The Licensing Awards 2023: Product category finalists step forward

The finalists in the hotly contested Product categories at The Licensing Awards 2023 have today (19 July) been confirmed.

Some 3,500 products were entered across the 11 awards categories, with the finalists being arrived at by retail buyers across the whole gamut of licensed and consumer products.

“We had an exceptionally strong response from the industry for entries into this year’s product categories,” commented Ian Hyder, ceo of Max Publishing, which owns and organises The Licensing Awards. “I didn’t envy the task of the judges as there were so many incredible products across all of the categories, underlining the innovation, passion and creativity of the licensing industry – and how this only continues to grow.

“Congratulations to all the finalists – we cannot wait to celebrate with you on Tuesday 12 September.”

The Product category finalists are:

BEST LICENSED TOYS OR GAMES RANGE

• Disney Mini Brands Capsules from Zuru
• Gabby’s Dollhouse Collection from Spin Master
• The Gruffalo Wooden Toy Range for Primark from Fizz Creations
• Hey Duggee Transforming Space Rocket from Golden Bear Toys
• Indiana Jones Range from Funko Games
• Marvel Nanopods from Wow! Stuff
• Peppa Pig Boat Adventure Set from Tomy UK
• Pokémon x Squishmallows Collection from Jazwares
• Super Mario Bros. Movie Figures from Jakks Pacific
• Super Mario Bros. Pop Up from Tomy UK
• Wizarding World Range from LEGO

BEST LICENSED DRESS-UP OR PARTYWARE RANGE

• Barbie Party Box for Claire’s from Christy’s by Design
• Barbie UV Colour Change Mermaid Costume from Rubies Masquerade
• Bluey Party, Balloon and Dress-up Collection from Amscan
• Gigantosaurus Deluxe Costume Range from Smiffys
• Little Mermaid Movie Classic Ariel from Disguise
• Peter Rabbit Classic Paper Tableware for Sainsbury’s from Smiffys
• Spidey & His Amazing Friends Preschool Costumes from Rubies Masquerade
• SpongeBob SquarePants Frenzy Suit from OppoSuits
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Tabard from Christy’s by Design
• Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory Costume Collection from Rubies Masquerade

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

• Bluey Collection from Aykroyd & Sons/Roy Lowe
• Disney Classic Baby Range for Character.com from TDP
• Elf Infant and Preschool Range for George@Asda from Dennicci
• Elmer the Patchwork Elephant SS23 Range from JoJo Maman Bébé
• Paddington Collection for F+F at Tesco from Blues Group
• PAW Patrol 3D Apparel and Footwear Range from Vanilla Underground
• PAW Patrol Aqua Pups Collection for Character.com from Aykroyd & Sons
• Peanuts Collection for Primark from Blues Group
• Peter Rabbit Collection from Blade & Rose
• Peppa Pig Hair Accessories Collection from Hunter Price International
• We’re Going on a Bear Hunt for TU Clothing from Blues Group

BEST LICENSED CHILDREN’S APPAREL OR ACCESSORIES RANGE

• Barbie Christmas Collection from The Very Group
• Flower Fairies Gucci Kids Love Parade from Gucci
• Hello Kitty Kids Shoes and Accessories from Adidas
• Jurassic World Children’s Collection from Marks and Spencer
• LEGO x H&M Collection from H&M
• Nintendo Collection for Next from Fashion UK
• Paddington Collection for Tu Clothing from Aykroyd & Sons
• Pokémon x Clarks Collection from Clarks
• Minecraft Legends Collection for George@Asda from Bioworld International
• Minecraft x Puma AW22 Collection from Puma
• Wizarding World Children’s Collection from Marks and Spencer

BEST LICENSED ADULT APPAREL OR ACCESSORIES RANGE

• FIFA Historic World Cups (FIFA Classics) collection from Poetic Brands
• Grinch Collection for Asda from Cooneen
• Hot Wheels x Sean Wotherspoon Apparel, Accessories and Footwear from Adidas
• LEGO x Adidas Superstar Footwear from Adidas
• Paddington Bear x Signare Woven Tapestry Range from AC Jade Trading
• Peanuts Collection for Primark from Brand Alliance
• Pusheen Apparel and Accessories Collection from Vanilla Underground
• Minecraft Collection from Burberry
• Netflix Collection from Lacoste
• Smiley Originals x ASOS from Somerbond
• Tommy x Miffy Apparel Collection from Tommy Hilfiger

BEST LICENSED WRITTEN, LISTENING OR LEARNING RANGE

• The Adventures of Paddington from HarperCollins UK
• Alphablocks Phonics Fun from Trends UK
• Bluey Publishing Range from Penguin Random House
• Hey Duggee Press, Play and Party Sticky Stick from Golden Bear
• Learn With Peppa Range from Ladybird
• Minecraft Publishing Range from Farshore, HarperCollins UK
• Mr. Men Little Miss Range from Farshore, HarperCollins UK
• PAW Patrol Audio Cards from Yoto
• Peter Rabbit Publishing Range from Puffin
• Thomas & Friends Limited Edition Packs from Story House Egmont
• We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Tonie Audio Character from Tonies

BEST LICENSED PAPER PRODUCTS OR STATIONERY RANGE

• BBC Springwatch Greeting Card Collection from Abacus Cards
• Bluey Calendar and Greeting Card Collection from Danilo Promotions
• Disney D100 Sketch Quotes Greeting Card Collection from UK Greetings
• Eden Project x Papergang Stationery Selection Box from Ohh Deer
• Elmer the Elephant Children’s Stationery from Robert Frederick
• Heinz Greeting Card Collection from Tache Crafts
• Mr. Men and Little Miss Advent Calendar from A2V Trade
• The National Gallery Master Painting Photo Upload Range from Moonpig
• Peter Rabbit Pop Up Card Range from Cardology
• Pokémon Besties Range from Blueprint Collections
• Transformers AR Stamp Collection from Royal Mail

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

• Disney100 Limited Edition Collection from Mad Beauty
• Disney The Nightmare Before Christmas Collection from Abysse Corp
• Grinch Cosmetics from Revolution Beauty
• Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Collection from Fanattik
• Me to You AW22 Collection from Home Bargains
• Original Stormtrooper Collection from Nemesis Now
• Peppa Pig Collection from Bamboo Bamboo
• Sonic Cable Guy Phone and Controller Holder from EXG Pro
• The Snowman Musical Soft Toy from Rainbow Designs
• Squishmallows Range from Character World
• Stranger Things Hellfire Club Range from Pyramid International
• Swizzels Love Hearts Plush Gifts from Posh Paws

BEST LICENSED FOOD OR DRINK RANGE

• Arsenal Pitch Infused Limited Edition Gin and Vodka Liquer Cracker Set from Bohemian Brands
• Beatrix Potter Collection from Biscuiteers
• Elton John Pianoman Truffles from Charbonnel et Walker
• Harry Potter Hedwig Hollow White Chocolate Hand Decorated Owl for Marks & Spencer from Kinnerton
• Lord of the Rings Pale Ale for Tesco from Brewdog
• Me to You Collection for B&M from Kimm & Miller
• Natural History Museum Dinosaur Poo from Crème D’Or
• PAW Patrol Juice Drinks from Vital-Life Nutraceuticals
• Peppa Pig Multivitamin Drinks from Whatever Brands
• SpongeBob SquarePants Frozen Potato Shapes from Iceland Foods
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Toddler Snack Range from Ella’s Kitchen

THE INNOVATION AWARD

• CoComelon JJ’s Musical Freeze Dance Boots from Wow! Stuff
• Disney x Moonpig Licensed Flower Range
• Finding Nemo Diving Goggles Wash Bag from Half Moon Bay
• Jurassic World Real FX Baby Blue Dinosaur from Wow! Stuff
• McDonald’s French Fries Crossbody Bag x Loungefly from Funko
• Peppa Pig Playmat Backpack from William Lamb Group
• Super Mario Bros. Bath Soap Confetti Canon from H&A
• Super Mario Bros. Movie Bath and Body Collection from LUSH
• Super Mario Bros. Movie Fire Breathing Bowser from Jakks Pacific
• Transformers Limited Edition Flagship Optimus Prime from Robosen Technologies
• Wallace & Gromit Build Your Own Rocket from Build Your Own

BEST SUSTAINABLE LICENSED PRODUCT

• The Ashmolean Museum The Treasured Collection Paint Range from Graphenstone Paints
• BBC Children in Need Sportacular Collectibles from Louis Kennedy
• Ben & Jerry’s x Tony’s Chocolonely Ice Cream and Chocolate Co-Branded Collaboration
• National Trust Footwear Collection from Moshulu
• PAW Patrol Clean & Soft Range from Naturally Tribal Skincare
• PAW Patrol Magazine from Story House Egmont
• Minions YAZOO KiDS Milk Drinks from Mercieca
• Room on the Broom Pop-out Play-set from Play Press
• Super Mario Bros. Movie Bath and Body Collection from LUSH
• WWF Grasslands Collection from Tesco

Ella Haynes, event director at Brand Licensing Europe – the headline sponsor of The Licensing Awards 2023 – commented: “BLE is delighted to return as headline sponsor for the 2023 Licensing Awards – it really is the Oscars for our industry and an unmissable night all round. Congratulations to all this year’s finalists – what a line-up and what a fantastic reflection of the breadth, accessibility and inclusivity of this industry – from classics to newbies and every demographic. The BLE team can’t wait for 12 September.”

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