BBC Studios signs new UK partners for Bluey and Hey Duggee

BBC Studios has signed UK licensing deals for Bluey and Hey Duggee for health and beauty products and wheeled toys, as Bluey is named the UK’s number one new toy property for 2021 by NPD.

New deals with H&A and MV Sports will see both properties expand in the UK and follow the recent announcement of agreements with Danilo, Amscan and Character Options for Bluey.

Mandy Thwaites, Director, Magazines & Consumer Products, UK Division at BBC Studios, says: “We’ve been extremely busy behind the scenes with Bluey and Hey Duggee and it’s great to see the interest both properties are generating. Personally, it was a real highlight to attend London Toy Fair and we had so many lovely conversations about the brands. It’s clear that our top dogs have great appeal across preschool audiences and people really connect to their warmth, inclusivity and humour.

“I’m excited to welcome H&A to our fabulous roster of partners and can’t wait for fans to see a great range of Bluey and Hey Duggee bath products on shelves. MV Sports has been a wonderful partner for Hey Duggee wheeled toys and are adding to that range as well as launching Bluey products in the UK. I’m also pleased to share details of further Character Options arts and crafts product lines for Bluey in addition to the deal we announced in December.

“Finally, I’m delighted to hear that Bluey has been confirmed as the number one new property in the UK. The buzz around the brand is phenomenal and it’s really capturing the hearts of the public – and we’re having so many fascinating conversations with potential and existing partners about what we can do to create innovative, sustainable and engaging products for fans of the show.”

Details of the new partnerships are as follows:

H&A, the UK’s number-one supplier of kids’ licensed toiletries, has signed an agreement with BBC Studios to produce health and beauty products including bubble baths, foams, bath bombs, shower gels, soaps and shampoos as well as bathtime accessories for both Bluey and Hey Duggee.

Livy Coare, Licensing and Marketing Manager at H&A, says: “H&A has a long-standing history with BBC Studios and we are thrilled to be working with them again to develop creative and innovative products across both Bluey and Hey Duggee. We are aligned with the BBC in our strategy to further develop sustainable products for kids’ bath time, and will be working closely together to execute exciting new product development.”

MV Sports, the UK’s leading designer of licensed wheeled toys, has agreed a deal to produce a range of Bluey branded bikes, trikes, scooters, ride-ons and accessories. MV Sports is an existing partner of BBC Studios; it already holds the license for Hey Duggee wheeled toys and has recently unveiled additions to the product range.

Phil Ratcliffe, Joint Managing Director, MV Sports, says: “We are delighted to be working on such a prestigious preschool property. Bluey already has a very strong pedigree of sales in other markets which we hope will be exceeded in the case of our UK range of wheeled toys.”

In addition to the recently announced deal for Bluey licensed Weebles toys, BBC Studios has agreed a licence for Character Options to produce activity-based arts and crafts products including colour-your-own backpacks; tabletop easels; craft sets; paint-up plaster figure sets; and scribblers. The new arts and crafts range is set to launch in A/W 2022.

 

H&A launches plastic-free gifts for kids as firm ramps up its sustainability drive

The toiletry and health and beauty specialist, H&A has taken its own stance against packaging waste with the launch of its new plastic-free stocking fillers, a range that is hitting shelves across the UK this autumn. The new range encompasses a raft of Disney licenses, including Disney Princess and Marvel’s Avengers.

Having taken the opportunity to inject new creativity into its reinvented approach to packaging, H&A now boasts ‘not a closed box in sight,’ as the company encourages tear & shares with hidden messages throughout.

Marketing manager, Holly Orton, said: “What makes us stand out this Christmas is our ability to strip out unnecessary plastics without compromising on creativity. Our products are open, secure, and exciting; we have phenomenally talented designers whose passion for delighting children while reducing our plastic footprint has made this possible.

“Our showstopping gifts have never looked so good.”

Meanwhile, the H&A team has also successfully made all of it s secondary product packaging 100 per cent recyclable, as it anticipates a continuation in consumer enthusiasm for reduced plastic and enhanced creativity.

“As market leaders we know from experience how important it is for shoppers to see product at the point of purchase and our innovative card platforms, waxed papers, and folding display trays make our products visible yet secure,” continued Orton.

“Our progress on plastics is a huge source of pride and positivity for us and we have new developments for 2021 already in the making,” she concluded.

H&A teams with Beano Studio to launch mischief-making bath accessories range

The health, beauty, and bath accessories specialist, H&A has partnered with Beano Studio to launch a new and exclusive range of products inspired by the iconic British comic into Boots stores across the UK. The partnership was brokered by Beano’s UK licensing agency, Rocket Licensing.

Each product in the range will feature an extra element of mischief, such as a whoopie cushion, mini comic book, jokes and more, aligning the collection firmly with the Beano brand ethos. Highlights of the range include a MEga Stink Bath Set, Stink Bath Bomb, and Deniis Mug and Socks.

Licensing and marketing manager at H&A, Holly Orton, said: “We’re really excited to see this hit the shelves. Beano is a brand loved by generations and we’ve had fun developing the range. There’s definitely nothing else like it in the market and we’re looking forward to supplying some entertainment for Boots customers and their loved ones this Christmas.”

The new range from H&A forms part of an extensive licensed product offering for Beano, which continues to grow ahead of Dennis’ 70th anniversary next year.

Vanessa Andreis, franchise planning and partnerships director at Beano Studios, added: “This fantastic H&A range has allowed us to bring our unique creativity and mischievous fun to the health and beauty category. We’re thrilled to have Boots as our retail partner for this range and can’t wait for Beano fans young and small to be able to buy it or receive it across the festive period.” 

H&A takes the plunge with The Simpsons health, beauty and bath range for Superdrug

The beauty and bathing specialist, H&A is taking the plunge with The Simpsons this gifting season to release a range of health and bath time goodies based upon some of Springfield’s most popular residents. Developed exclusively for Superdrug, the new collection spans the likes of lip balm, face masks, and Duff Beer bath bubbles.

The longest running primetime scripted show in history, The Simpsons launched onto the scene in 1990 becoming a cultural phenomenon, and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises for the past 30 years. It is currently in production of its 32nd season.

In partnership with Superdrug, licensee H&A is reinvigorating the health and bath time aisle with a new collection of products taking inspiration from the town of Springfield. The new range includes treats such as a Squishee Lip Balm, Patty & Selma Face Masks, and a Kwik-E-Mart Beauty Basket packed with SPringfield-inspired goodies.

Fans will also be able to relax in a foamy filled bath with the Duff Beer Bubbles, while enjoying a sweet lather with the Donut Bath Sponge.

H&A’s licensing and marketing manager, Holly Orton, said: “We’re really excited to see this range hit the shelves. The Simpsons is an iconic, much-loved brand with a broad audience. There is something for everyone in the collection; current beauty and bathing trends are combined with pastel shades and novelty packaging to give a retro feel.”

The Simpsons was named the Best Show of the 20th Century by Time Magazine, called the Greatest American Sitcom by Entertainment Weekly in 2013, and declared The Best TV Show Ever in 2016 by vulture.com

H&A takes the plunge with The Simpsons health, beauty and bath range for Superdrug

The beauty and bathing specialist, H&A is taking the plunge with The Simpsons this gifting season to release a range of health and bath time goodies based upon some of Springfield’s most popular residents. Developed exclusively for Superdrug, the new collection spans the likes of lip balm, face masks, and Duff Beer bath bubbles.

The longest running primetime scripted show in history, The Simpsons launched onto the scene in 1990 becoming a cultural phenomenon, and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises for the past 30 years. It is currently in production of its 32nd season.

In partnership with Superdrug, licensee H&A is reinvigorating the health and bath time aisle with a new collection of products taking inspiration from the town of Springfield. The new range includes treats such as a Squishee Lip Balm, Patty & Selma Face Masks, and a Kwik-E-Mart Beauty Basket packed with SPringfield-inspired goodies.

Fans will also be able to relax in a foamy filled bath with the Duff Beer Bubbles, while enjoying a sweet lather with the Donut Bath Sponge.

H&A’s licensing and marketing manager, Holly Orton, said: “We’re really excited to see this range hit the shelves. The Simpsons is an iconic, much-loved brand with a broad audience. There is something for everyone in the collection; current beauty and bathing trends are combined with pastel shades and novelty packaging to give a retro feel.”

The Simpsons was named the Best Show of the 20th Century by Time Magazine, called the Greatest American Sitcom by Entertainment Weekly in 2013, and declared The Best TV Show Ever in 2016 by vulture.com

Beano secures five new licensing partners including games and health and beauty via Rocket Licensing

Beano is expanding its presence across the apparel, games, health and beauty, food and beverage, and partyware sectors thanks to a string of five new licensing deals brokered by its licensing agency, Rocket Licensing.

On board for a fun new range of paper partyware, Smiffy’s will be offering a myriad of products including paper plates, bowls, cups, napkins and straws, as well as paper decorations and bunting to complete the Beano party set-up. The range will be sold across the High Street, grocery, independents and online.

Meanwhile, growing the offering in games and puzzles, Rocket has teamed up with Rachel Lowe to create a collection of puzzles, board games and card games for Dennis and his Beanotown friends. Product will be developed to appeal to both the adult gifting market and to kids, reflecting the cross-generational appeal of this classic British brand.

Beano confectionery in personalised packaging will also be created by Great Gifts. The unique gifting lines are set to include gift boxes, jars and advent calendars and launch across retail later this year.

Health and beauty experts H&A will also be developing a creative range of Beano products to include everyday essentials, play cosmetics, health and beauty accessories and hair care. These will be targeted at both boys and girls and launching into high street retail for autumn/winter 2020.

In licensed apparel, Park Agencies are supporting the brand, with adult and kids tees and sweats currently in development to launch into high street and online retail.

These new deals take place in the run up to Dennis’ 70th birthday in 2021, for which Beano Studios and Rocket Licensing are planning a raft of celebrations, partnerships and new product launches.

Rob Wijeratna, joint managing director of Rocket Licensing, said: “2019 was an incredibly busy and successful year for Beano, with a fabulous calendar of consumer products deals, marketing initiatives and campaigns. It’s great to be able to start 2020 with the same momentum, and five new best-in-class licensing deals for the brand, as we look ahead to a big celebration year in 2021.

“Beano continues to capture the hearts of the British public and offers a huge depth of content for great consumer products partnerships.”

Angeles Blanco, director of Global Licensing at Beano Studios, added “Adding five new partners to our licensing programme shows huge momentum as we build up to Dennis’ 70th birthday next year. We plan to continue this, adding more partners to bring Beano products to more fans, young and across the globe.”