 2021 that was cancelled last month over the continued uncertainty surrounding covid-19 restrictions.

Running from February 8th to 10th, Spring Fair @ Home has been designed to ‘bring the industry together, even when we remain apart’ by providing a hub for industry professionals in the UK and around the world.

Bringing together the key elements of what makes the show, Spring Fair @ Home will provide key industry insights, as well as a first-hand look at the latest products, trends and collections. Among the exhibitor line up are names such as Coach House, Puckator, Moulin Roty, Paper Salad, T & G Woodware, and Alexander Thurlow.

Julie Driscoll, managing director for Hyve’s retail portfolio, said: “We are delighted to be offering a digital platform for the Spring Fair community this February. Whilst we are working hard towards the return of our physical events, I am so proud that the team have been able to develop a virtual offering that has proved so valuable to both retailers and brands during such a challenging time for retail both here in the UK and abroad.”

Spring Fair exhibitor Steve Cox, UK sales director at Keel Toys, said: “Spring Fair is undoubtedly the most important fair of the year for Keel Toys. At the start of 2021 we all need to get creative to meet with all our key buyers effectively with the lack of physical shows. The Spring Fair Virtual show will be an important part of our mix to present the new ranges for 2021.”

An exclusive content programme will provide access to of-the-minute industry intel, trend insights, peer-to-peer panel sessions, and more.

Dedicated Virtual Showrooms will also provide buyers with an easy and accessible way to discover new brands and see what their current partners have to offer. The Virtual Showroom will provide carefully curated brand line-ups on the Spring Fair website. Dynamic profile will allow brands and designers to put their best virtual foot forward, with capabilities to host videos, lookbooks, brand imagery and more.

Spring Fair @ Home will also see the return of the Product Showcase concept. Giving brands the opportunity to take buyers on showroom tours, or simply talk through their latest collection, the Product Showcase offers exhibitors the chance to submit a five-minute video to be shown to buyers during a sector-specific time slot.

Spring Fair @ Home is open to all buyers and takes place on 8th – 10th February 2021.

CoComelon passes 100 million YouTube subscribers, 100 billion views and sees ‘sell-out success’ of Jazwares toy line

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Moonbug Entertainment has hit several record-breaking milestones for its wildly popular CoComelon brand having surpassed 100 million subscribers on YouTube and clocked nearly 100 billion views on the social media platform.

According to Forbes, CoComelon has also just broken records on Netflix where it pre-school series debuted on June 1 this year and, as of December 5th, made 100 consecutive appearances on the Top 10 in the US, outpacing all content categories for both kids’ and adult programming.

The new records have been set all within what has been earmarked by Moonbug Entertainment ‘as an unprecedented year of growth for the brand.’

“The brand ethos of CoComelon is simple: make kids happy and smart through fun and relatable content. That’s been our brand’s mission since creation, which is why CoComelon has not only remained a family favorite but has seen such exponential growth,” said Patrick Reese, general manager at Moonbug, CoComelon.

“Our content speaks to children through relatability and the age-appropriate nature of the show keeps them entertained and parents relieved.”

In addition to on-screen popularity, the CoComelon toy line with consumer products leader Jazwares has reportedly ‘been flying off the shelves.’

Moonbug and Jazwares have been working with retailers including Amazon, Target and Walmart to replenish stock so parents can access the products. The line features characters and items inspired by the show and includes a wide array of categories, such as plush, vehicles, figurines and role play.

“JJ, his friends and family have been a bright light for children since the brand’s inception,” added René Rechtman, co-founder and CEO, Moonbug. “As kids across the globe look to CoComelon for relatable content, we’re continuing to grow the show. This is just the beginning of the brand’s global growth as we work to expand the franchise both on and off the screen.”

CoComelon teaches children how to take on everyday activities and role models positive behavior with a sense of enthusiasm. Kids can easily relate to the universal themes and everyday narratives such as eating your vegetables, learning to tie your shoes and getting ready for bed.

With its bright and bold colors and cheerful nursery rhymes and phrases, CoComelon attracts children aged one to four to sing and dance along with Baby JJ and his siblings as they learn letters, numbers, animal sounds, colors and more.

CoComelon is available on all major platforms including Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, Roku and Netflix.

Spin Master establishes three creative centres and names Max Rangel its incoming global president and CEO

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Major shifts at the global children’s entertainment company, Spin Master, have seen the appointment of Max Rangel to the role of global president effective January 2021 and CEO, a role he will take on from April 2021.

The company has also revealed the establishment of three creative centres comprising Toys, Entertainment and Digital Games.

Rangel’s appointment has been made as Spin Master’s co-founders and current co-CEOs, Ronnen Harary and Anton Rabie prepare to transition out of their positions to take up their leadership roles on the Board. Harary will continue to guide the growth of the digital games and creative centre, while Rabie will continue to provide input on Spin Master’s global culture.

Both Harary and Rabie will remain involved in business development and all mergers and acquisition activity at the company.

Rangel is a seasoned executive who brings extensive experience in leading consumer-focused and high performing teams, developing innovative marketing and brand management programs and managing complex operations. Most recently, he held progressive positions with SC Johnson & Sons serving as SVP, president of lifestyle brands in international markets and SVP, president, Asia Pacific, Africa, Middle East and Russia regions.

Prior to this, Rangel spent 22 years at Procter and Gamble and over three years at The Hershey Company.

Spin Master also detailed its plan for executive leadership development. The company has established three creative centres comprising Toys, Entertainment and Digital Games.

Chris Beardall, a toy-industry veteran with over 20 years at Spin Master, who is currently executive vice president of global sales, will be appointed president, Spin Master Toys, overseeing the toy creative centre. Beardall will champion profitable growth across the entire toy portfolio.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Dodge, an entertainment-industry veteran, who has been with Spin Master for 12 years and who is currently executive vice president, Entertainment, will be appointed president, Spin Master Entertainment. Dodge will oversee all aspects of the company’s entertainment creative centre from franchise growth through to content development, production and distribution globally.

Fredrik Loving, a digital games industry expert who previously held leadership positions at Electronic Arts and other leading digital games companies and who recently joined Spin Master as executive vice president, Digital Studios, will be appointed president, Spin Master Digital Games. In this new role based in Sweden, Loving will oversee Spin Master’s digital games creative centre from managing game development at Toca Boca’s and Sago Mini’s Stockholm and Toronto studios, through to sales and platform growth.

“Since founding Spin Master together more than 26 years ago, we’ve grown from a single, item-driven business to a leading global children’s entertainment company with three thriving creative centres in toys, entertainment and digital games,” said Harary.

“With a well-defined long-term vision and a strong executive management team in place, we believe the time is right to transition Spin Master beyond its founders on a day to day operating level. This natural transition will allow Anton and I to emphasize our strategic roles where we can focus our efforts on shepherding Spin Master’s course for the future.”

Spin Master’s third co-founder Ben Varadi will continue in his role as chief creative officer supporting all three creative centres and will remain on Spin Master’s Board.

“As we take the next step in the evolution of Spin Master, we’ve assembled an exceptional global team poised to deliver on our long-term vision,” said Rabie.

“Max is an extraordinary business leader with a tremendous track record of leading global teams and harnessing the full potential of individuals to achieve outstanding results. Collectively, we will continue to nurture a culture where innovation drives growth and where we continue to deliver the most imaginative experiences for kids and families around the world.”

Acamar Films ‘fortifies direct to consumer relationships’ with first Bing ecommerce store launch

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Acamar Films has launched its first e-commerce store its multi award-winning pre-school series, Bing, in a keen move to fortify the company’s direct to consumer relationships.

Developed in partnership with Event Merchandising, a specialist in managing and building licensed e-commerce stores, the new online retail hub is a one-stop-shop for all things Bing and is initially launching in the UK.

The Bing Store range includes new and exclusive personalised product across apparel, gifts and homeware categories, alongside a selection of toys, books, dress up, clothing and party accessories from existing licensing partners. Seasonal lines will be added to the store to delight returning visitors.

Acamar Films has recognised both the importance and value of effective e-commerce, particularly following this year’s unprecedented events, and has focused on digital development to meet the significant appetite for Bing.

Louise Simmonds, head of UK licensing and merchandising at Acamar Films, said: “It is hugely exciting to see The Bing Store launch in the UK where grown-ups and Bingsters can find Bing product all in one place. The development and launch of our new e-commerce site demonstrates our deep commitment to digital growth and the importance of having a direct dialogue with our audience.”

Acamar Films strategically launched The Bing Store ahead of Christmas to leverage the peak trading period. According to the firm, early results have been impressive with thousands of fans visiting the store in the opening week, demonstrating that this timely release is the perfect way for Bingsters to celebrate this festive season with Team Bing.

Poetic Brands to launch Brambly Hedge baby clothing and accessories range

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The apparel licensee Poetic Brands has signed on to create a range of baby clothing and accessories based on the heritage children’s publishing property, Brambly Hedge.

The new collection will include layette and fashion daywear along with nightwear, snow suits, sleeping bags, accessories, and changing mats each inspired by the adventure of the community of Brambly Hedge’s resident mice.

Brambly Hedge joins a number of prestigious new children’s partners for Poetic Brands, as the licensee establishes its new Baby, Children’s Wear and Accessories division.

Brambly Hedge began life in 1980 as a series of intricately illustrated books following a family of mice in the English countryside. Written by Jill Barklem, the brand is now celebrating 40 years since its first book was published.

Rockpool Licensing, which manages the property worldwide, recently announced a deal with Lupus Films, which will see the production company adapt the classic stories for screen, initially as a Christmas special, with further episodes to follow, bringing new exposure to the brand and introducing it to a fresh generation of fans.

Licensing activity for Brambly Hedge begins to pick up following a period of heightened consumer awareness and interest in nature and our natural surrounding, a trend facilitated by the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent social restrictions that have been taken.

The detail of the illustrations, along with the strong representation of the seasons throughout the stories, lend themselves particularly well to licensed products. The brand already has an army of fans, with 22,000 Instagram followers and 57,000 Facebook fans, and is already a firm favourite with all adults; parents, grandparents and gift-givers alike.

Anne Bradford, director, Poetic Brands, said: “Brambly Hedge is a stunning heritage baby brand with timeless illustrations. With the success of many other evergreen collections before it we are looking forward to creating some exquisite ranges. The nature of the illustrations allows us to literally work through the seasons giving a unique product offering.”

Vickie O’Malley, managing director, Rockpool Licensing, added: “We’re thrilled to have the talented team at Poetic Brands on board to develop babywear ranges for Brambly Hedge. The exquisite artwork that so beautifully portrays the changing seasons, nature, family and celebration is so perfect for babywear.

“At a time when consumers are craving these things in their lives, I wonder if the world has ever needed Brambly Hedge more?!”