Category Archives: Lifestyle

Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2020 moved to June date

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The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2020 will be moving  from its planned date in April to mid June following the escalating events surrounding the COVID-19 Coronavirus.

The B&LLAs, established to reward excellence across the brand and lifestyle licensing industry, will take place on Thursday, June 18th at its home at the Hilton Park Lane in its traditional lunchtime slot.

Ian Hyder, joint MD of Max Publishing which owns and organises the B&LLAs, commented: “Due to the escalating events, in the UK, Europe and internationally, regarding COVID-19 Coronavirus, our priority is to safeguard our colleagues, friends, staff and supporters, so we have taken the decision to move the B&LLAs 2020 to this new date.

“We would like to thank our amazing sponsors for their full support in this decision and look forward to welcoming everyone to the Hilton Park Lane in June.”

Brand Licensing Europe is once again the headline sponsor of the awards, with trade organisation, Licensing International, also supporting the programme. Finalists across the Property, Product and Retail categories of the B&LLAs 2020 are due to be announced at the end of next week.

A host of major companies and brands have also pledged their support as category sponsors. These include WildBrain CPLG Lifestyle, The Point.1888, MDR Brand Management, CAA-GBG, The Jockey Club, Pringles, Start Licensing, Golden Goose, Discovery Consumer Products, Powerstation Studios, H&A, Beanstalk, Good Housekeeping, TSBA, Brandgenuity Europe and Brand Comply.com.

For general enquiries on the B&LLAs 2020, please contact Ian Hyder or Rob Willis on 020 700 6740. Find out more about the events at the official B&LLAs website at www.brandlicensingawards.com.

Moomin appoints Bavaria Sonor Licensing to grow presence in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

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Moomin has bolstered its global network of licensing partners with the recent appointment of Bavaria Sonor Licensing, the licensing division of Bavaria Media GmbH, to manage the character brand’s licensing across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The move was made by Moomin’s master agent, Rights & Brands in part of its ongoing efforts that have seen the firm revamp the Moomin licensing programme over the past year to mark its 75th anniversary.

Moomin has seen turnover grow ‘at a tremendous rate’ over the pas ten years with the number of licensee almost tripling worldwide.

The Moomins are the central characters in a series of books and a comic strip created by Finnish-Swedish writer and artist Tove Jansson between 1944 and 1971. Jansson achieved worldwide fame as writer of the stories which follow the characters’ adventures in the idyllic and peaceful Moomin Valley.

Meanwhile, Bavaria Media has a track record helping its brands produce memorable moments and create stories in people’s minds. Founded in 1983 and based in Germany, the company manages international film, tv and music licensing, as well as content distribution. Bavaria Sonor Licensing – the licensing division of Bavaria Media – was named ‘Licensing Agency of the Year 2019’ at the Licensing International Awards in Germany. Its numerous clients Include Playmobil, Emoji, Bud Spencer & Terence Hill, Janosch, Big-Bobby-Car and Panini.

“We are delighted to welcome the Moomins to Bavaria Media – we feel honoured to have the opportunity to represent this timeless, classic brand,” said Ivica Maracic, licensing and sales director at Bavaria Sonor Licensing.

“The Moomin Characters have been loved for generations and we are thrilled to extend the licensing success story into Germany, Austria and Switzerland.”

“It’s wonderful to add a new sub-agent in these important markets,” added Roleff Kråkström, CEO of Moomin Characters. “And it’s great timing to have Bavaria Media onboard when the Moominvalley TV show is about to launch in Germany and Switzerland.

“The Moomin brand is constantly growing, both in revenue and awareness and we are actively building on this momentum. Bavaria Media is exactly the kind of partner we need in order to expand the Moomin market share in this region.”

The appointmet coincides with the recent acquisition of Moominvalley by ZDF, the German public-service television broadcaster, to be shown on ZDF’s platforms and on KiKA, their free-to-air children’s channel.

“I feel happy and proud that ZDF is our partner in Germany,” said Marika Makaroff, executive producer and creative director of Moominvalley at Gutsy Animations.

Moomin first ventured into brand licensing in the 1950s with a range of hand-painted mugs released by Tove and her mother. Moomin now has an established global licensing programme with over 700 licensees worldwide. These include theme parks and branded cafés, as well as companies selling homeware, food and apparel.

This global network has increased the dedicated customer base – working with Bavaria Media will help reach an even wider range of retailers, to offer fans a more diverse range of products.

Patrick Ullman, CEO of Rights & Brands, has said that this partnership is ‘another step in the plan to maximise the Moomin’s international presence.’

“We are excited to welcome Bavaria Media into the family as part of our strategy – they are a great company with a lot of experience and success managing iconic brands,” he said. “The Moomins and Nordic literature are very popular in Germany, so it’s a huge potential market.”

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.

Miffy celebrates 65th anniversary with exclusive Maggie & Rose partnership

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Maggie & Rose, the global family members’ club, has teamed up with Dick Bruna’s classic children’s character, Miffy, to celebrate the little white bunny’s 65th anniversary this Easter.

The collaboration launches in London on Mother’s Day, Sunday, March 22, with a Miffy-themed afternoon tea available at the newly opened Maggie & Rose public café in Islington.

Set against a backdrop of Dick Bruna’s signature artworks on display in the café, guests can nibble on savoury sandwiches, Miffy cookies and orange macarons, washing the treat down with a healthy carrot shot.

The Miffy Afternoon Tea costs £12 each for adults (£15 to include a glass of Prosecco), and £5 each for children. Available from March 22 to April 14.

From March 30, the partnership will roll out into the classrooms and brasseries of the Maggie & Rose London clubs in Islington, Chiswick, and Kensington. Members and non-members can enjoy Miffy-themed art and cooking classes, storytelling and dressing up. The activity will run until April 14.

Maggie & Rose’s head of marketing, Anna O’Riordan, said: “We aim to bring families together in ways that are creative, educational and fun – whether that be through our clubs, classes or nurseries. Dick Bruna believed in allowing space for a child’s imagination.

“This mirrors Maggie & Rose’s approach to learning which centres around the process of creativity as being key to a little’s one development.”

The Maggie & Rose clubs located in China and Hong Kong will also be celebrating Miffy’s 65th birthday later in the year.

The Point. 1888 lands I Like Birds as birdwatching hobby enjoys revival across the UK

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The Point. 1888 is tapping into the current birdwatching revival – yes, a hobby that has reportedly surpassed football in the number of fans across the UK – through a new brand representation agreement with I Like Birds.

Birding – as it the hobby is now called by its largest audience among the Gen X-ers and Millennials – is enjoyed by some six million people across the country (10 per cent of the population), exceeding the five million football fans across the UK.

The Point. 1888 is now looking to develop a range that speaks to the ‘young, new, image-conscious enthusiasts’ currently enjoying the hobby. In doing so, the firm will develop the range of I Like Birds products for this market.

I like Birds has already amassed huge appeal from birdwatchers and the design conscious alike.

Thanks to initiatives from the RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts and The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, birding has become more accessible to families and young people, with new sub-divisions of birdwatching hobbyists now identified.

Twitchers – the traditional stereotyped birdwatchers, predominantly male who invest in specialist viewing equipment to enjoy the hobby, make up 10 per cent of the group; Enthusiasts are men or women and enjoy birdwatching as part of other cultural or travel activities equate to 50 per cent; and Casuals – the remaining 30 per cent of the group and the fastest-growing – are those who enjoy travelling and are interested in other outdoor and nature-based activities, such as hiking or wildlife watching.

Casual birders can also be segmented into “urban birders”, “hipster birders” and more which, according to The Point. 1888 “presents huge retail opportunities.”

Having seen the resurgence of the birdwatching trend, I like Birds wanted to build on the momentum by expanding its product range to appeal to Enthusiast and Casual birder groups emerging.

Bethan Garton, commercial director at The Point.1888, said: “Our retail-first model ensures that we’re bringing to market products that retailers and their customers want but this only works as long as we identify the right opportunities. 

“With I like Birds, the birding market is ours, and myself and the team cannot wait to get started. Our founder, Will Stewart, is particularly keen as he and Stuart, founder of I like Birds, have wanted to work together for a long time.”

 Stuart Cox, founder of I like Birds, added: “Will Stewart has assembled a team of legends (who are also fortunately amazingly talented and amazingly friendly and positive) and I’ve wanted to work with him since the first time I met him at BLE.

“In terms of business, any company that can amass the stellar lineup of clients that The Point.1888 has, has to be doing something right and, having spoken at length with Will – another of his positive attributes is the willingness to chat through the finer details of licensing – his approach is both a game changer and highly effective.

“There’s a buzz of excitement around The Point. 1888 that stems from Will and is totally infectious. Add in the fact that they have a track record of handling clients that range from Mega-brands to niche indies and…well, it’s a no-brainer. I’m chuffed to working with them and look forward to a long and extremely pointy future in their capable hands.”

New licensing partners are expected to be announced in the coming months with products release in SS 2021.

Asembl pairs Diageo’s Bundaberg Rum with Harry’s Ice Cream for frozen desserts across Australia

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The Australian fashion, lifestyle, and FMCG licensing agency, Asembl has brokered a new partnership between Diageo’s Bundaberg Rum and Harry’s Ice Cream for a range of summer frozen desserts.

Bundaberg Rum Ice Cream Rum and Raisin and Bundaberg Rum Ice Cream Pineapple Coconut Rum have already proven to be a retail success, having been stocked on shelves throughout the past summer across IGA Queensland stores in Australia.

Bundaberg Rum marketing manager, Karl Roche, said: “The growth of our local licensing program into new retail categories continues to strengthen our consumer offering and Bundaberg Rum’s popularity in the market. We’re always looking for ways to innovate that stay true to our brand and this latest collaboration with Harry’s Ice Cream gave our Bundy Rum consumers a new way to enjoy the flavour of their favourite Australian rum.”

Asembl managing director, Justin Watson, added: “We are pleased to see this partnership has been a resounding success in retail across Queensland.  This latest collaboration is one of many strategic partnerships we have in our domestic licensing program for Bundaberg Rum as we concentrate on extending the brand in retail and delivering new taste sensations for fans of the iconic Australian rum brand.”

Harry & Larry’s owner, Lawrence Harris, said: “Consumers are always looking for innovative and new ice cream products and with the popularity of Bundaberg Rum, we knew that this would be the perfect frozen dessert for summer. Bundaberg Rum has successfully continued to extend their brand into other products, and we’re delighted that consumers have had the opportunity to enjoy these rum flavoured Australian dairy ice cream varieties from Harry’s Ice Cream Co.”

The range was crafted for adults who like to indulge – the Bundaberg Rum Ice Cream Rum and Raisin flavour is complex and smooth with plump raisins and the Bundaberg Rum Ice Cream Pineapple Coconut Rum serves up a delicious tropical pineapple ripple.

Diageo is a recognised global drinks producer with a portfolio of world-famous brands including Bundaberg Rum, Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Lagavulin, Talisker, and The Singleton whiskies.

Its products are currently sold in more than 180 countries around the world.

David Lynch’s Blue Velvet turns heads at Paris Fashion Week with Italy’s Off White collection

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The David Lynch American neo-noir mystery Blue Velvet has become the focus of a new licensed fashion line, created by the Italian luxury label, Off White. The collection – developed in collaboration with MGM Studios – was unveiled at Paris Fashion Week.

It includes stylish tees and slacks that feature imagery from 1986’s Blue Velvet, and has been styled to capture the essence of a cult classic film and is set to debut at retail this August 2020.

Blue Velvet is one of only a select few entertainment collaborations created by Off White, an Italian luxury label founded by Virgil Abloh, who also serves as the Men’s Artistic Director for Louis Vuitton.  The items featured as part of Paris Fashion Week included Autumn Winter 2020 runway collection looks adorned in varying blue shades and silver embellishments.

More specifically, the line featured a midnight blue, off-the shoulder gown with silver chainmail belt complemented by scalloped, blue velvet heels, a silver embellished blazer and cerulean blue, leather trousers, and a silver sequin, asymmetrical gown paired with midnight blue velvet scalloped heels to evoke the essence of silver screen glamour.

Directed by David Lynch, Blue Velvet is widely considered a cult classic. It stars Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper, and Laura Dern, and is named after Bobby Vinton’s 1963 song.

Robert Marick, executive vice president, global consumer products and experiences, at MGM said: “Off White is one of the most influential fashion labels on the market right now and is universally recognised for its unexpected and fresh designs.

“We knew they would have an artful take on Blue Velvet and are thrilled with the line they’ve created, which really captures this amazing film in an authentic and unique way.”

The collaboration with Off White is part of MGM’s growing licensing program to leverage its library of more than 4,000 films, along with its iconic trademark lion logo, to create meaningful programmes around trending genres including horror and Sci-Fi, anniversaries such as the 45th anniversary of Rocky, and more.

Fuzzballs is primed for success as Scribbler expands its licensed card range

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The popular character brand Fuzzballs has found success with the stationery and greetings retailer, Scribbler, who has just detailed its plans to expand its range of Fuzzball licensed cards.

The Fuzzballs greetings range now features over 12 different birthday, novelty, and holiday cards in store, as well as over 100 cards online that span a rang of holidays and occasions. Fuzzballs also boasts a line of 25 cards that can be personalised with photos and messages.

Created in 2013, Fuzzballs sprang into life as a popular web comic. The property now boasts over 300 different licensed products available worldwide, including shirts, stationery, books and homewares. Fuzzballs has built up a global audience of fans with its more than 70 million iMessage and Instagram stickers.

The property’s licensing programme is currently managed by Rocket Licensing.

Its expansion within Scribbler reflects the growing popularity and recognition of the Fuzzballs brand at retail. Its card range aims to tap in to the ‘cute humour’ that has made the brand such a digital sensation.

“It is so exciting to see how positive customers have been at Scribbler to our initial range of Fuzzballs cards and clearly wanted even more,” said Marc Sach, creator of Fuzzballs.

“To so quickly have Scribbler ask us for an even larger range of cards just shows the mainstream market clearly wants more Fuzzballs in their lives and we are thrilled to see Fuzzballs take on an even large presence both in store and online at Scribbler.”

Famous kitchen brand Ginsu cooks up licensing deal with Brand Partners Group

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JRL Group has secured a licensing partnership with Brand Partners Group to develop a line of kitchen gadgets under the globally recognised, professional cooking name Ginsu brand.

Under the new deal, Brand Partners will design products around the Ginsu Kiso line’s core brand focus of ‘the uncomplicated kitchen,’ with ranges designed to support all home cooks’ efforts in the kitchen, as well as the desire to own easy to use, yet high-value kitchen tools.

“We are very excited about this brand extension. Brand Partners is a well-respected company delivering unique, high-quality, well-designed products,” said Andrew Lieb, president of JRL Group, the exclusive licensing agency for the Ginsu brand.

“This is truly an ideal partnership for the iconic Ginsu brand.”

Ginsu knife sets have been a mainstay in the cutlery industry since its launch in 1978. Ginsu transitioned to a household name when it became one of the very first brands to market directly to consumers. Ginsu remains one of the most well-known cutlery brands on the market today, with multiple lines of knives distributed through numerous online and retail channels.

“This is a great opportunity for us to add kitchen gadgets to our existing product  lines of kitchen knives and kitchen electrics,” said Jeremy Cantor, business unit manager.

“Of course, this is only the beginning. There are numerous natural brand extensions for Ginsu and we look forward to expanding into kitchen electrics and accessories, publishing, home accessories, food and more,” added Randal Moss, marketing director.

Middle Eastern restaurant The Halal Guys starts licensing journey with CAA-GBG

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The Halal Guys, the Middle Eastern restaurant made famous across the US, has struck up a long-term partnership with CAA-GBG to embark on a licensing journey into specialty grocery stores through new food and packaged goods products.

The Halal Guys has been credited with pioneering American halal food across the region. The partnership with the brand management team will now take the brand – and its tastes and experiences – from its food carts and restaurants and into the licensing world.

“The Halal Guys has built a worldwide following and grown from a single location into a global brand with nearly one hundred restaurants and millions of fans,” said Noah Gelbart, chief revenue officer of CAA-GBG. “We very much look forward to partnering with the brand to extend its reach to new consumers and strengthen its brand equity through strategic licensing and product extension focused on the specialty food and grocery space.”

Founded as a food cart on the corner of 53rd Street and 6th Avenue in New York City in 1990, The Halal Guys has grown to 94 locations worldwide, with hundreds more in development under its partnership with franchise developer Fransmart.

The brand focuses on traditional halal food and offers platters, sandwiches, hummus, baba ganouj, falafel and baklava.

“Offering our fans around the world the chance to buy our products at their local grocery store is a major step in our strategic global growth plan,” said Ahmed Abouelenein, CEO of The Halal Guys. “We chose to partner with CAA-GBG because it is well known worldwide for its ability to help brands successfully expand into new segments, categories and markets.

“We couldn’t be more excited to work with the company as we take this next step in our brand’s growth and international expansion.”