Tag Archives: Licensing International Excellence Awards

Licensing International unveils Excellence Awards winners

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The winners of the 2022 Licensing International Excellence Awards have been unveiled in a ceremony that brought together industry executives from around the world to celebrate the best of the global licensing industry.

The 25 award winners were selected from 165 finalists from around the world. More than 800 entries were received, narrowed down by an expert global judging panel and voted on by members of the licensing industry at large.

This year’s Excellence Awards were hosted by Cakewalk Entertainment founder and CEO George Leon. The awards were presented by Alifish, InSpirit Designs, Jazwares, and participants in Licensing International’s Accelerator Program, including Bedrock Collectibles, Holy Joe, LIBREX, Park Star Media, and Somos Arte.

The awards honour innovation and creativity in the way brands use licensing to further their goals, how licensees develop and bring those products to market, and how retailers creatively spotlight licenses on their shelves. This year’s ceremony saw the return of the Best Location-Based Entertainment award, recognising innovation across location-based brand extensions following significant lockdowns. Gamepath Entertainment took home the LBE trophy for the Monopoly Lifesized immersive experience in London.

“It’s inspiring to see the quality of work produced by the licensing industry and it was incredible to be able to celebrate those successes together in person,” says Maura Regan, President of Licensing International. “The Licensing International Excellence Awards are a testament to the power of brands and to the power of licensing to launch products and programmes with lasting appeal.”

The 2022 Licensing International Excellence Awards winners are:

BEST LICENSED PRODUCTS

Apparel or Accessory for a Corporate Brand – BMW M Motorsport line by Puma

Apparel or Accessory for an Entertainment Property – The Legend of Zelda line by BlackMilk

Appliances, Housewares, Electronics for a Corporate Brand – Xbox fridge by Ukonic

Appliances, Housewares, Electronics for an Entertainment Property – Sesame Street collaboration by Tonies

Digital: Apps, Software, Video Games, NFTs – Forever 21 Shop City experience by Virtual Brand Group

Food or Beverage for a Corporate Brand – Louvre ice cream by Häagen-Dazs

Food or Beverage for an Entertainment Property – Harry Potter mooncakes by Awfully Chocolate

Health and Beauty Aids – Friends bath & beauty line by Mad Beauty

Home Décor – LEGO wooden home décor by Room Copenhagen

Publishing, Social Expression – The Beatles advent calendar by Eaglemoss

Toys, Games, Novelties (ages 0-8) – Batman Batcave playset by Spin Master

Toys, Games, Novelties (ages 8+) – adidas Originals Superstar model by LEGO

BEST LICENSED BRANDS

Corporate Brand – BMW by BMW Group

Entertainment, Character, Toy Brand (Animated) – CoComelon by Moonbug Entertainment

Food, Beverage, Restaurant – Coca-Cola, Hi-C & Sprite by The Coca-Cola Company

Lifestyle: Art, Design, Celebrity, Fashion – Amy Winehouse by MDR Brand Management

Live Action Entertainment – Ghostbusters by Sony Pictures
Museum, Art, Design – V&A by The Victoria and Albert Museum

Sports, Collegiate – Formula 1 by CAA Global

OTHER AWARDS

Best Licensing Agency – Beanstalk

Best Licensed Collaboration – The Simpsons x Balenciaga

Best Licensed Promotion – Rovio & Born Licensing for GEICO’s “Angry Bird Problem?”

Best Location-Based Entertainment – Monopoly Lifesized by Gamepath Entertainment

Best Retailer (Corporate, Lifestyle, Fashion, Sports Initiative) – BoxLunch for McDonald’s

Best Retailer (Entertainment, Character Brand) – Bloomingdale’s for Space Jam: A New Legacy   

George Leon to host Licensing International Excellence Awards

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Licensing International has announced that industry veteran George Leon will host the 2022 Licensing International Excellence Awards. With more than 25 years of experience, Leon is a respected expert in the global promotions and franchise development space.

Leon will take centre stage on May 23 at 5:30pm PST at The LIGHT Vegas Nightclub as the master of ceremonies for this year’s Excellence Awards. He has himself won multiple Licensing International Excellence Awards, including the 2003 Entertainment License of the Year for Spider-Man, the 2005 Overall Best License of the Year for Spider-Man 2, the 2005 Best Promotion of the Year, and the 2015 Academic Excellence Award.

Leon founded California-based Cakewalk Entertainment in 2017. He previously spent 16 years at Sony Pictures Entertainment, most recently serving as EVP of Consumer Marketing for global branded entertainment, licensing, and product placement. Leon has also worked with the teams at Saban Entertainment and Camelot Licensing.

“I’m beyond excited to honour this year’s incredible nominees and celebrate the winners as the host of the Licensing International Excellence Awards,” Leon says. “And after two years of virtual meetings, I can’t wait to get dressed up and gather together with my colleagues across the licensing industry.”

The Licensing International Excellence Awards recognise outstanding achievements and innovation in the licensing industry around the world. This year’s Excellence Awards feature 165 finalists from 20 countries in 25 categories.

Registration for the Excellence Awards ceremony is now open. Licensing Expo will take place from May 24-26 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, and registration for the event is available online.

 

George Leon to host Licensing International Excellence Awards

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Licensing International has announced that industry veteran George Leon will host the 2022 Licensing International Excellence Awards. With more than 25 years of experience, Leon is a respected expert in the global promotions and franchise development space.

Leon will take centre stage on May 23 at 5:30pm PST at The LIGHT Vegas Nightclub as the master of ceremonies for this year’s Excellence Awards. He has himself won multiple Licensing International Excellence Awards, including the 2003 Entertainment License of the Year for Spider-Man, the 2005 Overall Best License of the Year for Spider-Man 2, the 2005 Best Promotion of the Year, and the 2015 Academic Excellence Award.

Leon founded California-based Cakewalk Entertainment in 2017. He previously spent 16 years at Sony Pictures Entertainment, most recently serving as EVP of Consumer Marketing for global branded entertainment, licensing, and product placement. Leon has also worked with the teams at Saban Entertainment and Camelot Licensing.

“I’m beyond excited to honour this year’s incredible nominees and celebrate the winners as the host of the Licensing International Excellence Awards,” Leon says. “And after two years of virtual meetings, I can’t wait to get dressed up and gather together with my colleagues across the licensing industry.”

The Licensing International Excellence Awards recognise outstanding achievements and innovation in the licensing industry around the world. This year’s Excellence Awards feature 165 finalists from 20 countries in 25 categories.

Registration for the Excellence Awards ceremony is now open. Licensing Expo will take place from May 24-26 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, and registration for the event is available online.

 

Licensing International announces 2022 Excellence Awards finalists

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Licensing International is proud to announce the full list of finalists for the prestigious Licensing International Excellence Awards, dedicated to recognising outstanding achievements and innovation in the licensing industry around the world.

This year’s Excellence Awards feature 165 finalists from 20 countries in 25 categories. More than 150 judges from 21 countries chose this year’s finalists from nearly 800 submissions.

Licensing International members can vote for the winners beginning on Monday, April 11. Each member company will receive one ballot to vote on all 25 categories and voting will end on Friday, April 22.

The winners will be announced during the Licensing International Excellence Awards at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. The ceremony will take place on Monday, May 23 at 5:30pm PST at The LIGHT Vegas Nightclub. Licensing Expo will take place from May 24-26 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

More information about all of the finalists is available online. Finalists were presented by Alifish, InSpirit Designs, Jazwares, and participants in Licensing International’s Accelerator Program, including Bedrock Collectibles, Holy Joe, LIBREX, Park Star Media, and Somos Arte.

The full list of nominees can be viewed online here or seen below.

Best Licensing Product — Apparel or Accessory for a Corporate Brand

  • Couture Kingdom – Streets Jewelry
  • Don’t call me Jennyfer – Chupa Chups Collection
  • Mad Engine Global – McDonald’s Apparel and Accessories Line
  • PUMA – BMW M Motorsport Line
  • Reebok – Jelly Belly Sneakers
  • Ripple Junction – Keith Haring Apparel

Best Licensed Product — Apparel or Accessory for an Entertainment Property

  • Blackmilk – The Legend of Zelda Collection
  • Eastpak – Peanuts Backpacks
  • OnePlus – Harry Potter Smartwatch
  • Pair Eyewear – Sesame Street Kids Glasses
  • Persol – La Casa de Papel Glasses
  • Zara – Barbie 1959 Collection
  • Zara – Playmobil Line

Best Licensed Product — Appliances, Electronics & Housewares for a Corporate Brand

  • Arcade1 Up, Tastemakers – Polaroid At-Home Instant Photobooth
  • Brizo – Frank Lloyd Wright Bath Hardware
  • Ecoffee Cup – Van Gogh Reusable Coffee Cup
  • Fizz Creations – Tetris Wafflemaker
  • Fizz Creations – Tetrix x Samsung Fridge Storage Stackers
  • QuietKat – Jeep E-Bike
  • Ukonic – Xbox Fridge

Best Licensed Product — Appliances, Electronics & Housewares for an Entertainment Property

  • Bumpboxx – Jimi Hendrix Boombox
  • Gramercy Products – Nerf Dog Toys
  • Guild Guitars – Bob Marley Acoustic Guitar
  • Half Moon Bay – Peaky Blinders Drinkware
  • Just Funky – Naruto Shippoden Kitchen Appliances
  • Stern Pinball – Godzilla Pinball Machine
  • Tonies – Sesame Street ToniesBox

Best Licensed Product — Digital: Apps, Software, Video Games, NFTs

  • Lockwood Publishing – The Voice of Avakin
  • Next Games – Stranger Things Puzzle Tales Mobile Game
  • Story Toys Ltd – LEGO Duplo Marvel App
  • Tafi – Coca-Cola Friendship Box & NFT Collection
  • VeVe – Back to the Future DeLorean NFT
  • Virtual Brand Group – Forever 21 Shopcity on Roblox

Best Licensed Product — Food or Beverage for a Corporate Brand

  • G FUEL – Tetris Energy Drink
  • Häagen-Dazs – Louvre Mooncake Ice Cream
  • Kellogg’s – HERSHEY’s Cereal
  • Kraft Heinz – HERSHEY’s Colliders
  • Namyang Dairy Products – Chupa Chups Sparkling Drinks
  • Natür Food Ventures. Tetris x Powerbeärs Gummy Snacks
  • Stewarts Enterprises – Hard Rock Hard Seltzer

Best Licensed Product — Food or Beverage for an Entertainment Property

  • Awfully Chocolate – Harry Potter Mooncakes
  • Brew Pipeline Inc – Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Seltzer
  • Kinnerton Confectionery – Harry Potter Chocolates
  • Krispy Kreme Japan – Minions Doughnuts
  • Le Comptoir de Mathilde – Harry Potter Chocolates
  • Megaplex – Godzilla vs Kong Whey Protein Powder

Best Licensed Product — Health and Beauty Aids

  • Centric Beauty – Crayola Kids Bath Collection
  • Floral Street Fragrances –Van Gogh Sunflower Pop Eau de Parfum
  • Gillette – Bugatti Razor
  • Hipdot – Monopoly, Play-Doh and Ouija Cosmetics
  • Mad Beauty – Friends Soap Dish & Bath Range
  • Mad Beauty – Winnie the Pooh Bath & Body Line
  • SK II / Procter and Gamble – Andy Warhol Skin Care

Best Licensed Product — Home Décor

  • Paladone – Minecraft Building Block Lights
  • Room Copenhagen – LEGO Wooden Home Décor
  • Shanghai Yepai – Harry Potter Home Décor Collection
  • Skultuna – Moomin Brass Figurines
  • Walmart – GAP Home Line
  • Zara Home – DC Comics Homeware Collection

Best Licensing Product — Publishing, Social Expression

  • Eaglemoss – The Beatles Advent Calendar
  • Insights Editions – Jurassic World Pop-Up Book
  • RCS – Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle Partworks
  • So-Net Entertainment – National Palace Museum x Peanuts Stationery
  • The Carat Shop – Harry Potter Jewelry Advent Calendar
  • Theory 11 – The Beatles Playing Cards
  • Yoto Limited – LEGO Duplo Audio Cards

Best Licensed Product — Toys, Games, Novelties (ages 0-8)

  • Clementoni – Harry Potter Terrarium Kit
  • Disguise – Batman & Batmobile Adaptive Costume
  • Dynacraft – Disney Princess Cinderella 24V Carriage
  • LEGO – Disney’s Encanto Madrigal House
  • Moose Toys – Bluey Toy Range
  • Spin Master – Batman Bat-Tech Batcave

Best Licensed Product — Toys, Games, Novelties (ages 8+)

  • LEGO – adidas Superstar Sneaker Set
  • LEGO – Home Alone Set
  • LEGO – Star Wars AT-AT
  • Robosen – Transformers Robot
  • XM Studios – Batman Collectible Figurines
  • Zuru – 5 Surprise Mini Brands

Best Licensed Brand — Animated Entertainment, Character, Toy Brand

  • Barbie – Mattel
  • Bluey – BBC Studios
  • CoComelon – Moonbug Entertainment
  • Encanto – Disney
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man – Disney
  • Minecraft – Microsoft
  • Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir – ZAG
  • Peppa Pig – Hasbro

Best Licensed Brand — Corporate Brand

  • Arm & Hammer – Church & Dwight
  • BMW – BMW Group
  • Discovery – Discovery Inc.
  • Girl Scouts – Girl Scouts of the USA
  • Tasty – Buzzfeed Inc.
  • Transport for London – Transport Trading Limited

Best Licensed Brand — Food, Beverage, Restaurant Brand

  • Coca-Cola, Hi-C, Sprite – The Coca-Cola Company
  • Hershey’s – The Hershey Company
  • Fruity & Cocoa Pebbles – Post Consumer Brands, Warner Bros
  • Corona – Constellation Marketing Services
  • The Cheesecake Factory
  • Kool-Aid – The Kraft Heinz Company
  • Streets – Unilever Australia

Best Licensed Brand — Lifestyle: Art, Design, Celebrity, Fashion

  • AC/DC – Epic Rights & Perryscope Studios
  • Amy Winehouse
  • Bob Marley
  • emoji The Iconic Brand – emoji company GmbH
  • Grateful Dead – Warner Music Experience
  • May Gibbs – The Northcott Society

Best Licensed Brand — Live Action Entertainment

  • Cobra Kai – Sony Pictures
  • Ghostbusters – Sony Pictures
  • Hot Ones – First We Feast, Complex Networks, Buzzfeed
  • La Casa de Papel – Netflix
  • MasterChef – Banijay
  • Monster Jam – Feld Entertainment
  • Space Jam: A New Legacy – Warner Bros.
  • Star Trek Universe – Paramount

Best Licensed Brand — Museum, Art, Design

  • Best Licensed Brand — Museum, Art, Design
  • Andy Warhol – Andy Warhol Foundation
    Keith Haring – Artestar
    Louvre – Louvre Museum
    National Palace Museum
    The Natural History Museum
    The New York Botanical Garden
    V&A – Victoria and Albert Museum

Best Licensed Brand — Sports, Collegiate

  • Football Greats Alliance – Pro Football Retired Players Association
  • Formula 1
  • NFLPA
  • Tokyodachi – Zephyr Headwear
  • U.S. Polo Assn.
  • WWE
  • Yale University

Best Retailer — Corporate, Lifestyle, Fashion, Sports Initiative

  • BoxLunch – McDonald’s
  • Discovery Expedition
  • GCDS – Bratz
  • PacSun – Coca-Cola
  • PacSun – Land Rover
  • Spirit Halloween & Spencer Gifts – Cheetos

Best Retailer — Entertainment, Character Brand

  • Bloomingdales – Space Jam: A New Legacy
  • Big W – Minecraft
  • Dream Toy – Squid Game
  • Hot Topic – Marvel Studios
  • Hot Topic – My Hero Academia
  • Joué Club – Batman
  • Saks Fifth Avenue – Harry Potter, Wizarding World

Best Location-Based Entertainment

  • Amy Winehouse Beyond the Stage – Design Museum, London
  • Barbie Ultimate Staycation – Grand Hyatt, Kyala Lumpur
  • Harry Potter: A Forbidden Experience – Thinkwell, Unify, Fever
  • Monopoly Lifesized – Gamepath Entertainment
  • NBA Store Arena – NBA Brazil
  • Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Riviera Maya

Best Licensed Collaboration

  • adidas x LEGO
  • Baccarat x Pokémon
  • Brown & Friends x Furla
  • Cochinelle x Barbie
  • Jurassic Park x Reebok
  • Sprite x Fila
  • The Simpsons x Balenciaga

Best Licensed Promotion

  • Angry Bird Problem? – Geico
  • Deliveroo’s Very Hungry Caterpillar – Deliveroo
  • PAW Patrol Waze Co-Pilot – Waze
  • Plant with Peppa Reforestation – Asda, Ecologi
  • Playmobil For Every Starbucks Buddy – Starbucks, Playmobil
  • Uber Famous Rides (TMNT, SpongeBob, Scooby) – Uber Rides

Best Licensing Agency

  • IMG
  • Pacific Licensing Studio
  • The Beanstalk Group
  • The Joester Loria Group
  • The Point.1888
  • Tycoon Enterprises
  • VIZ Media
  • WildBrain CPLG

 

PlayMonster, LEGO, and Crayola among 2021 Licensing International Excellence Awards winners

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PlayMonster, LEGO, Crayola, and Hasbro have all been named among the winners of the 2021 Licensing International Excellence Awards at a ceremony held via a virtual gathering during this week’s Licensing Expo Virtual.

Big name toy companies featured among the 22 award winners from seven different countries, including China, Finland, France, Japan, Singapore, the UK, and the US at the event that brought together nearly 1,000 industry executives.

The winners were whittled down from a total of 152 nominees – itself a shortlist of finalists from more than 650 entries from around the world. An elite judging panel narrowed the entries down to the final ballot, which was then voted on by members of the licensing industry.

PlayMonster secured its win in the Toys, Games, Novelties for ages 0 to 8 category, receiving its accolade for its popular Peppa Pig Grow and Play Peppa Pots, while LEGO secured its Toys, Games, Novelties for ages 8 upwards category win for its Andy Warhol LEGO Art Edition.

Hasbro took home the Entertainment, Character Brand: Animated category win for Peppa Pig, and Crayola was voted Best Licensed Collaboration in its tie up with Adidas and Donovan Mitchell.

The Licensing International Excellence Awards honour innovation and creativity in licensing, as well as how licensees develop and bring to market products, and how retailers creatively spotlight licenses on their shelves. A special award this year – Pandemic Pivot – went to Peanuts Worldwide to honour its work in developing and making available for free in-home educational materials and lesson plans.

“In our 36th year of honoring the best of the global licensing industry, it’s inspiring to see the quality of the work produced by people and companies even as they were adapting to new ways of creating and collaborating amid the effects of the pandemic,” said Maura Regan, president, Licensing International.

“The achievements that we honor today are testament to the power of brands, and the power of licensing as a business to create products and programs with lasting appeal.”

Here are the 2021 Licensing International Excellence Awards winners:

Best Licensed Products

⦁ Apparel / Footwear / Accessories – Dr. Martens for Jean-Michel Basquiat Boots
⦁ Appliance / Automotive / Housewares / Electronics – Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co. for Pokémon Travel
⦁ Toys / Games / Novelties for Ages 0 – 8 – PlayMonster for Peppa Pig Grow & Play Peppa Pots
⦁ Apps / Sofware / Video Games – Top Golf for Angry Birds Interactive Golf Game
⦁ Food / Beverage – Kinnerton Confectionery for Harry Potter Chocolate Range
⦁ Health and Beauty Aids – Mad Beauty for Friends Bath & Body Essentials
⦁ Home Decor – Secret Lab for Batman Gaming Chairs
⦁ Publishing / Back to School – Chronicle Books for LEGO Note Brick
⦁ Toys/ Games/ Novelties for ages 8 upwards – LEGO for Andy Warhol LEGO Art Edition

Best Licensed Brands
⦁ Art/ Design/ Celebrity/ Fashion Brand – The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle Studio
⦁ Digital App/ Video Game Brand – Super Mario by Nintendo
⦁ Corporate Brand – Goodyear by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and IMG
⦁ Entertainment/ Character Brand: Animated – Peppa Pig by Hasbro & Hasbro China
⦁ Entertainment/ Character Brand: Live-Action – Harry Potter by Warner Bros. France
⦁ Food/ Beverage/ Restaurant Brand – Coca-Cola, Hi-C & Sprite by The Coca-Cola Company
⦁ Sports/ Collegiate Brand – NFLPA by NFL Players Association

OTHER AWARDS
⦁ BEST LICENSED PROMOTION – Direct Line & Born Licensing for “We’re On It” with Transformers, TMNT & Robocop
⦁ BEST LICENSED COLLABORATION – Crayola x Adidas x Donovan Mitchell
⦁ BEST RETAILER FOR A CHARACTER / ENTERTAINMENT INITIATIVE – BoxLunch for Marvel Eat the Universe
⦁ BEST RETAILER FOR A CORPORATE / LIFESTYLE/ SPORTS INITIATIVE – H&M for Coca-Cola
⦁ BEST LICENSING AGENCY – IMG
⦁ THE PANDEMIC PIVOT AWARD – Peanuts At-Home-Offerings by Peanuts Worldwide

 

The Licensing International Excellence Awards prepare for Licensing Expo Virtual live stream ceremony

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The Licensing International Excellence Awards will be returning to Licensing Expo this year, albeit in a virtual format, as the ceremony makes its preparations to live stream on Day One of Licensing Expo Virtual this August 24th to 26th.

The annual award programme will once again honour a list of nominees and reveal the 2021 winners across its 22 categories, whittling down the record-setting number of finalists from the more than 150 nominees across 23 countries. The live broadcast will take place on the Licensing Expo Virtual platform and is available exclusively to event attendees.

Register here for the event and ceremony free of charge.

Scheduled for August 24 at 9:00 a.m. PST/12:00 p.m. EDT, the live ceremony is designed to celebrate a world-class group of licensing professionals, IP owners, agencies, retailers, and more, for their creativity and dedication to the pursuit of advancing the brand licensing industry.

“In a year where stay-at-home restrictions radically disrupted societal behavior, a selection of standout professionals and companies helped the industry navigate these uncharted waters through strategic licensing initiatives – many of which are nominated for this year’s Licensing International Excellence Awards,” said Maura Regan, president of Licensing International.

“Each and every one of this year’s nominees have played a part in reimagining the brand to consumer relationship, changes that will have a positive impact on the outlook of our industry. We look forward to celebrating these successes during the award ceremony during Licensing Expo Virtual.”

Anna Knight, VP of Licensing, Informa Markets, added: “Licensing Expo is about bringing the global licensing community together, a sentiment that really strikes home as we’ve all had to face unique challenges and think outside the box, more so than ever before.

“We are proud to partner with Licensing International and host the Excellence Awards ceremony on the first day of this year’s event to pause and applaud so many individual’s and company’s continued perseverance and inflow of creative ideas that kept our industry’s momentum going.”

The Licensing International Excellence Awards categories include:

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Apparel / Footwear / Accessories
Presented by WildBrain CPLG

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Appliances/Automotive/Electronics/Housewares/Paint
Presented by ViacomCBS

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Digital: Apps / Software / Video Games
Presented by WildBrain – emojitown

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Food / Beverage
Presented by LI Accelerator Recipients Bedrock Collectibles, Holy Joe, LIBREX, Park Star Media & Somos Arte

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Health & Beauty Aids
Presented by WildBrain – Teletubbies

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Home Décor
Presented by InSpirit Designs

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Publishing / Social Expression / Back-to-School
Presented by ViacomCBS

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Toys / Games / Novelties / Role Play (ages 0-8)
Presented by Alifish

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Toys / Games / Novelties / Role Play (ages 8+)
Presented by InSpirit Designs

BEST AGENCY / MANUFACTURER REP
Presented by Bedrock Collectibles, Holy Joe, LIBREX, Park Star Media & Somos Arte

BEST LICENSED BRAND – Corporate
Presented by ViacomCBS

BEST LICENSED BRAND – Digital: Apps & Video Games
Presented by InSpirit Designs

BEST LICENSED BRAND – Entertainment / Character / Toy Brand – Animated
Presented by Alifish

BEST LICENSED BRAND – Entertainment / Character – Live Action
Presented by InSpirit Designs

BEST LICENSED BRAND – Food / Beverage / Restaurant Brand
Presented by WildBrain CPLG Lifestyle

BEST LICENSED BRAND – Lifestyle: Art / Design / Celebrity / Fashion Brand
Presented by Bedrock Collectibles, Holy Joe, LIBREX, Park Star Media & Somos Arte

BEST LICENSED BRAND – Sports / Collegiate
Presented by ViacomCBS

BEST LICENSED COLLABORATION
Presented by Alifish

BEST LICENSED PROMOTION
Presented by WildBrain CPLG – Peanuts Worldwide

BEST RETAILER – Corporate / Lifestyle / Fashion / Sports
Presented by Alifish

BEST RETAILER – Entertainment / Character
Presented by Bedrock Collectibles, Holy Joe, LIBREX, Park Star Media & Somos Arte

THE PANDEMIC PIVOT
Presented by ViacomCBS

 To view the full Licensing International Excellence Awards nominee list, visit here.

Licensing Expo | Licensing International unveils 2021 Excellence Awards finalists

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Licensing International has revealed the list of nominees from across the globe vying for the win at this year’s 2021 Licensing International Excellence Awards, taking place at Licensing Expo Virtual on Tuesday, August 24th.

More than 180 judges from 21 countries narrowed the record-setting number of entries to the more than 150 finalists across the awards’ 22 categories this year.

“Despite the many obstacles last year, the global licensing community created innovative products and programs – including amazing pandemic pivots, that showcase the power of brand licensing,” said Maura Regan, president of Licensing International. “We are thrilled to celebrate these nominees from around the globe for their incredible work and ingenuity, and look forward recognizing ‘the best of the best’ on August 24 at the Licensing International Excellence Awards ceremony.”

Here are the 2021 Licensing International Excellence Awards nominees:

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Apparel / Footwear / Accessories
Presented by Wildbrain CPLG

Company                                                                                                              Product

Blackmilk                                                                                           Harry Potter Range

Dr. Martens                                                                          Jean-Michel Basquiat Boots

Modern Works                                                                                            Kodak Range

Morgan Lane                                                                                   Monopoly Sleepwear

Primitive Skate                                                         Sailor Moon Skateboard Collection

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Appliances/Automotive/Electronics/Housewares/Paint
Presented by ViacomCBS

Company                                                                                                              Product

Baccarat Australia                                                           Game of Thrones Knife Range

Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co.                                         Pokémon Travel Range

CR Brands                                                                             Arm & Hammer Essentials Disinfecting Wipes

8 Star Energy                                                             Energizer Homepower and Energy Storage System

Honda                                                                                Chupa Chups Scoopy Scooter

Just Funky                                                                     Dragon Ball Z Tableware Range

Master Product Group                                                             Minions Robotic Vacuum

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Digital: Apps / Software / Video Games
Presented by Wildbrain – emojitown

Company                                                                                                              Product

Audible                                                                                         Sesame Street Podcast

Complete Control / Acamar Films                                    Bing Watch, Play, Learn App

Frontier Developments                                                             Jurassic World Evolution

Game for Peace                                                 The Metropolitan Museum of Art Game

Oculus                                                                                     Jurassic World Aftermath

Story Toys Ltd                                                            The Very Hungry Caterpillar Play School App

Top Golf                                                                   Angry Birds Interactive Golf Game

Wristworld                                                                                  Hatsune Miku AR Band

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Food / Beverage
Presented by LI Accelerator Recipients Bedrock Collectibles, Holy Joe, LIBREX, Park Star Media & Somos Arte

Company                                                                                                              Product

Benvolio 1938                                                           Masha and the Bear Sunflower Oil

Brands for Fans                                                                                       KISS Dark Rum

Cacau Show                                                                           NBA Easter Confectionery

Fizz Creations Limited                                                 SLUSH PUPPiE & ICEE Maker

Guandong Jintian Animation Co.                                               Peppa Pig Baby Snacks

Kinnerton Confectionery Ltd                                           Harry Potter Chocolate Range

Vignobles Bardet                                                                            Peaky Blinders Wine

Yuengling                                                                                              Hershey’s Porter

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Health & Beauty Aids
Presented by Wildbrain – Teletubbies

Company                                                                                                              Product

Colour Pop                                                                            Candy Land Make-Up Line

Etude Cosmetics                                                          Hershey’s Kisses Cosmetics Line

Fresh                                                                                       The Met Facial Treatment

H&A                                                                            The Simpsons Novelty Bath Line

HipDot                                                                                          Tapatio Cosmetic Line

Mad Beauty Ltd                                                             Friends Bath & Body Essentials

Morphe                                                                                    Coca-Cola Cosmetic Line

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Home Décor
Presented by Inspirit Designs

Company                                                                                                              Product

BeArty Ltd                                                                                            Vizzio Art Range

Design House Stockholm                                      Carl & Karin Larsson Furniture Line

Feribiella S.p.A.                                                         Premoli & Di Bella Dog Furniture Range

Kross Studio                                                                                      Batman Desk Clock

Royal Selangor International Sdn Bhd                         Harry Potter Pewter Collectibles

Secret Lab                                                                                    Batman Gaming Chairs

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Publishing / Social Expression / Back-to-School
Presented by ViacomCBS

Company                                                                                                              Product

Blueprint Collections Ltd                                                Van Gogh Museum Stationery

Chronicle Books                                                                                  LEGO Note Brick

Chronicle Books                                                      LEGO Still Life Coffee Table Book

Hachette Collections Japan                                                          Peter Rabbit Partworks

Heroes’ Feast                                                                Dungeons & Dragons Cookbook

Libros MiCuento SL                                            “Little Prince & I” Personalized Book

Montegrappa                                                                              Monopoly Fountain Pen

Penguin Random House                                                                 Tasty Cookbook Line

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Toys / Games / Novelties / Role Play (ages 0-8)
Presented by Alifish

Company                                                                                                              Product

Aurora World Inc                                                                                     Dr. Seuss Plush

CreateOn / Magna-Tile                                    The Very Hungry Caterpillar Interactive Storytime

Headstart International                                                 Sesame Street Resoftables Plush

PlayMonster                                                             Peppa Pig Grow & Play Peppa Pots

Jazwares                                                                            The Mandalorian – The Child Squishmallows Plush

Kid Trax / Pacific Cycle                                    The USPS® Mail Delivery Truck Ride-On

Moose Toys                                                                                           Bluey Toy Range

BEST LICENSED PRODUCT – Toys / Games / Novelties / Role Play (ages 8+)
Presented by Inspirit Designs

Company                                                                                                              Product

Hornby Hobbies Ltd                             The Beatles Eurostar Yellow Submarine Model Train Set

LEGO                                                                           Andy Warhol LEGO Art Edition

Playmates                                                                                 Billie Eilish Fashion Doll

Playmobil                                                                           Back to the Future DeLorean

Winning Solutions Game Company                       Monopoly 85th Anniversary Edition

XM Studios                                                                         Batman Collectible Figurine

Zuru                                                                                             5 Surprise Mini Brands

BEST AGENCY / MANUFACTURER REP
Presented by Bedrock Collectibles, Holy Joe, LIBREX, Park Star Media & Somos Arte

Company

Beanstalk

IMG

Pacific Licensing Studio

pocket.watch

Retail Monster

The Joester Loria Group

The Point.1888

Wildbrain CPLG

BEST LICENSED BRAND – Corporate
Presented by ViacomCBS

Company                                                                                                               Agency

American Red Cross                                                                  Seltzer Licensing Group

Braun                                                                                                                 Beanstalk

CosmoLiving                                                                                                             IMG

Craftsman                                                                                                          Beanstalk

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company                                                                          IMG

Hewlett-Packard                                                                                                    LMCA

Scotts Miracle-Gro Company                                                    Seltzer Licensing Group

BEST LICENSED BRAND – Digital: Apps & Video Games
Presented by Inspirit Designs

Brand                                                                                                                 Company

emoji®                                                                                          emoji company GmbH

Minecraft                                                                                                           Microsoft

Pokémon                                                                                    The Pokémon Company

Sonic the Hedgehog                                                                                                  Sega

Subway Surfers                                                                                          SYBO Games

Super Mario                                                                                                       Nintendo

XBOX                                                                                                               Microsoft

BEST LICENSED BRAND – Entertainment / Character / Toy Brand – Animated
Presented by Alifish

Brand                                                                                                                 Company

Bing                                                                                                            Acamar Films

Bluey                                                                                                             Ludo Studio

Moomin                                                                                             Moomin Characters

Naruto                                                                                                          Shueisha Inc.

Peppa Pig                                                                                                               Hasbro

Pink Panther                                                                                               MGM Studios

Trolls World Tour                                                            Universal Brand Development

BEST LICENSED BRAND – Entertainment / Character – Live Action
Presented by Inspirit Designs

Brand                                                                                                                 Company

Animal Planet                                                                                                   Discovery

Harry Potter                                                                Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Love, Diana                                                                                                 pocket.watch

Peaky Blinders                                                                Caryn Mandabach Productions

Ryan’s World                                                                              Sunlight Entertainment

Street Dance of China                                                 Alibaba Culture & Entertainment Group

BEST LICENSED BRAND – Food / Beverage / Restaurant Brand
Presented by Wildbrain CPLG Lifestyle

Brand                                                                                                                 Company

Baileys                                                                                                                   Diageo

Cinnabon                                                                                             Focus Brands LLC

Coca-Cola / Hi-C / Sprite                                                         The Coca-Cola Company

Corona                                                                                             Constellation Brands

Hershey’s                                                                                     The Hershey Company

Heinz / KoolAid / Oscar Mayer                                             The Kraft Heinz Company

SLUSH PUPPiE                                                                                      ICEE Company

Tasty                                                                                                                  Buzzfeed

BEST LICENSED BRAND – Lifestyle: Art / Design / Celebrity / Fashion Brand
Presented by Bedrock Collectibles, Holy Joe, LIBREX, Park Star Media & Somos Arte

Brand                                                                                                                 Company

Andy Warhol                                                                    The Andy Warhol Foundation

New York Botanical Garden                                               New York Botanical Garden

Paul Frank                                                                                        China Brands Group

Peter Rabbit                                                                                          Penguin Ventures

Smiley                                                                                            The Smiley Company

The Rolling Stones                                                                             The Rolling Stones

The Very Hungry Caterpillar                                                                Eric Carle Studio

V&A                                                                                   Victoria and Albert Museum

BEST LICENSED BRAND – Sports / Collegiate
Presented by ViacomCBS

Brand                                                                                                                 Company

NCAA                                                                                  National Collegiate Athletic Association

NFLPA                                                                                     NFL Players Association

BEST LICENSED COLLABORATION
Presented by Alifish

Collaboration                                                                                                     Company

Allbirds, Baggu, Catbird, J.Crew, Estee Lauder, Mast, The Sill                        The Met

Crayola x Adidas & Donovan Mitchell                                               Crayola & Adidas

Disney x Keith Haring x Coach                                                         Coach IP Holdings

Nerf x Fortnite x Travis Scott                                                    Epic Games & Jazwares

Peanuts x BarkBox                                                         Peanuts Worldwide & BarkBox

Pokémon x Longchamp                                        The Pokémon Company International

The Very Hungry Caterpillar x Fila                                                      Eric Carle Studio

BEST LICENSED PROMOTION
Presented by Wildbrain CPLG – Peanuts Worldwide

Company                                                                                             Company / Agency

Barbie & Tim Hortons Hockey Promotion                                                            Mattel

“We’re On It”: Transformers, TMNT, Robocop                Direct Line / Born Licensing

Monet Afternoon Tea at Pizza Hut                          Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Pizza Hut, Alfilo

SweeTARTS Unleash your Super Self, WW84        Ferrara Candy Co & Warner Bros.

The Smurfs: EU Beach Clean Up                                                                IMPS / Lafig

tokidoki Snow Holiday at Changi Festival Village     Changi Airport, tokidoki, Pacific Licensing

BEST RETAILER – Corporate / Lifestyle / Fashion / Sports
Presented by Alifish

Company                                                                                                             Property

Cotton On                                                                                             Streets (Unilever)

H&M                                                                                        The Coca-Cola Company

Peter Alexander                                                                                    Streets (Unilever)

Riva Fashion and Armada Group                                              Chupa Chups & Mentos

Spirit Halloween                                                                                                  Dunkin’

Stellar Partners, Inc                                                                                                 Wired

BEST RETAILER – Entertainment / Character
Presented by Bedrock Collectibles, Holy Joe, LIBREX, Park Star Media & Somos Arte

Company                                                                                                             Property

Best & Less                                                                       PAC-MAN & Space Invaders

Big W                                                                                                                    Minecraft

Box Lunch                                                                                 Marvel Eat the Universe

Leclerc                                                                                                    Wizarding World

Joué Club                                                                                                      Harry Potter

Peter Alexander                                                                                             Peter Rabbit

Primark                                                                                                        Mickey Mouse

THE PANDEMIC PIVOT
Presented by ViacomCBS

Company                                                                                                            Company

Crayola Wellness Essentials                                                                                Crayola

Mad Engine Million Mask Give Away                                             Mad Engine Global

MaskClub                                                                                                               Trevco

Peanuts At-Home Offerings                                                              Peanuts Worldwide

Peppa Pig: Peppa Loves Doctors & Nurses                                                          Hasbro

Sesame Street: Caring for Each Other                                                Sesame Workshop

Spirit of Children PPE Donations                                                          Spirit Halloween

Trolls World Tour                                                            Universal Brand Development

Winners of the 2020 Licensing International Excellence Awards revealed in virtual awards ceremony

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The winners of the 2020 Licensing International Excellence Awards have been revealed in the industry’s first virtual awards ceremony that brought together nearly 1,000 executives from around the world for the celebrations.

Hosted by Handcraft VP and stand-up comic Marshall Mizrahi, the event saw licensing powerhouse Martha Stewart inducted into the Licensing Hall of Fame.

It also played host to a showcase of this year’s six international Rising Stars in Krystyna Braxton (NFL Players Inc.); Allison Cimino (RockLove); Carolina Garcia Souza (Cinecolor Colombia, representative of The Walt Disney Company); Gao Qiang (Tencent); Hannah Stevens (The Point.1888); and Louis Yenik (Crunchyroll). 

Newly redesigned trophies for both the main Awards and the Hall of Fame were also unveiled at the event, designed by Alternatives and PowerStation Studios, respectively. 

The 23 Awards winners hail from around the globe, including companies from Brazil, France, Germany, Korea, the UK and the US, and were unveiled by 10 leading licensing executives who each brought their own special flair to the event.

The Coca-Cola Company and Sesame Workshop each “took home” multiple trophies – Coca-Cola swept the Food & Beverage categories, winning Best Product for its Coca-Cola-flavoured Tic Tacs in partnership with Ferrero, and picking up the prize for Best Food & Beverage Brand of the Year. Sesame Workshop’s “Sesame Street” was named Best Live-Action Entertainment or Character Brand and also won for its “A Cautionary Tale” promotion with Squarespace. Meanwhile, Wildbrain CPLG was crowned as the first winner in the newly added Best Licensing Agency category. 

A number of companies supported the Licensing International Small Business Global Grants Fund by taking space in the Awards Program, which was made available digitally Monday. Thanks to their contributions, the Grants Fund has raised more than $110,000 to help small businesses in the licensing community impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. 

“This year marks the 35th anniversary of the International Licensing Awards, and while we had of course looked forward to celebrating in person, this virtual gathering was an amazing event,” said Maura Regan, president, Licensing International.

“Perhaps more than ever it was important to celebrate the incredible creativity and innovation of our industry. Seeing the very best work of this industry on display, alongside some of the dynamic executives who drive it, was a powerful reminder that, in the wake of uncertainty, the power of trusted brands and well-known licenses is more critical than ever before.”

The 23 2020 Licensing International Excellence Awards winners are:

Best Licensed Products

  • Apparel/Footwear/Accessories – Vans for David Bowie Apparel & Footwear Range
  • Appliance/Automotive/Housewares/Electronics – Pro-Ject Audio Systems for The Beatles Turntable
  • Toys/Games/Novelties for ages 0 to 8 – WowWee for Pinkfong Baby Shark Song Puppets
  • Apps/Software/Video games – Story Toys / Touch Press for LEGO Duplo World App
  • Food/Beverage – The Coca-Cola Company / Ferrero for Coca-Cola Tic Tac
  • Health and Beauty Aids – Lipsmacker for Crayola Lip Care Line
  • Home Decor – Dreamtex Ltd for National Geographic Recycled Bedding
  • Publishing/Back-to-School – Party City – Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year Partygoods & Tableware
  • Toys/Games/Novelties for ages 8+ – LEGO for Stranger Things Lego Set

Best Licensed Brands

  • Art/Designs/Celebrity/Fashion Brand – V&A by Victoria & Albert Museum 
  • Digital/ App/ Video Game Brand – Brown & Friends by LINE Friends
  • Corporate Brand – Cat by Caterpillar  
  • Entertainment/Character Brand: Animated – Peppa Pig by eOne / Hasbro
  • Entertainment/Character Brand: Live Action – Sesame Street by Sesame Workshop
  • Food/Beverage/Restaurant Brand – Coca-Cola by The Coca-Cola Company
  • Sports/Collegiate Brand – Rugby World Cup by World Rugby / IMG

Other Awards

  • Best Licensed Promotion – Squarespace & Sesame Street “A Cautionary Tale”
  • Best Licensed Collaboration – SpongeBob Squarepants x Nike x Kyrie Irving
  • Best Experiential or Location-Based Initiative – The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Best Retailer for a Character/Entertainment Initiative – Galeries Lafayette for Batman 
  • Best Retailer for a Corporate/Lifestyle/Sports Initiative – NBA Stores Brazil 
  • Best Licensing Agency – Wildbrain CPLG
  • The Newcomer Award – Harrogate Tipple Ltd for Downton Abbey Gin & Whisky