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Licensing Expo 2022 delivers on commitment to sustainability with Products of Change

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The Global Licensing Group, organisers of Licensing Expo, today announced a continuation of its strategic partnership with Products of Change (POC), a global educational hub aimed at driving sustainable change across the consumer product markets and beyond.

Returning as an instrumental partner following last year’s successful implementation at Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit (B&LIS) Europe and Brand Licensing Europe, the expanded initiative represents an ongoing commitment to facilitate industry-wide change and help as many as possible across the industry to take the first steps into their sustainability journey.

Licensing Expo and Products of Change will be delivering two free-to-attend sessions in the live theatre:

  • Sustainability 101: A deep dive into the science behind why sustainable transformation is vital for business future prosperity. Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO at Products of Change, and Andrea Green, Principle at Globally Green and POC’s US Ambassador, will explain why we need to transition business and fundamental guiding principles to build a sustainable framework.
  • Sustainability in Licensing: Manufacturers and brand owners will share their sustainability journey thus far, their strategic plans, and areas of collaboration to move the industry forward.

Furthermore, all attendees and exhibitors have access to the Sustainability Business Lounge to arrange 121 Clinics with Products of Change experts and consultants and receive free counsel on where to focus their long-term sustainability efforts. Meetings will be scheduled on a first-come-first-serve basis and can be booked in the dedicated Meetings Platform available to all registered attendees – the online platform will be accessible from April 11.

Alongside the robust education made available to all event participants, Licensing Expo and Products of Change are dedicating significant resources to bring sustainability and DEI to the forefront to drive long-lasting change, encompassing:

  • Measuring and reducing carbon footprint: Top-line commitments for 2023 include managing waste streams, from significantly reducing carpet on the expo floor to identifying digital alternatives to signage and printed materials.
  • Hosting activations that showcase real-world examples of how licensed products can be produced ethically and using sustainable methods while remaining visually stimulating, on-brand, and commercially viable.
  • Providing a platform to amplify diverse voices, working in tandem with Black Lives Matter Licensing, Products of Change, Women in Toys, and other relevant organisations
  • Holding the License This! competition at Licensing Expo and BLE to elevate voices and brands that lack the investment or experience needed to broker licensing deals.
  • Running a Retail Mentoring Program for junior retail buyers. A year-long program that consists of seminars, coaching and mentoring, brand owner site visits, and expo passes to encourage the younger generation to pursue future career opportunities in the retail space.

“Sustainability and DEI are top of mind for us as leaders in the trade show sector; its critical to model behavior that drives real progress and deeply roots sustainable practices in the industries we serve,” says Anna Knight, SVP of the Global Licensing Group, Informa Markets. “We are so proud to renew and strengthen our partnership with Products of Change to, first, spread awareness of the long-lasting impact each individual can have on our planet’s health, followed by instilling sustainability into the core of each business’ operations. Our ambition is for the licensing industry to lead by example, encouraging others to follow suit, and we look forward to laying the foundation at Licensing Expo.”

Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO, Products of Change adds, “With the lack of in-person events over the last two years, Licensing Expo is going to be a celebration of the industry coming back together globally, pivotal to this is how we future proof the industry as consumers mindset shifts and technology advances. Because of this, POC is proud to partner with the Global Licensing Group to highlight the importance of transitioning the industry to a sustainable future. Attendees can join the POC team for 121 in-person clinics in the Sustainability Business Lounge to see how the industry is advancing and take advantage of a variety of panels and debates on the Licensing University theatre throughout the three days. Sustainability is a global challenge, and I can’t wait to see how we can advance the industry together.

“It’s been great to work with the Global Licensing Group on ways they can make their events – Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, Brand & Licensing Innovation Summits – more sustainable. From the ‘Better Stands’ initiatives to a reduction in printed materials, through to the significant reduction of carpet at Licensing Expo, this year is a huge step in the right direction for the events’ industry and one that we highly commend Informa Markets for taking as market leaders.”

In 2021, B&LIS Europe and Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) welcomed POC as a strategic partner to the Global Licensing Group to promote actions the broader licensing community has already taken. The joint efforts included:

  • Producing a 2,000 square foot Sustainability Activation Feature – the activation was the single most visited stand at the event.
  • Elevated notoriously unsustainable categories within the licensing industry, using real-world illustrations and products to showcase progress in these groups. An example included showing how an apparel company could switch from producing fabric samples to using 3D modeling.
  • POC experts ran a 121 Sustainability Clinic to provide strategic guidance on how attendees and exhibitors alike can take a more sustainable-focused approach to business.

“We’re conscious of the various societal concerns that the licensing and trade show industries, often unconsciously, contribute to and recognise the value of working with our peers to solve big challenges,” says Anna Knight. “We invite you to join us at Licensing Expo this May and engage with the education available, learn about sustainable and inclusive practices, and reflect on what you can do to drive progress. In time, our collective efforts will catalyse real progress.”

To learn more about the sustainability and DEI initiatives at Licensing Expo and secure a free visitor pass for the upcoming event held May 24-26, visit www.licensingexpo.com.

 

Star Cutouts joins Acamar Films’ licensing programme for Bing

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Acamar Films continues to build its UK licensing programme with its newest licensee, Star Cutouts, which has launched a new range of cardboard cut-outs for hit preschool show Bing.

Star Cutouts has launched the Bing range with four character Star-Minis, ahead of expanding into life-size cut-outs, table toppers and masks – all ethically sourced and perfect for Bing-themed parties, room decoration and dress-up occasions.

In addition to Star Cutouts, Acamar Films is celebrating a raft of recent UK renewals with existing partners. Roy Lowe has renewed its contract for a further two years; its matching Bing and Flop family socks provide Bingsters and grown-ups with a fun way to connect with their favourite characters.

Paper Projects first launched its reward charts and sticker sets in 2019 and its Bing Potty and Toilet Training Reward Chart has been a consistent Amazon best-seller in the genre. Moonpig has also renewed its licensing agreement, expanding its greetings card offering to 21 colourful designs, with two more arriving for this upcoming Mother’s Day.

Ian Ravey, Managing Director of Star Cutouts, says: “Bing is a perfect property for Star Cutouts and we are delighted to partner with Acamar Films on this lovely new range. The preschool space offers lots of opportunities for parties and special occasions and we look forward to seeing little ones celebrating with their favourite character and his friends.”

Louise Simmonds, Head of UK Licensing for Acamar Films, says: “We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Star Cutouts, adding another fantastic new licensee for Bing, as well as renewing with a number of our valued partners. Celebrations, as a category, is particularly strong for Bing and it’s brilliant to be able to offer even more ways to make those big days extra special for our Bingsters.”

 

ZAG and Burger King join forces for Miraculous QSR promotion

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Animation studio ZAG has partnered with Burger King on a global QSR promotion that features collectible premiums from the pop culture hit Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir with purchase of a King Jr. Meal. 

Zag’s global promotion with Burger King first launched internationally across Europe, Latin America, MENA and Pacific Asia, on January 17, and in France on January 24. The U.S. promotion is scheduled to launch on March 24, 2022, in approximately 7,200 participating Burger King restaurants.

The promotion features six branded premium items featuring characters from Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, including two Ladybug and Cat Noir eye masks, two character light-ups featuring Tikki and Phlagg, and two keepsake boxes, featuring Marinette and Adrian.

Guests of Burger King will receive one premium item in each King Jr. Meal purchased while supplies last. Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir will be featured on packaging, POP and digital/TV ads.

“Our exclusive and first QSR program with Burger King restaurants worldwide offers a tremendous opportunity for ZAG to further the global awareness for Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, and gives our young fans around the globe another chance to engage with the brand as we head into a year of major growth with new products debuting at retail, a new season of the series in production, and the debut of our US$100+ million animated feature,” says ZAG’s Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products.

The 3D-CGI-animated superhero action-comedy series Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, created by ZAG and co-produced with ON kids & family, is ranked by IMDB amongst the Top 10 Best Animated Shows in the last 20 years. Season four of the Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir animated TV series started to roll out in over 120 countries across the globe during spring/summer 2021, and ZAG is currently in production on season five of the series.

With a massive fan base of young adult “Miraculers,” (ages 15-25), Miraculous has become a digital planetary craze with over 29 billion views on YouTube (authorised and user-generated content), and 200 million downloads of the official app. Over 200 million products have been sold during the past four years and retail sales have surpassed US$1B worldwide to date. Miraculous is the winner of 25 awards, including the 2018 Teen Choice Award for Choice Animated Series.

Minecraft partners with Lacoste for apparel collection

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Mojang Studios has partnered with Lacoste to launch the Minecraft x Lacoste apparel collection, featuring activewear, accessories and footwear, just in time for spring/summer 2022.

Minecraft fans will love seeing how the iconic blocky style of Minecraft has been translated to the world of fashion with Lacoste – including some of their most iconic pieces like printed polos, monochrome sweatshirts and more. The collection even features an updated crocodile Lacoste logo reimagined in the style of Minecraft.

To celebrate the partnership, Minecraft has released the Croco Island DLC available for the community to download for free via the Minecraft Marketplace today. Inspired by the Minecraft x Lacoste apparel collection, adventurers of the Croco Island DLC can explore a Lacoste theme park on a lush tropical island with hidden secrets and fun minigames, like tennis, and check out 30 unique Lacoste-themed skins.

The Minecraft x Lacoste apparel collection is available from today on Lacoste.com and at select retailers worldwide.

 

 

BuzzFeed’s Tasty cookware launches in the UK

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BuzzFeed’s food network Tasty launches its popular cookware and kitchenware in the UK this week.

The line of kitchen products aims to bring the fun, ease and accessibility of Tasty’s signature recipe videos to consumers across the UK. The Tasty-branded cookware line includes 115 products, from non-stick cookware to high quality kitchen utensils, accessories and more. Prices range from £2.99 to £99.99 for the full pink set.

Hanna Sheinin, Head of International Licensing at BuzzFeed Inc, says: “Tasty has always made cooking more fun, and there is no better way to prepare delicious recipes at home than with our bright cookware range. We’re extremely proud to bring these products to the UK for a broad audience of beginner and more experienced cooks to enjoy.”

The Tasty cookware line features bright colours that pop in the kitchen, and includes all the tools necessary to prepare Tasty’s iconic recipes. The line includes non-stick aluminium cookware, non-stick metal bakeware, extra large cookie cutters, silicone-head utensils and soft-grip gadgets. The Tasty Kitchen line is used in Tasty videos and was designed and developed with the Tasty fan in mind, as BuzzFeed research shows that two out of three Tasty fans have made a Tasty recipe.

The collection will be available for purchase through the Tasty brand store on Amazon.

 

LMCA promotes Ciarán Coyle to CEO

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Global brand extension agency LMCA has announced a shift in its top management as the agency experiences rapid growth and expands further internationally.

The LMCA Board has announced the promotion of Ciarán Coyle, formerly President & COO of the agency, to the role of CEO. He will also become a Principal of the firm and join the LMCA Board. Coyle will oversee all aspects of the operations of the business globally.

Allan Feldman, Founder and formerly CEO, will become Executive Chairman, working closely with Coyle on the agency strategy and key partnerships.

“Ciarán has brought a sharp business focus and discipline to LMCA over this past year and established an incredibly strong foundation for the agency’s continued international growth as a leader in strategic brand extension licensing,” says Feldman. “The decision of the LMCA Board to elevate Ciarán to the position of CEO reflects the confidence we have in his ability to realise LMCA’s full potential and add significant value to our clients.”

Ciarán Coyle commented: “I’ve greatly enjoyed working with our super clients, partners, and the wonderful LMCA team over the past year and am very excited for what lies ahead. I’m truly honoured by this opportunity to take on the CEO responsibilities and look forward to working with all our LMCA stakeholders to deliver continued success.”

 

Thermos UK taps illustrator Rachel Ellen for kids’ range

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Thermos UK has signed an exclusive three-year licensing agreement with popular children’s stationery and greetings card designer Rachel Ellen to create a unique FUNtainer range of bottles, food flasks and lunch bags.

The iconic Thermos brand will initially launch four themed children’s collections featuring illustrations that are instantly recognisable as Rachel Ellen creations. The cute, brightly coloured Dinosaur, Pirate, Mermaid and Unicorn collections will feature a FUNtainer Bottle to keep drinks cool for up to 12 hours, a FUNtainer Food Flask to keep foods hot or cold and a Lunch Kit for transporting packed lunches.

Rachel Ellen Designs was founded in 1997 when Rachel retired from a career as a professional ballet dancer and began hand painting greeting cards at her kitchen table. Twenty-five years later the company is one of the leading publishers in the UK and a market leader in the children’s greeting card, stationery and gift sector, distributed to more than 40 countries worldwide.

Rachel says: “I’ve grown up using Thermos products, as my parents and grandparents did before me. I was therefore delighted to collaborate with such an iconic brand and use some of my best-loved designs to bring a children’s range to life. Everyone loves a fun food and drink container – kids and adults alike!”

Nick Kime, MD at Thermos UK, adds: “Thermos has been around for over 100 years and we actually launched our first children’s lunchbox way back in 1957 in the US, when two million of our Roy Rogers design were sold. We have since remained at the forefront of innovation in the sector, continuing to develop the hottest and coolest products for people on the go and our FUNtainer products have been a best-seller in the UK since they were introduced almost 20 years ago.

“Partnering with Rachel Ellen is a natural fit for our brand. Her instantly recognisable designs will resonate with children and their parents alike.”

The Rachel Ellen range from Thermos UK is BPA free and the FUNtainer Bottle and FUNtainer Food Flask come with a five-year guarantee.

For more information go to: www.thermos.co.uk

Brand Licensing Europe and Licensing International launch Brand Licensing Retailers’ Academy

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The all-new Brand Licensing Retailers’ Academy is a series of six masterclasses specifically designed for experienced retailer professionals.  The year-round programme, developed by licensing industry experts Brand Licensing Europe and Licensing International, will feature leading licensing executives sharing their expertise, including how licensing drives enhanced customer engagement, key consumer insights behind licensed product purchase intent, and exclusive access to the data behind emerging industry trends.

The series will kick off with an in-person half-day event in central London on 12 May.

The BLRA programme, which includes a membership to Licensing International, is exclusively for retailers but space is limited, and participants are encouraged to enrol now.

“We are excited to launch this complimentary masterclass series developed specifically for senior retail professionals. Licensing International is rooted in retail and merchandising, and these classes are a natural extension,” says Maura Regan, president of Licensing International.

“This joint programme with Licensing International builds on our commitment to engage with retailers year-round and support them as they continue to develop their licensing expertise,” adds Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing, Informa Markets. “It is the perfect complement to our Retail Mentoring Programme, and we’re excited to further enhance our roster of opportunities for retailers to engage with the world of brand licensing.”

Interested retailers can register here.

Transport technology brand Cosworth revs up licensing programme

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British technology and engineering brand Cosworth has announced its first positions on the licensing grid.

Cosworth has applied its leading-edge expertise to design and build propulsion systems and intelligent solutions for the motorsport and automotive industries – from Formula 1 to the Aston Martin Valkyrie – for over 60 years,

Now, Cosworth Group Holdings Limited is working with Faster Brands to negotiate licence agreements and collaborations in association with Ford Motor Company. Cosworth is partnering with Hornby Hobbies to create the Ford Escort Cosworth and Ford Sierra Cosworth rally and race cars as die-cast models and slot car racing models for Hornby’s Scalextric range.

A partnership with Poetic Gem has also been announced for a range of fashion apparel.

In addition, Cosworth has announced a collaboration with leading bespoke watch company Dartmouth Brands for a range of unique watch designs supported by great historic stories, targeting the collector, consumer retailers and specialist online direct-marketing sectors.

The company is also entering the world of E-SPORTS, with details to be announced shortly.

Faster Brands MD Chris Parkes says: “Cosworth has such a rich heritage in motorsport and we are proud to be working them to find the right partnerships that celebrate their past and present successes.”

“Cosworth has a proud history of innovation, and we look forward to growing our relationship with Faster Brands to showcase our rich and varied history with our key licensing partners,” adds Nick Greenway, Marketing Director at Cosworth Group Holdings.

To learn more about licensing opportunities with Cosworth, contact Chris@Fasterbrands.co.uk or David@Fasterbrands.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Milo named Best Children’s Series at the British Animation Awards

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Milo, the preschool TV series produced by Fourth Wall in association with DeAPlaneta Entertainment, has won the 2022 Best Children’s Series at the British Animation Awards. 

Since launching in the UK on Channel 5’s Milkshake!, Milo has enjoyed high ratings and is also available on the broadcaster’s on-demand platform My5.

The series has reached 1m kids aged between 4 and 15 and 3.3 million individuals aged 4+ in the UK. Overall, Milo achieved an average audience of 53k and a 17% share. Milo already has more than 4 million views on its official YouTube channel.

The series is also broadcast in Poland (MiniMini+), Italy (DeAJunior), Australia (ABC Kids) and Hungary (MTVA). The show continues to expand across the globe and will launch in China (Senyu) shortly.

Next spring, Milo will land in Latin America (Cartoonito & HBO Max), Finland (YLE), Spain (Clan), Poland (Pulse TV) and the Czech Republic (Česká televise). The series will also receive its free TV launch in Italy (Rai Yoyo) and Sweden (SVT) this summer.

In late March and early April, Milo will be featured alongside other properties at the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair (21-24 March 2022, Bologna), Miptv (4-6 April 2022, Cannes) and Cobrandz (7-8 April 2022, Paris).

Milo (52 x 11′ episodes) is bright, colourful and brings a contemporary graphic style to the small screen. Together with his best friends Lofty and Lark, Milo uses role-play to explore the wonderful world of vocations, from doctors and mechanics to hairdressers, chefs and postal workers, introducing preschoolers to a variety of professions in a positive and entertaining way.

DeAPlaneta Entertainment holds and manages worldwide consumer product rights to the series and is working with Lisle Licensing in the UK to build a strong brand presence and licensing programme.