CPLG named UK licensing agent for Judith Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea

HarperCollins Children’s Books has named CPLG as its consumer products licensing agent in the UK for the classic, multi-million-selling picture book by Judith Kerr, The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

The move will see CPLG expand HarperCollins’ existing licensing programme for The Tiger Who Came to Tea into new product categories and additional retail channels.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018, with events across the UK, including a National Trust exhibition and an afternoon tea promotion at The Savoy, both of which are continuing in 2019 – as are strong sales from key licensees Aurora World, Paul Lamond Games, Milly & Flynn, Woodmansterne, and Star Editions.

The brand’s momentum will be driven into 2020 by the much-anticipated animated TV special for The Tiger Who Came to Tea from Lupus Films, airing on Channel 4 this Christmas, and featuring the voices of Benedict Cumberbatch, David Oyelowo, David Walliams and Tamsin Greig.

The appointment further builds the relationship between CPLG and HarperCollins, with the agency already representing the publisher’s The World of David Walliams in merchandising.

John Taylor, managing director CPLG UK & France, said: “Now is the perfect time to be a licensee for Tiger, which has had such a huge publishing record for over 50 years. We are very excited to expand the consumer product offering for the brand across apparel, gifting and nursery categories, in keeping with Judith Kerr’s adored characters.”

John Collins, commercial brand and licensing development director at Harper Collins Children’s, added: “We are delighted to be bringing CPLG’s expertise to bear on this incredible and enduring brand. Working with our current licensees, and bringing new partners into the licensing programmes, CPLG will help reinforce the status of Tiger as a heritage evergreen title, ensuring more children than ever find new ways to enjoy Judith Kerr’s beloved tea-time guest.”