Including growth for Peppa Pig in China and Miffy’s new H&M collaboration.
eOne has outlined further growth for Peppa Pig in China. The show launched on air in mainland China in 2015 and has now surpassed 5.4 billion views on its three on demand platforms, while it is also one of the most popular programmes for preschoolers on state TV broadcaster CCTV (it was the number one animated show in its 7am timeslot). Strong download rates are also being reported for Peppa Pig apps – Peppa’s Paintbox and Peppa’s Activity Maker has over 400,000 and 195,000 downloads respectively. Online retailers Jing Dong and Tmall have also launched a wide range of merchandise. In terms of licensing, toys are leading the way, with the Peppa Pig Ferris Wheel play-set sold exclusively in Toys R Us stores during the country’s Children’s Day celebrations in June. The publishing category also continues to grow – a new series of storybooks launched in April and over 75,000 copies have been distributed nationally both online and in-store.
Staying with eOne, and the company has signed the first licensing partners in Brazil for Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom. The licensing agent in the territory – Exim – has signed Piffer and Regina for partyware, while Panini Brasil will debut a line of collectable stickers and trading cards from February 2017.
Fashion retailer H&M is launching its first global Miffy collection for autumn/winter. A range of baby and children’s apparel and accessories will launch in September. It will be available in H&M stores across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North and South America, as well as selected countries in Asia Pacific and online.
ITV Studios Global Entertainment is seeing growth for its Thunderbirds Are Go brand across Europe. Consumer products are set to launch in France, the Nordics and Benelux, spearheaded by the toy category. ITVS GE is working closely with master toy licensee Vivid Imaginations to launch the line in each market in September.
RHS licensee Whichford Pottery – which designs and makes a wide range of English flowerpots – has launched the RHS Wildflower Collection. The range of seven decorations was developed as part of Whichford’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Toymaster has debuted its special preschool characters window feature across its member stores. Brands such as PAW Patrol, Peppa Pig, Teletubbies and Blaze and the Monster Machines are all featured from toy companies Character Options, Mattel and Spin Master. There is also a website takeover where consumers can reserve products with their nearest store and a Blaze colouring competition from Mattel. The window feature will also be supported by a four-week social media competition.
Edutainment Licensing has partnered OpSec Security with KidsOut – the official charity for Brand Licensing Europe – to launch a new Cause Related Licensing sticker programme.
Sony Pictures Television Networks’ flagship kids channel – POP – has launched on Virgin Media.
The Wish Factory has partnered with Saban Brands to create a line of Power Rangers Kawaii Cubes.
The Source3 platform has launched the first set of 3D printed South Park characters, celebrating the 20th season of the show. The collection will include a range of characters – including fan favourites as well as those previously unavailable through merchandising. The three-year partnership will also feature year-round introductions of new and old characters.
LIMA is kicking off September with a series of three webinars. The Art and Science of Store Checks will take place on September 7, followed by What to Know Before the Show on September 8 which will give a guide to October’s Brand Licensing Europe. Meanwhile, Brexit Update: How it might affect the licensing business is on September 14 and will be hosted by Christian Fortmann, partner of 24IP Law Group in Germany. All three webinars are free for LIMA members and $200 per site for non members.
Action sports entertainment brand Nitro Circus is teaming with SAVVi, a manufacturer of printed entertainment products. The deal will see Nitro Circus and its line-up of champion action sports athletes featuring on a range of products.
The Football Greats Alliance and plush manufacturer Bleacher Creatures are teaming up to bring NFL fans their favourite retired football legends in mini plush form. The deal was brokered by IMG.
Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow @LicensingSource on Twitter.
