The Licensing Awards 2022: The Finalists

The finalists across all categories in The Licensing Awards 2022 have today (5 July) been announced.

Once again, The Licensing Awards attracted a phenomenal number of entries and nominations this year across all the categories.

Some 200 retail buyers formed the judging panel offering their expert input across the product categories. These included executives from Asda, Character.com, DFS, Dobbies, FatFace, HMV, Homebase, Home Bargains, John Lewis & Partners, M&S, Moonpig, Next, Pep & Co, Pets at Home, Primark, Selfridges, Tesco, TruffleShuffle and Vanilla Underground among many others.

Various validation panels have convened to discuss, debate and validate all the other categories to arrive at the worthy finalists.

The Licensing Awards are owned and organised by Max Publishing, the media group which owns LicensingSource.net and Licensing Source Book, among other leading trade titles and awards events.

The finalists in The Licensing Awards 2022 are (all categories are for licensing activity over the period between 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2022.):

THE UK RISING STAR AWARD FINALISTS
This is a Licensing International UK award. The award is designed to recognise excellence among junior industry professionals in the United Kingdom under the age of 35.

• Alexandra Bovey, licensing partnerships manager, Hearst UK
• Chris Brinkworth, strategy and marketing manager, The Point.1888
• Jessica Dodd, associate retail franchise manager, Hasbro UK Consumer Products
• Ester Gomez, POD Operations Project Manager, Brands In
• Laura Grime, licensing and brand executive, Character World Brands
• Katie Moran, commercial assistant, Lisle Licensing
• Nicola McIntyre, junior buyer, George@Asda
• Shannon Honer, licensing manager, Boat Rocker Media

RETAIL CATEGORY FINALISTS

BEST RETAILER OF PRESCHOOL LICENSED PRODUCTS (AGE GROUP 0-5)

• Asda
• Character.com
• The Entertainer
• Morrisons
• Smyths Toys
• Tesco

BEST RETAILER OF KIDS’ LICENSED PRODUCTS (AGE GROUP 5-16)

• Asda
• Character.com
• The Entertainer
• Next
• Primark
• Smyths Toys
• The Very Group

BEST RETAILER OF ADULT LICENSED PRODUCTS

• ASOS
• Forbidden Planet
• Game
• HMV
• The Hut Group
• Primark

THE RADAR AWARD
This award is for retailers which have come on the radar on the licensing front as they have considerably upped their licensing activities in the last year (between 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2022).

• Boohoo
• Get Trend
• Joules
• Matalan
• My 1st Years
• The Range
• Vanilla Underground

BEST OVERSEAS RETAILER
This award is for retailers of any discipline selling licensed products whose main retailing activity is overseas (ie not in the UK), but which also has a physical or online presence in the UK. The award is for the retailer’s activity on the licensing front over the last year (between 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2022).

• Aldi
• H&M
• Pull & Bear
• Uniqlo
• Urban Outfitters
• Zara

BEST LICENSED RETAIL MARKETING INITIATIVE

• Greggs Campaign with Primark
• Natural History Museum’s Making History Together with Dunelm
• Peppa Pig Earth Day Campaign with Brand Threads
• Peppa Pig Plant with Peppa Campaign with George@Asda
• Peppa Pig #PlantWithPeppa Campaign with Character.com
• Pokémon’s 25th Anniversary Campaign with Selfridges
• Pokémon x Charli Cohen Electric/City Brandiverse with Selfridges
• Thomas & Friends Sensory Friendly Range Campaign with Character.com

BEST LICENSED PROMOTIONS CAMPAIGN

• Godzilla x Heddon Yokocho Promotion from Toho International
• Pokémon x Batchelors Super Noodles Campaign from Batchelors
• Minions x Brioche Pasquier Campaign from Brioche Pasquier (Agency: Once Upon A Time)
• Peppa Pig’s Summer of Sport Partnership with Team GB
• Snoopy, A Dog’s Trail with Dogs Trust
• Thomas & Friends’ Stop, Look and Listen Campaign with Network Rail
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Meal Box Campaign with Deliveroo

BEST LICENSED LIVE EVENT

• DC Universe Immersive Restaurant Experience at The Monarch Theatre from Wonderland Restaurants
• Doctor Who:  Time Fracture Immersive Event from Immersive Everywhere
• The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo from Twycross Zoo
• Monopoly Lifesized Immersive Experience from Gamepath
• Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever Theatrical Show from Fierylight
• Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play Visitor Attraction in Blackpool from Merlin Entertainments
• Shaun the Sheep: Championsheeps Immersive Experience from Electric Gamebox
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Story Trail at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst Place from Kew Gardens
• Zog Playland at Warwick Castle from Merlin Entertainments

PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS

BEST LICENSED TOYS OR GAMES RANGE

• Among Us Toy Range from Toikido
• Bluey Play-sets from Moose Toys
• CoComelon Toys from Jazwares distributed by Bandai
• Encanto Figurines and Play-sets from Jakks Pacific
• Hasbro Outdoor Games from ToyTopic Group
• Jurassic World Dominion Range from Mattel
• Jurassic World Toomies Preschool Range from TOMY
• PAW Patrol: The Movie Range from Spinmaster
• Spidey & His Amazing Friends Vehicles and Plush from Jazwares

BEST LICENSED DRESS-UP OR PARTYWARE

• Among Us Kids Inflatable Costume from YuMe Toys
• Baby Shark Party, Balloon and Costume Range from Amscan International
• Batman vs Joker Blazer from Opposuits
• Bing Cutout Party Props from Star Cutouts
• DC Comics Adaptive Costumes from Rubies Masquerade
• Hey Duggee Dracula Dress-Up for George@Asda from Christy’s By Design
• Julia Donaldson The Gruffalo and Other Stories Dress-Up Range for TU@ Sainsbury’s from Smiffys
• Minecraft Creeper Costumes from Disguise
• Peppa Pig Careers Set for TU@Sainsbury’s from Christy’s By Design

BEST LICENSED PRESCHOOL APPAREL OR ACCESSORIES RANGE (0-5 YEARS)

• CoComelon Nightwear for George@Asda from Aykroyd & Sons
• Disney Baby Gift Box Range for Asda from Poetic Brands
• Dumbo Personalised Babywear for My 1st Years from Dennicci
• The Grinch Christmas Range from Cribstar
• Mickey & Friends Collection from Primark
• Peppa Pig #PlantWithPeppa Range for Character.com from Fashion UK
• Peter Rabbit SS22 Collection for Nutmeg at Morrisons from Dennicci
• Roald Dahl Collection for Very.com from Aykroyd & Sons
• That’s Not My… Collection for George@Asda from Dennicci

BEST LICENSED CHILDREN’S APPAREL OR ACCESSORIES RANGE

• Barbie Athleisure Collection from River Island
• The Gruffalo Collection from Joules
• Harry Potter AW21 Kids Collection from Marks and Spencer
• Harry Potter Unisex Range for Very.com from Cooneen by Design
• L.O.L. OMG Range for George@Asda from Somerbond
• Mickey & Friends from H&M
• Peanuts Children’s Range from Marks and Spencer
• Peppa Pig Ballerina Nightwear Range for Tesco from Misirli
• Stranger Things Boys Range from Zara

BEST LICENSED ADULT APPAREL OR ACCESSORIES RANGE

• Bridgerton Collection from Stradivarious
• Care Bears Collection for ASOS from Bioworld International
• Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Pride Range from TruffleShuffle
• Matilda x Cath Kidston Collection from Cath Kidston
• Peanuts Ladieswear Collection from Marks and Spencer
• Minecraft x Lacoste Collection from Lacoste
• Stranger Things Hawkins High Collection from Primark
• Tetris Collection from Tikiboo
• Wizard of Oz Collection from Irregular Choice

BEST LICENSED WRITTEN, LISTENING OR LEARNING RANGE

• Aardman Colour It: Get Crafty from Signature Publishing
• Bluey Book Range from Penguin Random House
• CoComelon Book Range from Farshore, Harper Collins UK
• LEGO DUPLO Audio Cards from Yoto
• Numberblocks Number Fun from Trends UK
• PAW Patrol Extra Magazine from Story House Egmont
• Thomas the Tank Engine Tonie from Tonies
• Warhammer 40,000: Sisters of Battle Paperback from Marvel Comics
• The World of Beatrix Potter/Peter Rabbit Publishing Collection from Phidal Publishing

BEST LICENSED PAPER PRODUCTS OR STATIONERY RANGE

• DC Comics Pride Collection from Cardology
• Disney Princess Diversity and Inclusion Greeting Card Collection from Moonpig
• Mr. Men and Little Miss Stationery Range for Paperchase from A2V
• Nadiya Hussain Greeting Card Collection from Woodmansterne Publications
• Squid Game Calendar, Diary and Card Range from Danilo Promotions
• Unilever Food Brand Greeting Cards from Tache
• Warner Bros. Movies VHS Notebook Collection from Pyramid International
• Wizarding World Stationery Collection from Primark
• Xbox Stationery Collection from Blueprint Collections

BEST LICENSED GIFTWARE RANGE, HOME DÉCOR, TABLEWARE OR HOUSEWARES RANGE

• Beano Studios Leather Goods Range from Radley & Co
• The Beatles Gifts and Accessories Advent Calendar from Eaglemoss
• Meg Hawkins Gift and Homewares Collection from Widdop & Co
• Minecraft Rest Easy Sleep Better Weighted Blanket from Character World Brands
• One Piece Giftware from Abysse Corp
• Paddington Home Range from The Art Group/Pyramid International
• Star Wars Imperial Stormtrooper Cable Guy from Exquisite Gaming
• Swizzels Love Hearts Gifting Range from Posh Paws
• Winnie the Pooh Bath and Body Collection from Mad Beauty
• Wizarding World Christmas Décor Range from Primark

BEST LICENSED FOOD OR DRINK RANGE

• BT21 Tasty Universe from Artbox Cafe
• Friends Central Perk Hot Beverage Range fromCafféLuxe
• Heinz Range from Kimm & Miller
• Hey Duggee Home Baking Kits from Fiddes Payne
• Minions Squashies from Swizzels Matlow
• Natural History Museum Collection from Crème d’Or
• The Open Shortbread Collection from Dean’s of Huntly
• Peanuts Waffles from Bubblewrap
• Scooby-Doo Pet Food Range for B&M from Fred & Ginger

THE INNOVATION AWARD

• Bullseye Augmented Reality Darts Game from Home Leisure Direct
• Disney Princess Carriage Adaptive Wheelchair Cover from Disguise
• Crayola Colour Mix Bath Bombs from H&A
• Jurassic World Real FX Baby Blue from Wow! Stuff
• Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block from LEGO
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Swim Float from Turtle Pack
• Tetris Tetrimino Waffle Maker from Fizz Creations
• Thomas and Friends Sensory Friendly Range from Character.com
• Thomas & Friends Interactive Tableware from Munchy Play

BEST SUSTAINABLE LICENSED PRODUCT

• Animal Planet Magazine from DC Thomson Media
• DC Superheroes Sustainable Costumes from Amscan
• The Gruffalo and Friends Sustaina Box from Wow! Stuff
• Natural History Museum Homewares Collection from Dunelm
• Original Stormtrooper Coffee from The Galactic Empire
• Peppa Pig Plant with Peppa Collection for George@Asda
• PlayStation Coverless Carefree Bedding from Character World Brands
• Shaun The Sheep Eco-Friendly Play-set from Playpress
• Van Gogh Museum Sunflower Pop Perfume from Floral Street Fragrances

PROPERTY CATEGORY FINALISTS

BEST PRESCHOOL LICENSED PROPERTY (AGE GROUP 0-5)

• Bing
• Bluey
• CoComelon
• The Gruffalo
• Hey Duggee
• PAW Patrol
• Peppa Pig
• Peter Rabbit
• Thomas & Friends
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar

BEST CHILDREN’S OR TWEEN LICENSED PROPERTY (AGE GROUP 5-12)

• Barbie
• The Batman
• Emoji
• Jurassic World
• LEGO
• L.O.L. Surprise!
• Marvel Universe
• Miraculous
• NERF
• Wizarding World

BEST TEEN OR ADULT LICENSED PROPERTY

• Barbie
• Care Bears
• Friends
• How The Grinch Stole Christmas
• Peaky Blinders
• Peanuts
• SpongeBob SquarePants
• Stranger Things
• Wizarding World

BEST GAMING LICENSED PROPERTY

• Among Us
• Call of Duty
• Fortnite
• Minecraft
• Pokémon
• Roblox
• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Super Mario Bros
• Tetris
• Warhammer
• Xbox

BEST FILM LICENSED PROPERTY

• The Batman
• Encanto
• L.O.L. Surprise!: The Movie
• My Little Pony: A New Generation
• PAW Patrol: The Movie
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2
• Space Jam: A New Legacy
• Spider-Man: No Way Home
• Top Gun: Maverick

BEST MUSIC OR CELEBRITY LICENSED PROPERTY

• The Beatles
• Billie Eilish
• Billie Faiers
• BTS
• Frankie Bridge
• Grateful Dead
• Mrs Hinch
• The Rolling Stones

BEST SPORTS LICENSED PROPERTY

• Arsenal Football Club
• Formula One
• Liverpool Football Club
• Manchester City Football Club
• Manchester United Football Club
• NBA
• NFL
• NFL Players Association
• Paris Saint-Germain F.C.
• The Football Association
• Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
• West Ham United Football Club

THE CLASSIC LICENSED PROPERTY AWARD
This award is for properties that have stood the test of time (with at least a decade of licensing activity). The winner will join previous winners in The Licensing Classics Hall of Fame. Previous year’s winners are Barbie, The Beano, The Hungry Caterpillar, Peppa Pig, Peter Rabbit, Pokémon, Mickey Mouse, Miffy, The Snowman, Star Wars and Thomas & Friends.

This year’s finalists are:

• In the Night Garden
• Paddington
• Peanuts
• Me to You
• Minnie Mouse
• Moomin
• Mr. Men and Little Miss
• The Roald Dahl Story Company
• Sesame Street
• Teletubbies
• Wallace & Gromit
• Winnie the Pooh

What Kids Love Award

Among Us

Encanto

Fortnite

Minecraft

PAW Patrol

Roblox

The Simpsons

Sonic the Hedgehog

Spider-Man

SpongeBob SquarePants

Honorary Achievement Award
There are no finalists announced for this prestigious award. It will be given to someone in recognition of their contribution to the industry.

All winners will be announced on Tuesday 13 September 2022, at a glittering ceremony held in The Great Room at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Tickets and tables can be reserved quickly and securely online by visiting Max-Tickets.net or by contacting Clare Hollick at Create Events: clare@createvents.co.uk or +44 (0)1183 340085.

For sponsorship, entry enquiries or general questions regarding The Licensing Awards, please contact Ian Hyder, Jakki Brown or Rob Willis.

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