Licensing Magazine Jan 2024 by BM srl

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LICENSING | BRANDING | MEDIA&DIGITAL | PUBLISHING TRADE MAGAZINE

FOCUS ON LICENSING AND TOYS ENTERTAINMENT TRENDS

SUSTAINABILITY IN LICENSING EVENTS YOU CAN’T MISS!

EDITORIAL

DEAR READER Welcome to this new year, which promises to be particularly intense for Licensing Magazine and the industry in general. The calendar of events over the next few months will be very busy for the world of toys, animation and entertainment. The Toy and Licensing industries meet in Nuremberg between January 30th and February 3rd for Spielwarenmesse, the leading international event dedicated to the world of toys. Every year this trade fair welcomes more and more international licensing professionals. Together with Licensing International and BrandMate, Licensing Magazine is a Content Partner for LicenseTalks, a thought-provoking program of panels dedicated to the dialogue between toys and licensing. Some of the industry’s leading international players will discuss the involved relationship between these two industries with case histories, best practices, and current trends. The Licensing Magazine team, together with our SOCIAL TV CORNER, also welcomes friends and partners at Stand #10, Foyer Hall 12.0. Licensing Magazine’s conferences will also make their debut this February in Kielce, Poland at Kids Time, the leading trade fair in Eastern Europe dedicated to children’s products. For the occasion Licensing Magazine is not only a Media Partner but also the organiser of the first international licensing conference for European licensors who have built an important bridge with the Eastern European market. After the winter fairs, spring and summer offer a full calendar of events, and to mark the occasion Licensing Magazine will publish two special issues with exclusive content, news, stories and insights for worldwide distribution. In the meantime, keep following us!

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See you soon!

@LM_LicensingMag ERRATA CORRIGE: We incorrectly reported on page 133 of the 4/2023 issue of Licensing Magazine that Hasbro was involved in the Sarah and the Duck brand partnership with Twinkl. Twinkl and This Is Iris, Sarah and the Duck’s agency, were the only parties to the arrangement. We apologize to the agency and our readers for the error.

PUBLISHER Nepal Campagna EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cristina Angelucci

@LMLicensingMag @Licensing Magazine @lm_licensingmag Licensing Magazine

EDITOR Rossella Arena GRAPHIC DESIGN Francesca Wolfler SPECIAL THANKS TO Alessandra Maccaferri, Beatrice Revello, Matteo Melani, Rob Hutchins, Helena Mansell-Stopher, Rachit Moti, Lisa Hryniewicz PUBLISHING, ADVERTISING AND ADMINISTRATION BM Srl - Via Po, 14 - 10123 Torino, Italy Ph. +39 011 1921 1996 - info@brands-media.com www.bm-eu.com PRINTING Casma Tipolito - Via B. Provaglia nn. 3/B-3/C-3/D 40138 Bologna - Italy The editorial staff has taken every care to obtain from copyright holders the authorization to publish the pictures in this issue. In any cases where this has not been possible, the editorial staff would like to make it known that they are available to eligible parties to settle any amounts that are owed.

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CONTENTS

News 32

PLAY AROUND Product innovation and licensing

Trends 12

Cover Story 6

TOY The best new licensed toys

Events 48

ROVIO Angry Birds’ success will continue in 2024 and beyond

News 12

FOOD Kids licensing and restaurants

CICABOOM A Manga Oriented 2024

Interview 10

MOONBUG ENTERTAINMENT The Leading Global Kids First Digital Brand SANRIO Hello Kitty: the extraordinary 2024 of a timeless icon

MAURIZIO DISTEFANO LICENSING An overview of the most popular IPs: successes and prospects

DEAPLANETA ENTERTAINMENT DeAPlaneta Entertainment in 2024: a year full of opportunities

TF1 LICENSING TF1 Licensing: What’s new from animation brands

SPIELWARENMESSE Spielwarenmesse 2024 expands the Licensing area

Interview

Publishing 56 50

FRANKFURTER BUCHMESSE A great 75th anniversary

Animation

Entertainment 58 52

CARTOON MOVIE Cartoon Movie 2024 counts 16 countries as primary producers TEAMTO Jade Armor Season 2 Inspires TeamTO’s Licensing Plans

CARTOON BUSINESS Cartoon Business, a safe haven for animation professionals

Sustainability 60

LEGISLATION There’s a window for collaboration before legislation kicks in

FABACUS/NOBODY’S CHILD Digital Product Passport: A ticket to thrive?

THE SMILEY COMPANY Interview with Nicolas Loufrani

LICENSE FACTORY The significance of sustainable dyeing

LEATHER PRODUCTS The success of sustainable leather

Interview GRANI & PARTNERS Upcoming Challenges

BANIJAY Telling brands’ values and objectives

CONTENTS

Events 86

SHOPTALK EUROPE Europe’s most senior retail innovation event

Interview 88

Events Events

BIG BUYER There is plenty of room for licensing in the stationery industry

82 71

MITAMA Continuous innovation

CARIOCA Carioca Plus, the innovative line for true art lovers PIGNA A 2024 brimming with surprises and collaborations

POLAND The 14th edition of Kids’ Time

2024 TRENDS From basic style to nostalgia

BLTF/K Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/ Kids returns on 8-11 april 2024

MEN’S COSMETIC Beauty care from a male perspective

Trends 96

Retail 84

Media&Digital 76

Fashion&Lifestyle

Trends

Stationery

INFORMA GROUP Interview with Anna Clarke (Knight)

LAYER LICENSING Seven licensing deals that defined 2023 in gaming

RETAIL IN EUROPE Retail in Europe. Some promising sectors

SPORT Sport and marketing, Euro 2024 and the Superbowl

Save the Date 98

WHAT’S NEXT The next events to follow!

COVER STORY

CICABOOM

A Manga Oriented 2024 Cicaboom presents several new products from its most popular brands at the Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg, with lots of mangarelated exclusives. Cicaboom is an international company specialising in the design, production and marketing of toys, publishing and entertainment products. Each product is of the highest quality and has a clear narrative universe behind it, making children’s dreams come true and satisfying kidult tastes. Cicaboom has created several winning brands over the years, such as Boomez, Puniz and Elastikorps, and is about to launch a series of novelties for 2024, mainly related to the acquisition of popular manga licences.

The evolution of the Boomez

Boomez are collectible 3D figures with a unique and iconic design created by Cicaboom. Boomez are available in three sizes: 4.5, 10.5 and 24.5 cm. Cicaboom adds an immediate, fun and innovative game to the toys’ collectability feature, using the characters’ identity cards and their 20-sided dice in matching colours. You only need two Boomez to start playing, alone or with friends, thanks to simple rules. Each wave consists of new characters in regular or varied (rare) versions, or with precious finishes,

e.g. metallic, glow in the dark, chrome, gold, and silver. Some special collector’s versions have been made exclusively for online sale, or as limited editions. The Boomez line is now about to undergo an incredible evolution with board games that allow players to enjoy the full potential of this fantastic product! An additional game level will be sold in a box specially designed in a typical classic board game style. It will contain four miniatures (one of which will be sold exclusively with the board game), a game board, and other cards and accessories for the game.

The graphics of the board games will be custom designed for each brand (Marvel, Naruto, My Hero Academia, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, One Piece), and each hero will be modelled with his own powers, allowing unique and customised interaction in the game system. For example, with Marvel figures, the Hulk will be able to jump on the game board, Iron Man will be able to fly, and so on. After the huge success of the four waves of superheroes and beloved Marvel characters, from Spider-Man

COVER STORY

value for the collector of this Naruto wave 1 is further increased by the limited edition. In the Naruto board game, which will be premiered in Nuremberg, players 8+ will take control of a group of four ninjas facing each other in an arena with obstacles and various bonus items and game elements, such as the 14 character passport sheets (12 specific and 2 generic). The board game contains four

to Groot, the series expanded into the world of manga. The first licence to be released will be Naruto, with a collection in special Flowpack Blind packaging where the content is not visible, so the character purchased is a surprise, and in Blister packs with visible characters that have a more articulated playability tailored to each character and a board game. The blister packs feature main characters from the manga such as Naruto, Kakashi, Sasuke, Itachi, Minato and the nine-tailed fox Kurama (Kyubi), while the Flowpacks feature the same characters but in a different pose: they have an open hand and/or hold magic objects, weapons, etc. The Flowpack collection contains more characters than the blister collection, some of which are totally exclusive like Jiraiya, Orochimaru and Tsunade.This makes the products more valuable,

especially for collectors, because specific character cannot be bought, they have to be found, at which point they can be resold. Additionally, the

characters: Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, and a Gold Kurama (Kyubi) designed exclusively for the game. The other characters that make up the collection can be purchased individually in Blind Flowpacks and Blister packs. Each Boomez will have unique characteristics and abilities, allowing for endless game strategies. The great thing is that each character has a different way of playing and the strategy lies in deciding which fighter to use, allowing you to relive the epic battles seen in the films and TV series! This will have a strong appeal for the kidult target audience, especially as the game will be sold mainly in comic, hobby and game shops. The board game was also developed for Marvel and will be applied to other Boomez lines to promote licences such as One Piece and My Hero Academia.

Puniz, a renewed success

Puniz are Cicaboom’s beloved squishy characters which have been a great sales success right from the beginning! With their squishability, they are stresssaving superheroes! The initial size of 4.5 cm was intended for children, but a 10.5 size was later added for adults and collectors, and a new giant size is also in the works. Thanks to Puniz, kids can have fun with a simple game, the Squishy Battle challenge: you turn different characters upside down and squish them, and

COVER STORY

to hit in each pack to challenge friends with. Heropops can be found at newsstands, in toy shops and in mass distribution, with Cicaboom’s Elastikorps characters, such as Gold Tiger, Finny, Dark Panther, Sharky... Two new collections will be released in 2024: the Spiderman line, with six normal-size characters, and three maxi characters (Spiderman, Venom, Miles Morales); and the Ninja Turtles line, with Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael in normal and maxi sizes. the last one to fall wins. The game is popular because it is immediate, and children are curious to see which of their characters will win. Currently available are Puniz from the Marvel collection and Naruto. Ninja Turtles, One Piece and My Hero Academia will be launching soon.

Elastikorps, the new Heropop and Extra Force lines

Elastikorps are captivating stretchable toys: even when stretched and squashed they always return to their original shape, just by giving them a quick shake. The new Heropop and Extra Force lines are ready to conquer children aged 4-10 years, and beyond! Heropop characters are stress-relieving, squishy and stretchy. Featuring the iconic big round head and small body, this first collection includes 12 characters in normal size (10 cm), and four maxi characters (16 cm) in two colours. In addition to being able to manipulate them with your hands, they are also very fun to throw or squish on the floor, it is always entertaining to see how the big head takes on funny

expressions. Hopping on the American cornhole trend (a game in which you throw cloth bags usually filled with corn onto a wooden platform with a hole and try to get the bag in the hole), the company has included a branded target

The Heropop Naruto lines are being prepared with four characters in normal size and one maxi: One Piece, with four characters in normal size, and the protagonist Luffy G5 in maxi version. More brands are being developed for the future.

COVER STORY

Elastikorps Fighter Extra Force is the brand new collection of stretchable, 16 cm giga-size fighters that can be stretched up to three times their original size by pulling their torso, legs and arms. Specially designed for a 4-10 target audience, the great novelty of this line is the extra strength of the fighters provided by new accessories, such as incredible armour with belts and weapons, which can be collected and exchanged by all characters. Each character then has a dynamic

fighter pose to inspire action! And what’s more, the Elastikorps can have gold or silver elements, with bright metallics or when charged with a light source for 30 seconds - glow-in-the-dark effects. Another great novelty are the «Maxy» characters like Dragold and Bengalax measuring 23 cm and weighing about 2kg. After developing a line of incredible fighters with animal faces, and a collection with Mattel’s Master of the Universe brand, Cicaboom will further enhance the Elastikorps brand with

the exceptional One Piece license, in partnership with Toei. The main character Luffy, who already has stretchable features in his manga story, will be produced in four Elastikorps versions, in the iconic and viral «Maxy» format. These include the supertrendy Gear 4 and 5 versions that are planned for release in late 2024 as a preorder. Another line that is sure to thrill One Piece fans, among others. Cicaboom is also planning to develop smaller, 12 cm characters for the One Piece brand. The search for other interesting licenses for Elastikorps continues!

The Cicaboom team will be at the Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg, Hall 12, stand H-01A, to present all the company’s new products and discuss new agreements.

INTERVIEW

ROVIO

Angry Birds’ success will continue in 2024 and beyond LM spoke with Katri Chacona, Head of Brand Licensing at Rovio Entertainment Corporation, about new Angry Birds collaborations and projects. What are the key elements of the Angry Birds property that ensure its continued relevance? The most crucial element, in my opinion, is to have a long-term roadmap, which is critical for any IP and especially for Angry Birds. Another important factor is transmedia, which is something we are currently working on internally. I believe all in all, just keeping the brand fresh, with new events in our existing games, and introducing new Angry Birds games. We also like having those unexpected new partners in consumer

products, location-based entertainment, and content, where we can create new Angry Birds stories. Tell us about the most recent news and significant partnerships that the brand has been involved in… We have numerous, but one very new for us is the Angry Birds Café that opened in Flushing, NY this summer, the world’s first. That’s been extremely exciting and brand new for us: the café has a fully themed menu, photo ops, and amazing merchandising. We also teamed with Mercedes-Benz this year, which was a completely new area because you can now play the Angry Birds game in the Mercedes-Benz E-Classcars. In previous years, we had an amazing cooperation with Venum for boxing gloves and sports gear. That was a great enjoyable collaboration since we always want to inspire people to exercise more and to learn how to release their anger in a positive way. How are you developing the property in the LBE sector? We’ve been working in the field of Location Based Entertainment for over ten years. We may have more experience than some other brands, but we’ve worked with many design agencies on a constant basis, generating various types of concepts. We’ve expanded our business into new categories in recent years. For the café project, as I indicated, we’ll be searching for new locations globally in the coming years, but we’ll also be looking at family entertainment centres. That’s something we’re working on

INTERVIEW

lead to unexpected collaborations. This year marks the 15th anniversary of Angry Birds. What are your upcoming projects and special releases? It will undoubtedly be an eventful year for us! Unfortunately, I can’t say too much at this time, but we will surely be celebrating the birthday with our fans and partners. We’ll be announcing a slew of new collaborations and products. One major piece of news that we have already announced is our partnership with Amazon for an upcomingTV series. There will be a lot of different things going on with Angry Birds in 2024 and beyond.

Angry Birds Café in Flushing, NY right now, as well as digital expansion. There are various interactive gaming experiences that we’ve been working on for a long time, and we’ll make some nuances and announcements in the next few years. It comes naturally to us because of our digital background, and it’s only logical for us to broaden it in that manner as well. One of the things I would mention is that we have been putting in a lot of work at IAAPA shows. As a result, we attend IAAPA exhibitions and were a sponsor of the Orlando IAAPA 2023. What qualities are partners in Angry Birds required to possess? One thing we always appreciate from our partners is humour, that is something that we constantly value because it is ingrained in Angry Birds’ DNA. Creativity is also very important, as is thinking outside the box and having original ideas. We’re constantly open to fresh perspectives. It is extremely essential to us, because this attitude will

“Immersive Gamebox” digital partnership Angry Birds x Venum

Mercedes-Benz collab

NEWS

MOONBUG ENTERTAINMENT

The Leading Global Kids First Digital Brand Moonbug Entertainment continues to disrupt the traditional content model by super-serving kids with brand new content every single week. The award-winning global entertainment company’s mission is to inspire kids everywhere to laugh, learn and grow. In addition to unparalleled presence and reach on YouTube, the company’s strategy is to make all of its content available on a variety of platforms for kids to enjoy anytime and anywhere. In addition to YouTube, Italian fans can also enjoy Moonbug content on Disney+, Netflix and Mediaset. They are expected more distribution partners to be announced in 2024. The global franchise CoComelon continues to increase its audience. On YouTube alone, CoComelon had 53 billion views globally, which is 10% higher than in 2022. In Italy, CoComelon had 685 million views in 2023, which is a straggering 28% versions the prior year.

Morphle

The content offering for CoComelon has gained an amazing addition late last year. On November 17, 2023, CoComelon Lane launched globally on Netflix, dubbed into more than 30 languages. It is a premium original show, and the franchise’s first-ever dialogue-driven series featuring all new storylines and songs in seven minute episodes. The performance at launch has been extraordinary. It was the #3 Englishlanguage series across all genres on Netflix globally, behind only Squid Game Challenge & The Crown Season 6. With kids, it was the #1 show in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Canada, US, Argentina, and Chile. In Italy, it was the #2 kids show (Source: Netflix.

NEWS

only be the start. The show will also launch internationally, with launch plans currently being worked on. It will inspire kids to use their imagination to solve everyday problems, and the show will have the brand-new look for the Morphle characters that launched last year on YouTube and on Netflix.

Oddbods com/tudum/top10 - 20th to the 26th of November 2023). Moonbug’s franchises continue to experience significant success on the consumer products front via exciting brand partnerships and new product launches. On January 17th, 2024, Moonbug announced its first apparel collaboration with global clothing company UNIQLO, featuring characters from its hit show CoComelon. Key themes of fun and friendship are captured within the different designs. These feature the much-loved characters from CoComelon including JJ, Cody, Nina and their animal friends, which kids will instantly recognize and love. The t-shirts come in an array of pastel hues and whimsical designs, and have been created with the young audience in mind. “Our collaboration with UNIQLO is a significant milestone for our Consumer Products team as we continue to expand our fashion and apparel offering, especially in territories across Asia where our CoComelon brand has a big fan base,” said Francesca Romana Gianesin, Head of Consumer Products & Experiences, International at Moonbug Entertainment. “With this collection we are looking forward not only to offering a great quality product to families around the world, but also bringing the joy of CoComelon to our little fans, who can now experience their favourite characters in a new way.” The range will launch in March 2024 and includes five different designs of infant and toddler T-shirts in 6 months to 4 years. They will be available both online and in-store across Europe, APAC and the US.

The Blippi franchise also has ambitious plans this year with new content formats and experiences to delight fans. Plans to bring the Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour to more markets in 2024 are currently being finalised, following a very successful run in international markets in 2023. A new and upcoming brand that will have brand new content launching in 2024 is Morphle. My Magic Pet Morphle is a premium original that will launch exclusively on Disney+ and Disney Junior in the US this March. That will

Last but certainly not least, Moonbug is really excited about the growth seen in its latest acquisition: Oddbods. This three-time Emmy-nominated show is a global phenomenon that targets kids 5-8 years old. Since being acquired by Moonbug, viewership for Oddbods on YouTube has doubled. Plans to bring the amazingly hilarious “oddness” of Oddbods to fans everywhere in new and innovative ways is the mission of the Consumer Products & Experiences International team. A successful QSR promotion with Saudi Arabian chain Kudu in 2023 is a great indication that the brands and characters resonate with the audience. To learn more about Moonbug and and its digital-first brands, please email: licensing@moonbug.com

NEWS

SANRIO

Hello Kitty: the extraordinary 2024 of a timeless icon Sanrio is thrilled to start 2024 with Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary epic celebrations in full swing! After months of preparation, the anniversary officially kicked off in November 2023 and will continue for the whole year, which will be filled with ways to celebrate in both the digital and physical worlds and will be highlighted with many surprises along the way. Praising once again friendship and kindness and how these strongly impact our everyday lives, an exclusive program of collabs is being developed together with global PR campaigns as well events and experiences. Activations will take place around the world to celebrate Hello Kitty’s heritage, to connect fans with their beloved character and will involve different areas: from artist collabs to exhibitions and shopping

experiences. For instance, Hello Kitty will be featured as “special partner” of “CUTE”, an exhibition taking place at the Somerset House in London from January 2024. Focusing on the work of artists and musicians who use cute as a key register in their work, the exhibition spotlights cuteness through cultural phenomenon such as fashion, toys, video games and social media to reveal its extraordinary and complex power dynamics. In addition, Hello Kitty will be the protagonist of other immersive experiences in Milan (Italy) and Cologne (Germany): instagrammable photo opportunities, dedicated food and

Simba - Hello Kitty Super Style! range exclusive merch are just some of the ingredients that will make these events unforgettable for fans of all ages. Many other events are being planned globally and will be announced closer to the launch dates... In the digital world, SANRIO has recently introduced new tools including an AR app, short animations on TikTok and monthly promotions in My Hello Kitty Cafe on Roblox, all supported by global influencer activations. Aiming to leverage its strong legacy and the anniversary celebrations, Sanrio has been focusing on evolving into a 360°consumer approach, consolidating its presence into the entertainment industry with new content series and gaming releases as well as expanding some of its key categories, including toys. The biggest step into content creation is Sanrio’s newest tv series “Hello Kitty, Super Style!”, which is co-developed with Amazon Kids+, the award-winning kids content subscription. It is available with the first 26 episodes both on notorious streaming platforms and on free TV worldwide from September 2023: on Viaplay for Scandinavia, Baltics, Poland and Benelux; Super RTL in Germany; CBC in

NEWS

In the digital world, SANRIO has recently introduced new tools including an AR app, short animations on TikTok and monthly promotions in My Hello Kitty Cafe on Roblox, all supported by global influencer activations. Canada, Canal + in France, Canal Panda in Portugal, RAI YOYO in Italy, Tiny Pop in the UK, Discovery Kids for Latin America, RTS for Switzerland and Hop for Israel. The second batch will be released in Q1 and Q2. New partners have been recently announced: WildBrain TV/ Télémagino for French-speaking Canada), RTVE/ Clan for Spain, MBC for Pan Middle East and Youku for China. For them, the launch is expected in spring 2024. The 52 x 11-minute 3D animated show is based on the iconic Hello Kitty who stars as the friendliest face in the tightknit community of Cherry Town, where she will stop at nothing to help friends in need. In each episode, she uses the power of her magical bow to activate an amazing transformation, changing her outfit to be a brave explorer, a top-notch chef, a sensational pop star and more to help her pals overcome silly setbacks. Targeting preschoolers, the series aims to attract both children and their parents, reaching them directly and for the first time, on one of the platforms they are most used to. Since the launch, “Hello Kitty: Super Style!” has performed consistently well in every market, ranking in the top 5 preschool shows on average.

The plush toy segment is traditionally predominant in Hello Kitty’s mix of toy offering. Alongside Simba, Sanrio’s historic master toy the Spanish Play by Play, the French Cijep and the British Whitehouse Leisure with their amusement plushies, give complete market coverage. The collections include items celebrating the 50th anniversary, dedicated mainly to teenagers and adults, as well as plush toys dedicated to the Hello Kitty Super Style TV series, for the kids target. The product range is varied with a strong penetration in the main EMEA markets, gaining more and more shelf space. Among the others can be mentioned, puzzles with Ravensburger, figurines and role plays with Simba, collectible toys with Sbabam, capsule toys with FIAM, gifts with Kids Licensing , 3D figurines with Toys Popmart and toy make up sets with Colorbaby.

Added to these is an offer of products for outdoor activities from our historic partners such as Cogan with the fun kiddie rides, Mondo and John with balls and wheeled toys, Dinobikes and Denver with bicycles, Happy People and Flexmetal for inflatables and Claudio Reig with their Musical Toys. We cannot forget the Kidult phenomenon, which is gaining more and more market shares. The concept of kawaii, for example, closely linked to the Hello Kitty brand, takes more mature fans back to the years of childhood and adolescence, thanks to the pastel colors and soft shades. This phenomenon is found in many new lines that will also be appreciated by a teen and adult audience, among others, Teknofun for lamps and consumer electronics, Durabo and Joy Toy for home, accessories and gifting items and Paladone for gift and novelities.

As anticipated, toys represent one of the key growth drivers for Sanrio. All the segments are already covered thanks to consolidated partnerships with local and international licensees and many new deals have been already secured thanks to the increased interested around the brand. The first important news is the partnership with LOL Surprise: to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty, LOL and Sanrio have created the limited edition ‘LOL Surprise loves Hello Kitty’: two dolls with adorable Hello Kitty-themed fashions and accessories, all in a brand-new Hello Kitty shaped surprise ball.

LOL Surprise Loves Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary collection

NEWS

MAURIZIO DISTEFANO LICENSING

An overview of the most popular IPs: successes and prospects Licensing and entertainment worlds are deeply linked, especially for children’s audiences and the most successful IPs are - as a result - the most watched and followed by the target audience, due to the support of broadcasters and online presence. The audience of children and their families is key data to understand what their purchase intentions are. The Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency has always stood out for its rich portfolio of children’s TV series that become big hits on TV and online, and

looking at the 2023 results in this first month of the new year, this is again confirmed. Among the most watched children’s shows on Rai Yoyo are Bing, Bluey and Masha and The Bear, (source: Toy Store 2023). In order to follow more closely the goals achieved by

the agency’s main IPs, along with the first agreements and the possibilities for interesting projects with life-style brands (suitable instead for a more adult target audience), in this article you can find an overview of the news of each.

NEWS

BLUEY

is the Australian animated series from BBC Studios Kids & Family and Ludo Studio, that recently won the Kidscreen Award 2023 for Best Preschool Animated Series and the Licensing Award for Best

MASHA AND THE BEAR

Despite its long history in the Italian market (it has been airing on Rai Yoyo for 11 consecutive

Pre-School Property in the UK. Airing in Italy on Rai Yoyo and available on Disney +, it is making inroads into the hearts of families, proving to be the most requested series on demand on Rai Play in 2023. Ten brand new episodes from Season 3 have been released on Disney+ this January 12th. A new episode will be launched worldwide in 2024 in a special, longer, 28-minute format titled “The Sign,” which will give fans a chance to get to know the characters even more deeply. Bluey’s clothing collection from ZARA launched in late 2023 was a huge success, and Bluey’s toy line is distributed in Italy by Giochi Preziosi, which has new additions to the 2024 line-up in store.

years), it continues to top the charts as the most requested IP by preschoolers in the world (source: Parrot Analytics 2020-2023). In 2023, new episodes of the fifth season were launched on Rai Yoyo, as well as new seasons to come next year. This is precisely one of the strengths of the brand, which due to the substantial demand for new episodes from both media partners and viewers, increases the production of content by rolling out Seasons 6 & 7, Shorties spin-off and 22-minutes Specials.

BING

is the most mentioned series among children (0-6 years old) and parents in 2023 according to Kids Global, and episodes are among the most viewed on Rai Yoyo with an audience share of more than 4%. Also, from Rai, there are numerous activities involving Bing: he is featured in an episode of La Posta di Yoyo and in the Rai Radio Kids radio program “Big Bang.” Since June 2023, Bing has been the protagonist of “Le Buone Abitudini,” the first campaign for social issues that will continue in 2024, launched by Acamar Films in collaboration with the Italian Society of Pediatrics and Assonidi, which provides many tips and activities focused on the well-being of the youngest children. For the first time, a licensing agreement was closed with Sterilfarma to market Bing’s Monello growth milk, launched in all pharmacies in Q3 2023.

NEWS

FALL GUYS

is the worldwide phenomenon party royale video game from Devolver Digital developed by Mediatonic and published by Epic Games. Multiplayer and freeto-play, it features many players competing in chaotic rounds of obstacle races. Each player has his or her own avatar and can choose from many different costumes. In 2024, Coolthings will enhance the offering with a wide range of products and Barrado will propose high quality Retail and Amusement plush.

COCOMELON

Is the #1 kids channel on YouTube Kids in the world and the #1 kids show on Netflix. With new videos every week and exclusive content like CoComelon Lane on Netflix, the CoComelon franchise continues to entertain and grow its audience. The series recently won Best Digital Property at the Digital Licensing Excellence Awards. The year 2024 is full of news from a licensing perspective because CoComelon will feature several new products, including the signature confectionary product range from Zaini, a renowned Italian confectionery company.

POLARETTI

has earned its place as one of the leading brands of the summer season for all families

and, thanks to its strength in communication, has maximized its success by putting itself forward for brand extensions that are unprecedented. In 2023, it opened its first TikTok account, which reaches more than 38,000 followers and more than 8.8 million views. Licensed to target kids but boasting an appeal with a nostalgic flavor appreciated by adults as well. The new style guides are unmissable and fun. Now a cult in Italian culture, it represents a world of positivity, serenity, creativity and imagination.

NEWS

BAILEYS

TARA DUNCAN

is the new entry in the portfolio for the 6- to 9-year-old female target audience, a literaryderived CGI TV series airing daily on Rai Gulp and available on Rai Play, which tells the exciting story of an Earth girl with extraordinary powers who discovers she is the heir to the throne of the Meme Empire. First published in 2003, tens of millions of Tara Duncan’s books have been sold worldwide. The series boasts a cast of diverse and engaging characters, led by the spunky, positive and tenderly careless Tara. A licensing agreement was recently signed with Edizioni Play Press, which is distributing the activity and coloring books on newsstands starting in January.

is the original Irish cream known and loved around the world, giving products their unmistakable delicious, creamy taste. Baileys licensed products featured in Italian retail across the 2023 Christmas period and included the much-

IL MILANESE IMBRUTTITO

Is the content creation brand focused on the humanmetropolitan realities of the city of Milan, recognizable throughout Italy. With a precise graphic choice and a concise and effective tone-of-voice, it is present on multiple channels including the blog and social pages, which have

loved Bauli Baileys Pandoro and Panettone. In October 2023 Gruppo Vicenzi launched the limited-edition Baileys Grisbì, cookies with crispy shortbread and a heart of soft Baileys cream. In addition, following the incredible success of Crema Fredda Caffè, Caffè Borbone launched the Baileys version of the coffee cream that can be enjoyed both cold and hot in the winter period. Finally, Dessert Manifattura chose Baileys for its single-portion tiramisù and caramel desserts which blend perfectly with the iconic taste of Baileys.

allowed it to become one of the points of reference in the Italian social entertainment scene, with an audience of more than 3 million people. After the success of the 2021 movie “Mollo tutto e apro un chiringuito,” it was announced that a new movie of Il Milanese Imbruttito will be released in 2024. The brand is ideal for both social marketing and traditional licensing projects, thanks to the brandnew style guide that enhances the famous phrases, which have now entered common language. Licensed greeting and Christmas cards produced by Cromo, featuring the hilarious catchphrases, will be launched in 2024.

NEWS

Hero Inside

Milo and Miraculous: global brands with a message

DEAPLANETA ENTERTAINMENT

DeAPlaneta Entertainment in 2024: a year full of opportunities 2024 looks like a year full of opportunity for DeAPlaneta Entertainment, a veteran multi-territory company focused on brand creation which has consolidated its position as one of Europe’s leading companies dedicated to children’s and family entertainment. This success is materialized through the novelties of consolidated and world-renowned brands such as Milo and Miraculous Ladybug, but also in the exciting incorporation of new IPs, such as Hero Inside, Mia & Codie or Cookie Run.

Milo and Miraculous Ladybug, two of the most established brands of DeAPlaneta Entertainment’s extensive portfolio have recently shown their commitment to environmental awareness and the promotion of social inclusivity and diversity. Coming in the next months, the Italian on-demand paid TV platform TIM Vision, will launch 8 special episodes of preschool series Milo translated into Italian Sign Language and with an audio-description version for blind and deaf children. This award-winning and successful preschool series coproduced by DeAPlaneta Entertainment, Fourth Wall and Milkshake has captivated audiences across 170 countries, and has been dubbed in more than 20 different languages. The latest development in this regard involves an agreement with Super RTL, a prominent German free-to-air television network set to broadcast the show across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in Easter 2024. Following its successful debut season, Milo has also recently unveiled its second season in the United Kingdom and has broadened even more its influence in the digital world: in partnership with technological company Overtek, DeAPlaneta Entertainment launched last December Milo’s first official App, which expanded the series’ universe, incorporating numerous minigames and educational materials, all while fostering a secure and enjoyable environment for children. Last Christmas, Bandai introduced the inaugural toy line of the series in stores and supermarkets all over Spain and United Kingdom.

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Mia & Codie The highly successful and acclaimed series Miraculous Ladybug - whose licensing rights DeAPlaneta Entertainment manages in Spain, Italy, Poland and CEE countries - premiered also, in 2023, a special episode which had the aim of raising awareness of the environmental damage caused by microplastics. This “Action Special”, made in partnership with the Breteau Foundation - devoted to educate, inspire and empower children to motivate mass change and to make an impact -, shows young masked heroes Ladybug and Cat Noir, and their friends, actively fighting plastic pollution in Paris. The heroes meet an opponent more fearsome than even some supervillains. Miraculous has become a flagship property in DeAPlaneta Entertainment’s portfolio, and the most recent of the achievements of this global pop phenomenon is the success of Ladybug & Cat Noir. The Movie. Last July, the film premiered theatrically in some countries achieving #1 in Germany, Austria, Poland and France. On July 28th, the movie premiered also on Netflix and became the second most watched movie globally on the VOD platform and reached the #1 position on Netflix Kids in 49 countries in the first weekend of its release.

Hero Inside, Mia & Codie and Cookie Run: new brands for all kind of audiences Additional IPs that have recently become part of the ever-expanding

DeAPlaneta Entertainment’s catalog include Hero Inside, Mia & Codie and Cookie Run, among many others. Hero Inside is a sensational new animated blockbuster created by the combined efforts of Korean powerhouses CJ ENM, Million Volt Animation Studios, Tencent Video, and YGG Global. Warner Bros. Discovery has acquired the global rights for broadcasting this promising series and DeAPlaneta Entertainment is its Milo

licensing agent and distribution partner in Europe and Latin America. The first season (11 episodes of 13 minutes each) was released last November in Latin America through Cartoon Network and HBO Max, becoming the fifth-ranked show in the VOD platform and securing the second position in “HBO Max TV Shows” across 19 Latin American countries, including Mexico and Argentina. Hero Inside arrived in Italy at the beginning of January through Cartoon Network and will be released on another European territories such as France, Portugal or Spain between January and March of 2024; it will arrive to the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia later this year, and to North America in the second half of 2024. Mia & Codie, created by Emmy Awardwinner Don Moody, is a groundbreaking animated series which teaches preschoolers (3-6 years old) pre-coding skills and whose first season premiered last December in Canada. DeAPlaneta Entertainment manages all rights of this STEM series in Europe and Latin America. Finally, there’s Cookie Run, a popular video game by Devsisters with a vibrant universe inhabited by Cookie friends. The IP aims to expand with a series following the same characters, a 3D cartoon-styled comedy designed for both kids and families. Noteworthy for amassing an impressive 200 million global downloads in 2022, Cookie Run seeks to expand its influence across various formats while teaching a message of bravery and hope for a better future.

NEWS

new products, including some inspired by the Chibi World, a new declination of the Miraculous universe available on Youtube. They are also all looking forward to Miraculous Day on 28.09, the occasion for great activations to come! When talking about 360° brand development, we have to mention the Smurfs. Launched in 2021, the CGI animated show is a real success. In 2023, Season 2 has gathered up to 32% AS 4-10*. A season 3 is already in the work, as is the movie, produced by Paramount and expected for beginning of 2025. Many big names have been announced such as Rihanna as the Smurfette! Last year the brand welcomed Giochi Preziosi as Master Toy partner for Europe. A great range of toys is expected this year with great retail activations under discussion.

TF1 LICENSING

TF1 Licensing: What’s new from animation brands Last year was great in terms of activations for TF1 Licensing, representing major animation entertainment brands in Europe. The past year has been very intense when talking about content and 2024 is already promising to be even bigger. Miraculous Season 5 has been broadcast all year long on TFOU (TF1 program for children, leader in France on the target 4 to 10 y.o.) and reached great performances with 35.5% average audience share on the 4-10*. In 2023, Miraculous got out of the TV screen

to enter the big one: the movie was released in French theaters in July and quickly began the best historical launch for a French animated movie with over 1.6M tickets sold. Many consumer products activations went along this launch with major retailers in the country, such as JouéClub, main partner for the movie, Auchan, Leclerc, King Jouet, etc., including licensees such as Bandai, French distributor of the Master Toy Playmates, Hachette and Panini. Miraculous, it’s over 50 licensees in France, covering all the main categories, and over 300 globally. TF1 is preparing great launches for 2024, including the most awaited Playmobil x Miraculous collaboration, which will be coming out next Spring. When two major brands meet each other, you can be ready for something great! Bandai will release

After winning the Bologna Licensing Awards in 2023, the new Barbapapa capsule collection “BarbaLouvre” is out since Fall 2023 and is available at the Louvre Museum and online. Barbapapa is still very hot with a 2nd season being aired this year. In 2023, the show made great performances with 32.5% AS on 4-10* and the brand welcomed many new partners, which will launch their products throughout the year. In 2024 TF1 Licensing has an important novelty to share with our readers: The Mille Bornes Challenge. Spin-off freely inspired by the universe of the 1000km game, this new show produced by Blue Spirit will be on TFOU this Spring: 52 episodes showing nail-biting races through most wonderful landscapes. 5 teams competing to win the Mille Bornes Challenge. Dujardin (Jumbo) will accompany this most expected launch as Master Toy, with a great range of products by the end of the year.

To get any further info from TF1 Licensing brands and novelties, you can write to licensing@tf1.fr *Médiamétrie - Médiamat

INTERVIEW

GRANI & PARTNERS

Upcoming Challenges On the occasion of Spielwarenmesse 2024, LM interviewed Enrico Grani, CEO, and Massimo Gonzi, General Manager of Grani & Partners Spa to discuss the development and challenges of one of the leading companies in the promotion industry.

These are challenging times for many companies in toys, promotions and especially licensing. What is your approach and what have been the results? It is true that these are extremely challenging times, but our approach remains basically the same, we have to be the solution for our customers. When

Enrico Grani

INTERVIEW

a client needs to promote a product for children, or families with children, we try to find the best promotional solution for our clients’ product, capitalizing on our expertise to offer the best combination of product and license at a price compatible with increasingly challenging budgets. This all depends on the fact that, over the years, we have developed a unique expertise in both product development and licensing for this specific target. Can you tell us what Grani & Partners is today? What are your strengths and added values? We are an enthusiastic and curious company. Our thirty-year history in the promotional world has allowed us to continually gain experience in many sectors and markets related to the kid’s industry. This versatility allows us to apply the best experience from one sector to another, encouraging a positive flow between one area and another that leads to innovative proposals and outof-the-box solutions. What territories do you operate in and what is your approach to clients? We work all over the world and of course we have all kinds of clients, from ones that simply request quotes for a specific brief, to ones that takes full advantage of our capabilities. When

that happens, the client is our company at that moment, we try to drop into the company’s way of thinking and carefully apply our experience and outside knowledge, but trying to think as if we were part of the client’s company. We never propose anything that we don’t firmly believe in. What are your prospects in terms of skill development and with a focus on licensing? Licensing is one of the key assets on which Grani’s uniqueness is based. Over the years, the licensing industry has become more and more complicated because the number of possible licenses have increased so much, both due to the proliferation of entertainment sources (not just the world of animation or kids & family movies, but also for example gaming and e-sport), and because of the increase in opportunities to engage the audiences who decide how and when to be exposed to a brand/ license. Just think of the world of the internet as opposed to VOD. Precisely for this reason we have over the years honed the tools that help us identify those few - very few - licenses that have a chance of standing out in the enormous sea of offers that come up daily. One of your new properties is Stumble

Guys. What kind of products will you develop for this brand? For this brand we took on licenses directly. We believed in it from the first moment by first becoming a preferred supplier, then we signed the license for loyalties at a European level and for vending machines in Europe, but we also offered this license to many of our partners in the food sector and beyond. I must say that everyone is very satisfied. Now with our parent company Promotica we will propose loyalties throughout Europe. What other licensing innovations are being developed? This is clearly a secret! Grani&Partners is part of the Promotica Group. What synergies does it offer, especially in the loyalty area? Promotica is a very large company that developed its business model on loyalties for the adult target; for kids, an area which they needed and wanted to expand, they thought that the acquisition of Grani would be the quickest and most effective way to bring this expertise in-house. We are working together with Promotica both on a national and international basis in an area that, along with the child target, is the one that Promotica is focusing on in terms of development.

NEWS

PLAY AROUND

Product innovation and licensing At the Nuremberg Toy Fair, Play Around will present their latest novelties, including new product lines and the development of the TATA audio-box, as well as their recent licensing partnerships. For Play Around, the axes of development needed to meet new challenges go in several directions: careful pre-emptive analysis, innovative proposals and pricing that is closely tailored to consumer needs. The first direction takes the form of two new toy lines developed following several children’s focus groups, with the aim of creating products that meet their expectations and sensibilities. The new WatEgg toy line combines

elements that are familiar to children with just the right amount of innovation to generate a surprise effect. A highly compelling storyline transports them

to a universe of secret laboratories and alien experiments, from which mutant animals are born and awakened by an unexpected event. Eggs, commonly associated with the concept of surprise and birth for young children, are presented here as authentic technological capsules from which unusual animals can be born. These meet children’s expectations in terms of playability, surprise and collectability. Added to this is an exciting water game where the egg/capsule suddenly opens upon contact with water, which was well received by the kids in the focus groups, as an exciting game element. The capsule is in fact equipped with an infinitely reusable opening system, allowing children to relive the fun countless times. The WatEgg line has already been

NEWS

and international IPs. The agreement with ToyPro fully showcases the TATA model, which offers any player, distributor or retailer the opportunity to have their audio box as an ongoing product to which unique content can be combined, with or without a licence. The TATA device, with technology already available and amortised into its development costs, offers the best effectiveness/efficiency ratio in the sector, with extensive possibilities for customisation. In addition, the ability to integrate with a proprietary digital ecosystem, allowing for simple and immediate connection between the physical product and special digital content via an NFC link, makes this product more of a TATA ‘world’ than just a simple device. This world, accessible to all, will be one of the focal points of the Play Around stand at Nuremberg, with the aim of sharing it with leading partners and creating medium-term projects that maximise its potential. designed with a two-tiered proposal in terms of size and price, with a second collection expected next May. The second brand, StickyBlow, is designed as pure play and fun. Lightheartedness, imagination, directness and sharing are the key elements of this line. The characteristics that have guided the choice of a game to date, such as the sticky concept, deformability, and malleability, are all recognised and celebrated in this offer. Added to these are the concepts of challenge, viral and social sharing, understood as the desire to share the moment of play. Have you ever imagined that by tripling the size of a character a toy could simultaneously acquire a completely new playability without having to buy accessories or extensions? With StickyBlow this is possible! In fact, you can transform each individual character, stick several characters together to create new ones, throw them in the air to see what happens, creating lots of new game actions. And all of this is always done with a focus on an affordable pricing strategy. A toy line dedicated to girls is already being developed and promises to be just as engaging and fun. Next up are some new partners in 2023 for TATA, Play Around’s audio box, which more than a brand is now a ‘world’.

After Simba with Masha and Bear storyteller, and Giocheria with L’OrsoGio, it was Cefa Toys’ turn. Together with Spanish writer and influencer Beatrix Montero, Cefa worked on customising the Pea group’s device, presenting it as ‘Cuentacuentos’. For 2024, TATA has extended its presence in the Middle East by entering into an exclusive agreement with ToyPro that will establish it as a storyteller for a wide range of local

Finally, we cannot fail to mention what is happening in the world of TUUUBALU. Interest has been so high that the line has been extended to include the best-known doggies in preschool TV: PAW Patrol. A special collection was created in partnership with Paramount which has already landed distribution agreements in G.A.S. territories and France. New licensed series will also be added shortly.

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FOOD

Kids Licensing and Restaurants By Matteo Melani Thanks to their ability to attract families and adults, restaurant chains can be a valuable ally in perfecting one’s brand prestige and attracting new customers, especially if the target audience is children. In Italy, a recent example is Rossopomodoro’s children’s menu created together with Disney, which includes a dish to choose between baby pizza margherita or with sausage, gnocchi and meatballs, among the drinks juice or water and fruit to finish. This is an operation that enhances the Rossopomodoro brand value, because it offers children and families a different dining experience. On the placemat, in fact, there is a QR code that refers to a game for making a good pizza at home. On the other hand, the children’s segment has always been strategic for Rossopomodoro, since their restaurants have spaces for children’s play, private

events and birthdays, and above all the famous ‘Manine in Pasta’ (Little Hands in the dough) lessons, in which Rossopomodoro’s master pizza makers have been teaching children the art of Neapolitan pizza for over 15 years. The ‘Manine in Pasta’ project proposes simple and fun pizza lessons offering also, while playing, a valid formative, educational and therapeutic path: from preparation to cooking to tasting the pizza. All under the super vision of the Maestro Pizzaiolo (Pizza Master). If Rossopomodoro chose Disney as a partner for its co-branding initiatives, Mc Donald’s (which for decades has been offering freebies to children and

young people using the major kids brands of the moment) decided to expand to books and gifts with The Quarto Group and The Lumistella Company respectively. In the second half of 2023 and for eight weeks in a row with the Happy Meal menu, a series of short books came out, recounting the childhood fears and dreams of some of the protagonists who made history in their field such as Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, Albert Einstein, Ayrton Senna, Muhammad Ali and Evonne Goolagong. During the Christmas season, McDonalds has made available for those who chose Happy Meal the characters of the Elf on the Shelf series, ranging from the classic Irish elf to a reindeer. This initiative is inspired by the legend according to which elves are sent by Father Christmas to check the behaviour of children. Dining is definitely a growing retail channel for expanding and improving awareness of brands targeting families and children, going beyond gadgets and creating targeted, tailor-made initiatives and experiences for increasingly discerning young consumers.

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TOY

The best new licensed toys The latest licensed novelties from major companies exhibiting at Spielwarenmesse 2024. The Toy Market grew by +2% in the previous year and Global sales reached USD 107B in 2022 (Circana). It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.5%, reaching USD 101159.97 million by 2028 (Research Reports World). According to GfK’s analysis, the early childhood sector, after closing 2022 with a turnover increase of +3.4%, on the other hand maintains its great performance and continues to develop despite the continued fall in the birth rate. With a stable average price, the most popular toys on the shelves are

board and card games, but also plush and preschool toys. The Barbie World Reveal unboxing experience is enhanced this year with the brand new Barbie Pop Reveal by Mattel. The doll is hidden inside a drink cup! By piercing the lid of the cup with the straw, slime will be poured onto the doll... the fun will be all in removing it! To discover the other surprises, you will have to “pop” the “ice” cubes, creating a very nice “POP” effect! In this first series, there will be 4 dolls to collect, with looks, scents and colours inspired by

Hot Wheels skate - Tony Hawk. Top image: Barbie Pop Reveal

Polly Pocket Purse of Secrets - Kangaroo the world of fruit; combined with them, accessories and surprises, including a puppy for each one and colour-changing effects that can be activated with hot and cold water. Hot Wheels and skateboarding legend Tony Hawk have teamed up to create the epic fingerboard collection Hot Wheels skate – Challenge accepted that’s prime for sick stunting and elite moves. Each fully assembled Hot Wheels fingerboard comes with a pair of stylish, removable skate shoes, designed to keep fingertips in place when learning to shred and ollie like a pro. Young skaters can build confidence and get a feel for the board and its movements before removing the shoes and trying more difficult maneuvers. Each board has a design that’s so unique and cool, that kids will want to

Hot Wheels skate - Tony Hawk

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collect them all. A new subject in the line of Polly Pocket Purse of Secrets, thanks to which fun is always at hand, is Kangaroo. So many surprises to discover with Mama and Joey’s Kangaroo Purse! The kangaroo purse has a sweet look and a soft outer pocket to cuddle, with a removable kangaroo puppy inside, which in turn hides a surprise! Simply open the pouch to reveal an adventure-packed playset with an animal bedroom. With Disney Princess Cinderella Royal Fashion Reveal the world of Cinderella, one of Disney’s best-loved princesses, meets the surprise effect of this special doll! The package opens up and transforms into a wardrobe, inside which there are 14 surprises and accessories to unveil and discover, to create more than 125 different looks! Inspired by the Disney film Frozen 2, the beautiful Disney Frozen - Elsa’s Arendelle Castle playset is structured in 4 play areas, including Elsa’s bedroom with a bed that transforms into a vanity with additional storage, a throne room, and a dining room equipped with a table, chair and food pieces. Additional magical moments to discover include a fireplace kids can move to turn it on or off, doors that open and close, and a window that rotates between clear skies and crystals. The castle play set folds up and includes a handle, so you can always take it with you!

Disney Frozen - Elsa’s Arendelle Castle

Spin Master completed the acquisition of Melissa & Doug Spin Master, a global children’s entertainment company, has completed its previously announced acquisition of U.S.-based Melissa & Doug, an early childhood play brand, for $950 million. “This acquisition brings together two formidable leaders in the toy industry, both driven by a passion to create magical play experiences for children and inspire imaginations on a global scale,” says Max Rangel, global president, chief executive officer, Spin Master. “By adding Melissa & Doug’s complementary product line to our existing toy portfolio we expand our capabilities in early childhood play and further bolster Spin Master’s leadership in the children’s entertainment industry. Our combined expertise, and the addition of Melissa & Doug’s high-quality, open-ended creative and developmental toys, positions both Spin Master and Melissa & Doug to unlock further growth across new and existing channels and in markets globally.”

Disney Princess Cinderella Royal Fashion Reveal

The transaction expands Spin Master’s reach in specialty retail and e-commerce channels, and provides a recurring, evergreen product portfolio with a diverse revenue base and significant long-term growth opportunities. As part of the closing of the transaction, the parties have agreed to eliminate the additional contingent earnout consideration of up to $150 million, previously announced on Oct. 11.

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Peppa Pig Cruise Ship playset famous characters? With Peppa Pig Waterpark Playset, boys and girls can explore the playset’s changing cubicles and pool, take the whale-shaped lift

Peppa Pig Waterpark Playset With the Hasbro exciting edition of the movie-inspired Monopoly Super Mario Bros board game, all boys and girls can explore the Mushroom Kingdom, buying, selling and trading places in the Super Mario universe! In this special edition, everything is reminiscent of the adventures of the world’s most famous plumber, starting with the gold coins that, instead of the traditional Monopoly money, allow players to see and buy properties: in this competition, whoever gets the most coins wins. But winning first place will not be an easy task for players: just like in the film, they will have to watch out for Bowser, who can steal property and money, steal coins or send players to jail. Luckily, to help them in the game there will be Tube Shortcuts, Question Mark Blocks and Piranha Plants! The Peppa Pig Cruise Ship playset offers boys and girls many ways to play and features 3 detailed spaces, 17 accessories, a vehicle in the form of a speedboat and 3 figures inspired by Peppa Pig’s favourite characters. Little ones can imagine eating in the junglethemed dining room and then turning the chairs to find themselves watching a play! They can prepare a relaxing ball

pit, open the colourful bunk beds or dive into the refreshing pool on the terrace. What could be better than a day at the water park with Peppa Pig’s most

Transformers: The Awakening Bumblebee action figure

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Electronic Spidey and whiz down the slide aboard the flamingo-shaped inflatable. The included action figures of George and Peppa wear swimming costumes, to recreate scenes from the series or imagine exciting new adventures. Bumblebee, the brave yellow Autobot, flies high thanks to his brand new eagle mode. Transformers: The Awakening Bumblebee action figure converts into 3 different modes: robot, vehicle and animal! The toy is inspired by the Bumblebee character from the new film Transformers: The Awakening, where the heroic Autobots and evil Decepticons are joined by the mysterious Maximal, Predacon and Terrorcon, in a legendary adventure set in the 1990s. From the Marvel series Spidey and His Amazing Friends, the electronic Spidey action figure of the friendly neighbourhood Spidey is perfect for all hero-loving boys and girls! The character, standing 25 cm tall, can become the perfect companion to play

Spidey Webquarters Playset

Aurora World Inc. and Peanuts Worldwide LLC are preparing an Exciting New Plush Collection Aurora World Inc., a leader in the plush toy industry, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Peanuts Worldwide LLC, the global company behind Charles Schulz’s beloved characters. This collaboration will see Aurora World Inc. take the helm in manufacturing a delightful range of Peanuts plush and toy products, bringing the timeless charm of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang to life in an array of cuddly forms. Michael Kessler, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Aurora World Inc., expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration: “We are incredibly honored to partner with Peanuts Worldwide LLC to bring their iconic characters to our plush and toys. The Peanuts brand holds a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide, and we are committed to creating high-quality, huggable products that capture the essence of these beloved characters.” Scott Shillet, Vice President Global Hardlines & Promotions at Peanuts Worldwide LLC, also shared his thoughts on the collaboration: “Partnering with companies who are leaders in their product categories, such as Aurora World Inc. is a key part of our strategy. Aurora’s reputation for craftsmanship and dedication to creating unique, lovable plush toys align perfectly with our vision for the Peanuts brand. We look forward to seeing the joy these new products will bring to fans of all ages.” From classic characters like Snoopy and Woodstock to the endearing appeal of Charlie Brown and Lucy, this collaboration is poised to introduce a charming collection of Peanuts plush products that will be available at major retailers and specialty stores nationwide June 2024.

with or watch the series “Spidey and His Amazing Friends” on Disney Junior! The toy speaks phrases from the series and wears an electronic suit with a mask that boys and girls can lift up and down to reveal Peter Parker’s face and with an icon on his chest that lights up. This toy also includes webs that can spin and be thrown. Little ones can then defeat Green Goblin by hitting him in the target. Spidey Webquarters Playset is a spectacular 38 cm playset for boys and girls aged 3 and up. Children can imagine incredible adventures as Spidey climbs into this dynamic Webquarters with slides, webs, lights and sounds. It is also compatible with other Spidey vehicles and characters: Ghost-Spider’s Copter can land on the heliport and Goblin on his glider can be captured in the playset’s web prison.

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Cry Babies Newborn more kids collect, the more they can mix and match!

Cry Babies Newborn There is a lot of new products from IMC Toys for the Cry babies brand! With Cry Babies Newborn, watch as children become parents to their doll, and learn how to care for, and nurture their newborn with the 6 included surprises and accessories. Children can wear the interactive bracelet and the doll will recognize the child as their parent, which calms her down when she’s crying, and makes her laugh and blush. Coney and Molly cry real tears and will also calm down when given their paci. When it’s time for bed, lay her down and watch as her rock-a-bye eyes close and

she falls asleep! There are 8 Cry Babies Magic Tears Stars, Talent Babies dolls to collect - each with a new and improved appearance that includes: a more articulated body, cheerful expressions, and of course they cry real tears! With the all-new transparent packaging, children can now pick their favorite characters and complete their collections. Each doll comes with 6+ surprises and accessories and dressed in an interchangeable silicone outfit that represents their own unique talent. The

Cry Babies are now on the move with the new Cry Babies Crawling Jenna and Miley! Watch as Jenna and Miley crawl across the floor and giggle when you press the button on their back. She can make up to 35 realistic baby sounds, cries real tears and calms down when given her paci. When sitting, she will babble, and move her arms to shake the rattle. If you pretend to tickle her while she’s lying on her back, she’ll move her arms and legs just like a real baby.

The Stitch Attacks Snacks series

Cry Babies Magic Tears Stars, Talent Babies

Throughout 2024, Disney will celebrate Lilo & Stitch with the Stitch Attacks Snacks series, which will feature a new limited edition plush and pin set each month. The collection debuts on January at shopDisney with the release of a plush featuring Stitch about to bite down on a Mickey Mouse-shaped pretzel. There will also be a pin set with Stitch and Angel eating a pretzel. In February, Stitch’s favourite food will be popcorn.

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Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera. Originally conceived by LEGO fan Marc a.k.a. Minibrick Productions (@ minibrickYT), bringing Polaroid’s iconic camera to life in LEGO brick form. The LEGO IDEAS: Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera set brings a true icon of photography to the LEGO IDEAS range and is the 53rd product from the fansourced platform. The model is made up of 516 pieces and includes many of the design features that made the original OneStep Camera so popular amongst fans, captured in a unique display model with functional features. Also included alongside the camera is a buildable Polaroid Time-Zero Land Film pack and three LEGO Polaroid illustrated ‘photos’. The camera features a working viewfinder, the iconic Color Spectrum, exposure compensation dial and a shutter button so you even can load and eject the illustrated photos. Also included is an opening film door to load LEGO Polaroid Photos in. Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera by Lego The LEGO Group has unveiled five brand-new products following the success of the LEGO® DREAMZzz™ streaming series that launched in early 2023. The new building sets include Mateo’s Off-Road Car, The Sandman’s Tower, Izzie’s Narwhal Hot-Air Balloon, Mr. Oz’s Space Car and Zoey and Zian the Cat-Owl.

must find a way to harness the limitless creativity of this fantastical world. All episodes are available to watch on the LEGO YouTube channel and other streaming services. The LEGO Group and Polaroid have recently unveiled the new LEGO® IDEAS:

LEGO DREAMZzz series follows ordinary high-schoolers as they stumble upon the dream world – a world where everything you’ve ever dreamt of actually exists! But where there are dreams, there must also be nightmares… and our heroes

Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera by Lego

The Sandman’s Tower building set

Mateo’s Off-Road Car building set

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Clementoni celebrated 60 years in business last year, and with its achievements has confirmed itself as the standard-bearer for Made in Italy in Europe and around the world. New licensed products include My First Lamborghini, the brand new remote-

Disney Baby – Projector & Storyteller

My First Lamborghini

controlled car with the unmistakable Huracàn Tecnica design. Just like a real Lamborghini, it is quick and easy to manoeuvre thanks to a steering wheel-console. It is also equipped with an autopilot button and has a ‘silent driving’ mode. Real drivers can listen to the sound of the Lamborghini Huracàn Tecnica for an

even more realistic gaming experience! Disney Baby – Projector & Storyteller is a storyteller with a projector function to listen and watch, scene after scene, 7 adventurous stories chosen from the Disney Classics. Simple to use even for the youngest children thanks to a few intuitive buttons, and designed to capture the attention of children from 1 to 6 years old, the Storyteller Projector features two game functions (atmosphere and storytelling) and a night mode with night light and sweet melodies to choose from before falling asleep. The cards can be stored in the compartment at the back and the handle makes it easy to take anywhere. Like a real portable cinema it entertains and amuses parents and children alike, drawing them into the magical world of Disney fairy tales.

FIAT 500 construction kit

American Girl Feature Film Mattel, Inc., Paramount Pictures, and Temple Hill Entertainment announced plans to develop a live-action feature film based on the American Girl doll line. American Girl will be distributed by Paramount Pictures and produced by Mattel Films, Paramount Pictures, and Temple Hill Entertainment (Twilight, The Maze Runner, The Fault in Our Stars). Lindsey Anderson Beer (Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, Sierra Burgess is a Loser) is attached to write the screenplay and produce. The nation’s most storied children’s brand known for its premium dolls and bestselling books, American Girl was founded in 1986 by Pleasant T. Rowland, a teacher-turned-entrepreneur who set out to celebrate girlhood with beautiful dolls and adventurous books that would nourish a child’s imagination and provide education and entertainment. Today, the brand continues to focus on creating authentic, culturally relevant characters and stories that help girls grow up with courage, confidence, and strength of character while remaining a trusted partner to parents. American Girl is overseen by Kevin McKeon and Ivan Sanchez at Mattel, Vanessa Joyce at Paramount Pictures, and Isaac Klausner, Laura Quicksilver, and Annika Patton at Temple Hill. Beer is represented by CAA, Daniel Cohan at Brillstein Entertainment Partners, Cheryl Snow at Gang Tyre, and Shelter PR.

The FIAT 500 inspired a construction kit consisting of mechanical components from the Science and Play line and body parts to perfectly replicate a model of the electric FIAT 500e, with an electric motor and rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This kit makes it possible to recreate a faithful reproduction of the new electric model of the now iconic FIAT 500 to enthuse even the youngest children about motoring and, through the construction of the car, stimulate their thinking and concentration. Thanks to the “Science and Play Build” APP, it is also possible to integrate the play experience by providing assembly support through interactive 3D animations. The Lamborghini Huracàn Tecnica also inspired a similar construction kit.

Lamborghini Huracàn Tecnica construction kit

TRENDS

super fast and climb roofs with ease thanks to her super jumping. She owns the Trotties Limousine that measures 44 cm and is the perfect, fast and glamorous mean of transport, ideal for super fun parties. It has a capacity for 2 Trotties and is equipped with endless accessories such as a multimedia screen, a minibar, balloons and a floor that lights up in the dark.

Trottie dolls - Emma with Limousine From the well-known TV series, the Trotties dolls by Famosa. Emma, Sophie, Lucy and Mia are the Trotties, Emily’s favourite dolls. As she leaves her room, the Trotties come to life: the magic map will light up and the Trotties will know that, making their promise, they will travel to a new destination to solve a mission using their powers. The 25 cm dolls have a trendy design inspired by their favourite city; at the touch of a button they change expression with emoji eyes, and have 5 points of articulation. Sophie loves Paris and has an incredible super power: everything she draws can come to life. Mia is in love with Tokyo and nature, and is full of empathy and kindness. She practices yoga and her incredible super power is being able to understand any being and creature, real or fantastic, in the world. Lucy is crazy about London. Her amazing super power allows her to control technology without the need for any device, cable or connection. Emma particularly likes New York. She does a lot of sport and wants to taste the

typical food of every place she travels to. Her great super power is to teleport herself, her best friends or things to anywhere in the world. She can also run

Trotties dolls - Mia

Cult of the Lamb is growing toys & consumer products program Devolver Digital continues to grow the existing consumer products program for ‘Kawai meets Goth’ video game IP Cult of the Lamb and is now looking towards Europe and Asia. Developed by Massive Monster and published by Devolver Digital, Cult of the Lamb launched across eight gaming platforms in August 2022 and has already won five Australian Game Developer Awards, a Golden Joystick, Game of the Year at the Gaming Awards and three British Academy Games Awards by BAFTA nominations. Despite being launched just over a year ago, Devolver has already built a strong consumer product programme in the US with 10 licensees onboard and key retail placements at geek/pop culture specialists. Products created to date include tarot cards, Knucklebones game and dice, figurines, but also apparel and accessories, stationery, homewares and deco, artworks and collectibles.

Trotties dolls - Sophie

Good Smile Company curated an array of Cult of the Lamb merchandise, which includes a plush toy of the Lamb and finger puppets of them and their Followers.

EVENTS

SPIELWARENMESSE

Spielwarenmesse 2024 expands the Licensing area Licensed toys are a fundamental part of the toy industry, and this year there is a new Licensing Lounge to welcome licensing professionals at this unmissable trade show. The Nuremberg Toy Fair, as the year’s largest and most important event, brings together all international decision-makers. Well-known brands, trendy start-ups, buyers for major chains, independent retailers and large numbers of media representatives

combine to make the Spielwarenmesse a unique event for all players in the toys and games market. Last year’s edition was a success, with 2,142 exhibitors from 69 countries (396 new) and 58,000 trade visitors from 128 countries.

Licensing is extremely relevant for the Toy Industry The Spielwarenmesse gives you a broad overview of international licensed products and popular licenses. Licensed toys are a crucial element of industry and retail, and their impact is constantly increasing. This was revealed by the 2023 Global Licensing Industry Study published by Licensing International: according to the study, the licensing industry had another strong year in terms of sales in 2022. Revenue increased by 8% from 2021 to USD 340.8 billion, and the toy business accounts for 12% (or $42.7 billion) of this total.

LicenseLounge: Immerse yourself in the world of licenses The new LicenseLounge in Hall 12.0 is being developed in association with Licensing International, Licensing Magazine, and BRANDmate, the B2B networking event for everything to do with collaborations, licensing and partnerships. The new area offers the opportunity to experience the theme of licenses in a dedicated networking space, where licensors, licensees, and retailers will

EVENTS

gather for a casual exchange of ideas. To effectively depict the diversity of licensed toys, attractive product presentations will be used. Free trade magazines will be available to take away. The licensing knowledge platform LicenseTalks will also have this new location for 2024, to present industry trends, best practice examples and innovations, in the great atmosphere of the LicenseLounge. The 30-minute speeches take place from Tuesday, 30 January to Thursday, 1 February. Besides Licensing International and BRANDmate appointments, Licensing Magazine hosts two conferences on the afternoon of January 31.

From Promotions to Toys. An innovative approach to build toy based IPs and create new licensing opportunities (2.00pm - 2.30pm) held by Massimiliano Piazzolla, Managing Director at Play Around, will be an interview on the process of creating a Toy company from promotion expertise and develop new IPs. From Toys to Children’s Content. Cry Baby Success Story (2.45pm – 3.15pm) involves Cristina Camprubi, Licensing & ODM Director, IMC Toys, Spain. An overview on the brand development process done with the wise mix of marketing and media tools, that have built over time a world-famous IP. Hello Kitty celebrates its 50th anniversary. The magic of Hello Kitty in the world of

occasion of the celebrating year of Hello Kitty, LM will make an interview on the strategic importance of Toys for the global leading Japanese lifestyle brand.

Cristina Camprubi Toys (3.30 pm – 4.00pm) is attended by Giovanna Sanzò, Senior Licensing Director & Sanrio Brand Leader Europe, Middle East & Turkey, Italy.On the

Giovanna Sanzò

Some other Spielwarenmesse special areas At Spielwarenmesse 2024, the booming kidult trend will be presented in the new area Life’s a Playground - Toys for Kidsters, Kidults & Co. This amazing space provides inspiration as to the products that no modern toy shop should be without and is divided into four categories: Collectibles, Premium Collectibles, Creative Fantasy and Tabletop Games. The Collectibles area emphasises the joy people take in collecting. Toys are also collectibles and demonstrate the owner’s enthusiasm for a theme. Premium Collectibles are categorised even higher. Products in this category are particularly rare, are expensive or increase in value over time. The Creative Fantasy category includes collectible card games, role-playing games and miniature games. All other types of board games for at least two people can be found in the Tabletop Games category. In addition to their appearance in the interactive special area in Hall 3A, kidults will also be the subject of the neighbouring Toy Business Forum at the Spielwarenmesse. Numerous expert presentations will be dedicated to gameplaying adults and the passion for collecting. In Hall 4, the Insights-X area, born from the homonymous trade fair, brings together stationery products and information, with a focus on the back-to-school sector. Meet national and international newcomers in the StartupArea and the New Product Gallery, which feature new trendy products, in Hall 3A.

Massimiliano Piazzolla

PUBLISHING

FRANKFURTER BUCHMESSE

A great 75th anniversary The Frankfurter Buchmesse 2023 took place from 18 to 22 October, 2023, and celebrated a significant anniversary, the 75th, with interesting new areas. The Frankfurter Buchmesse 2023 included almost 4,000 exhibitors from 95 countries, and drew a reported 105,000 professional trade visitors during the three prime trade days (October 18, 19, and 20). The weekend was also available to the public, and overall attendance is claimed to have climbed by 30% over 2022 figures, reaching 215,000 visitors. © Frankfurter Buchmesse - Dominic Dressen

The 2023 edition also honoured the 75th anniversary of the event. The 75th-anniversary campaign, with the tagline And the story goes on, presented reminiscences of the fair’s historical landmarks as well as a preview of future editions. The city was flooded with themed advertising in a variety of areas, including buses, bus stops, the airport and the main train station, while 75 public libraries were decked with the fair’s logo. During the show, an Anniversary Area was put up in Hall 4.1’s foyer, complete with a nine-metrelong Congratulations Wall where fans wrote best wishes, a Selfie Point, and book tips.

What was new in 2023

There were various new inspired spaces in the 2023 edition. The new International Comics Centre was launched in Hall 6.1, with 14 publishers taking part. Other comic publishers, like Egmont, IDW and Panini, had stands nearby. The centre’s programming

PUBLISHING

Guest of Honour, from Slovenia to Italy © Frankfurter Buchmesse - Anett Weirauch

began with the Comic-Walkabout, a guided tour of international comic books companies such as Carlsen, Cross Cult, Planeta, Altraverse, Mediatoon, and Humanoids. Other related events hosted at various venues within the fair included a comics matinée, a comics-toscreen matchmaking service, a weekend programme, and signing sessions with international illustrators. Speaking of which, the Meet the Author area in Hall 4.1 was a new event location that allowed authors and fans to interact in an informal atmosphere.

The Aldus Up Stage, located in Hall 4.1, was also a popular new area. Aldus Up is the follow-up project to Aldus, a network of European book fairs that connects over 20 European trade events, including Frankfurter Buchmesse, London Book Fair, Buch Wien, and Bologna Children’s Book Fair, to encourage internationalisation and innovation within the publishing industry. The new Aldus Up Stage presented

industry-related events on issues such as education, inclusivity, and sustainability, as well as translation funding, digitalisation, and licensing. The programme included two events organized in collaboration with Licensing Magazine, that drew a sizable crowd. During the first conference, Animation, Licensing, and Publishing - A Perfect Match, many major actors from publishing, animation, and licensing discussed how to successfully combine publishing and animation in the establishment and expansion of an IP. In the second session Legacy Brands through Publishing Claudia Lucarella, Head of Publishing EMEA at Mattel, assisted in understanding how publishing can create continuous and diversified narrative for brands. Publishing professionals specialising in foreign rights and licensing also had their own space: the new Publishers Rights Centre (PRC), which was located directly next to the LitAg in Hall 6.2.

The 2023 Guest of Honour country was Slovenia, with the theme Satovje besed (Honeycomb of Words), which represents cultural connectedness and inclusivity. The exhibition Pavillon, designed by Studio Sadar from Ljubljana, was a 2,300-square-metre open space divided into honeycomb-shaped, semi-transparent auditoriums for knowledge exchange during readings and panels. The Books on Slovenia exhibition served as the design’s focal point, with suspended artwork creating a memorable experience. The pavilion’s furnishings were inspired by the Slovenian landscape and constructed from recycled material. The pavilion hosted over 70 successful events featuring Slovenian and international authors, poets and intellectuals, including numerous wellreceived B2B conferences. Among the several meetings was the introduction of the Ljubljana Manifesto, which focused on the function of higher-level reading and sought to stress the continued importance of books in a screen-dominated world. Italy will be the Guest of Honour in 2024. Its rich, traditional culture has already produced five Nobel Prize winners. According to the Italian industry body, the country’s book sector generated approximately €3.39 billion (US$3.58 billion) in revenue in 2022. The 2024 programme is titled Roots in the Future; over 120 authors and artists will organise debates, perform at musical events, and attend art exhibitions in Germany during the year.

ENTERTAINMENT

CARTOON MOVIE

Cartoon Movie 2024 counts 16 countries as primary producers By Rossella Arena Cartoon Movie, the co-production and pitching event for European animated feature films, will be held in Bordeaux from March 5 to 7. The 55 projects are geared towards a family and young adult audience and address intense themes.

© Cartoon 55 projects aimed at children, families, and young adults, have made up the selection of Cartoon Movie, the coproduction and pitching event for European animated feature films, to attend on March 5-7 in Bordeaux, France. The line-up includes mostly projects in development (33) and in concept (13), next to 5 films in production and 4 in

sneak preview, also curated by wellknown directors and authors. Sixteen countries are involved as main producer, presenting projects that address critical issues such as environment, inclusivity, narcolepsy, instability, and personal resources. France is represented by 15 projects,

including Alain Ughetto’s Rose and the Marmots, where a 12-year-old girl who, in order to earn a living and support her family, raises marmots, and then faces the hard life of the city; Alain Gagnol’s Dog my cats!, about the magical life of young Jules, who discovers she can talk to animals; and Alexis Ducord and Vincent Parronaud’s Into the Wonderwoods, in which the protagonist Angelo enters a dark and mysterious world inhabited by strange creatures. Belgium’s movies range from poignant mockumentaries like Dickie to family flicks like Dreamwalker and the preschool project Rouxelle and the Pirates. This goes from poking fun at famous films and historical events, to exploring sleep disorders, to the sweetness of a story for young children. Germany, like Belgium, has five projects in development, including the 3D family one in Sneak Preview, Elli, directed by Jesper Møller, Piet de Rycker & Jens Møller. A homeless little ghost knocks on the door to the eccentric residents of

ENTERTAINMENT

a Ghost Train on the lookout for a place to belong. She accidentally attracts the attention from the outsideworld and must team up with the motley crew of monsters on a crazy quest to save not only the future of the Ghost Train, but also her only chance to finally have a family of her own. The other movies are focused on adventurous narratives (Flamingo Flamenco, Out of Frame), and stories about the impact of AI in everyday life (Rat King). Among the five projects proposed for Spain is SuperKlaus, the premiere of the third part of the successful movie saga by Steven Majaury & Andrea Sebastiá. Norway is working on four projects, one of which is the teen film Pesta, a chilling journey through dark and twisted Nordic folklore. Set in Norway in 1349, it tells a tragic love story between an unlikely couple: the deeply religious noble girl Astrid (17) and the outlaw pagan boy Eilev (17). Italy, Luxembourg, and Poland each have three projects. For Italy, director Alessandro Rak has curated The Little Prince of Shangri-La: an improvised and apparently ill-assorted team consisting of Alexandra, a very young French explorer, Aphur, a young warrior monk, and Kewstang, an elderly and very friendly Lama, sets out to find the new Dalai Lama, the 14th. Luxembourg has Humbegged, based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, while Poland has two projects for young adults, Dr Owl and the sci-fi Pale Pink, and one for children, Mami Fatale and the Great Cookbook. Mami Fatale, formerly known as The Best Chef In The World, prefers now to be on the sidelines. However, when Doctor Von Klops steals Mami’s cookbook

Living Large containing all her culinary secrets and after the Doctor’s suspicious concoctions bring a gluttonous giant, Beatle, into existence, the heroic chef is the only one who can rescue the city and her friends.

animated film inspired by the true story of the sailor Jens Munk; Ireland will offer the Odo owl TV series; and Sweden is developing the mixed media film Balls, dedicated to the perspective of all the ‘balls’ used in sports. A film about friendship & fulfilling your dream that will transform the way you see these cherished objects, capturing your heart and imagination Hungary, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Finland each present one movie. The latter is producing the film Niko Beyond the Northern Lights, an uplifting story about Santa’s reindeer, directed by Kari Juusonen and Jrgen Lerdam. After a tearful goodbye, Niko leaves his family behind to take his place next to his father on Santas Flying Forces. But Stella, an unknown challenger arrives, to compete for Niko’s spot.

A project is on the pipeline from the Czech Republic, which will premiere the eagerly awaited Living Large directed by Kristina Dufková. 12-year-old Ben has just hit puberty and suddenly his weights is a problem for him and for everyone else. The other kids bully him, his divorced parents don’t know what to do... So, despite his love of food and his emerging talent as a chef, Ben decides to take drastic action. He starts to diet. But finally Ben will learn that what truly matters isn’t how you look - it’s how you feel. Denmark will present the concept of The Great North Adventure, an

ENTERTAINMENT

TEAMTO

Jade Armor Season 2 Inspires TeamTO’s Licensing Plans TeamTO has partnered once again with leading kids platforms France Télévisions (France) and SUPER RTL (Germany) for a second series of its martial arts action-comedy series Jade Armor (26 x 22’). Aimed at 6–10-year-olds, the legendary Jade Armor is a mythical superhero, and now it is Lan Jun’s turn to be Jade Armor. Even she can’t quite believe her destiny is to be this epic hero! With the help of her friends, Theo and Alisha and the mystical Beasticons that accompany the Armor, Lan Jun is thrust into a series of action-packed adventures. Every day, she must contend with both an evil array of super villains and the very real trials of teenage life.

Jade Armor’s talented all-female creative team is led by multi-award-winning executive producer Corinne Kouper, supported by showrunner and co-creator, Chloé Miller; head writer, MJ Offen; French story editor, Ghyslaine Pujol, and co-developer, Mary Bredin. Based on a concept by M Pongo Kuo, Jade Armor is entirely produced in TeamTO’s state of the art animation studios in France. Distributed by APC Kids, Jade Armor Season 1 (26 x 22’) has been sold to

Cartoon Network (EMEA); France Télévisions (France); Super RTL (Germany); ABC (Australia), SRC (Canada); Téléquébec (Canada); WildBrain (Canada); RTBF (Belgium); and DR (Denmark). Along with a newly launched YouTube Channel, Jade Armor SEASON 2 brings the series to 52 22-minute episodes and sets the stage for a long-term licensing strategy. “Season 2 of Jade Armor will provide an opportunity to roll out the show’s licensing plans. We already have a detailed style guide with designs for Jade’s armor and the highly collectible Beasticons, ideal for games, toys, costumes, plush, publishing, stationery, and promotions,” commented Patricia de Wilde, Director of Marketing and New Business. “We’ve also been in talks with Plug In Digital about a video game for consoles and PC; development of the game should begin very soon. And we have initiated discussions with toy manufacturers and publishers together with licensing partners in Germany (Super Rtl) and France (France Televisions) among others. The aim is to have the first product ranges in stores by the end of 2025.”

INTERVIEW

BANIJAY

Telling brands’ values and objectives By Rossella Arena LM spoke with Carlotta Rossi Spencer, Banijay’s Head of Branded Entertainment Business Development, to hear more about the company’s dedication to brands and the new Branded Entertainment division.

Cabelo Pantene - Brazil I actually began my career in journalism and have also worked in corporate and product communications, research and format development. And, in my first job in TV with the Italian company Wilder, I was in charge of institutional and branded content. I’ve regularly been tasked with projects that encompass brands and video content, which has required a core understanding of audience habits and consumer trends – skills which are central to what I am doing now in the branded entertainment space.

Carlotta Rossi Spencer Your experience is significantly assisting Banijay’s branded entertainment development. Could you please tell us a little bit about your background? Prior to my current role overseeing Banijay Branded Entertainment (BBE), I headed up format acquisitions for the company, where I was tasked with identifying and managing third-party IP acquisitions, including hit formats such as Temptation Island. Working across Banijay’s footprint and needing a keen eye for entertainment that works for audiences globally, has proven invaluable in my current remit.

How did Banijay’s new Branded Entertainment division come to be, and how is it currently organised? It was evident there was huge growth potential for Banijay in the brandfunded content space. There are clear synergies between what we do as a business and what brands are looking for to reach their customers in an engaging and authentic way. We already have some brilliant producers and labels within the company that are creating award-winning, and hugely successful entertainment for brand clients. We felt there was an opportunity to take a holistic approach to this area, and create a centralised support function for these teams, in order to supercharge this activity. I am working with worldwide agencies and brands both locally and globally, connecting them with the right companies in the group, and supporting the process to deliver against their briefs.

Banijay is an industry leader at creating world-class, premium content, and we bring that expertise to brand partners that want to connect with their audiences through entertainment and rich storytelling that resonates with consumers across the globe. What kind of service and visibility can you provide to brands? We bring our entertainment business expertise to each project and tell brands’ values and objectives through entertainment across all genres and mediums. What sets our service apart is

Lindt Maïtre Chocolatier

INTERVIEW

multiple markets – it really depends on the needs of the client. We are creating both original content and leveraging our extensive catalogue of shows to help elevate brand values through entertainment. A really interesting project which launched at the end of last year was from our teams in Germany, where they reimagined Big Brother for a digital audience for the format’s first venture into branded entertainment. Creative marketing agency, Banijay Media Germany and EndemolShine Germany (both Banijay Germany companies) collaborated to produce a brand-funded 57-hour live stream version of the show on Twitch, starring top creators and influencers.

Mind Games our high-production, premium content that audiences want to watch – it’s not an advert that people want to skip! Our labels are seeing strong viewership and huge retention numbers on the shows they are producing – audiences are watching from start to finish. Our brand-funded shows, like Electric Robin’s (part of Banijay UK) Niall Horan’s Homecoming: The Road to Mullingar, are well-reviewed and receiving awards as a standout TV shows, in addition to being recognised in the advertising and marketing sector. As a business, Banijay is extremely agile, and we can quickly turnaround a brief into format ideas and production. We have amazing talent worldwide, who are experts in delivering against varying budgets, without affecting the quality of the content. What we are creating is a good financial investment for brands and a good investment of time for audiences. Which programmes are and will be involved? Banijay’s branded entertainment, like the overall business, covers all genres and all formats including long-form and short-form, for any platform. We

Niall Horan’s Homecoming: The Road to Mullingar produce documentaries, scripted shows, unscripted entertainment, and everything in between, from standalone projects like Mind Games – The Experiment for Asics, to formats like Lindt Maître Chocolatier and Cabelo Pantene, which has multiple series in

Big Brother Knossi Edition © EndemolShine Germany and Banijay Media Germany

The series attracted huge partners including Hasbro, Samsung and Warner Bros., and topped 8.8 million live views. What are the ideal characteristics of your brand partners? Trust is the most important thing. We have to get buy-in from the brands we work with to allow our creatives to tell our brand partners’ values and objectives. Brands are increasingly attuned to the power of branded entertainment and what companies like Banijay can deliver. We have extensive knowledge and experience at creating entertainment for specific demographics and audiences that meet the needs of partners worldwide. And we approach it, just as we would any other high-end show we produce – it requires the same creativity and talent to guarantee a success.

ANIMATION

CARTOON BUSINESS

Cartoon Business, a safe haven for animation professionals The animation production event Cartoon Business was held for the fourth time in Las Palmas (Gran Canaria, Spain) from 14 to 16 November, 2023. The programme covered a variety of industry-related subjects and provided ample opportunity for reflection on IP development. Gran Canaria is expanding its presence in the animation industry and offers many concessions and tax incentives to professionals in the sector. Las Palmas was thus the ideal venue for an event focused on the growth of the animation industry, in an informal setting that allowed the 115 participants from 25 countries to make new connections. ‘Cleo & Cuquin’ vs. ‘The Gruffalo’ © Cartoon

First and foremost, on the first day, there were 120 one-on-one meetings with 65 participants; over the next two days, Cartoon Business hosted 19 seminars, some of which were conducted in partnership with Licensing Magazine. Animation is increasingly emphasising branding, which is why the speeches

included case studies of various IPs. Like Mavka, an animated fairy tale that in 2023 delighted theatres around Europe and will soon be adapted into a TV series. Iryna Kostyuk, (FILM.UA Group), and Tetiana Ruban (The Nerd Agency), explained Mavka was originally intended to be a crossmedial world rather than a single film. They currently have numerous collaborations in a variety of categories, including jewellery, snacks, beauty, clothes, toys, and more. In another panel, Alexandra Sanson (Magic Light Pictures), demonstrated how The Gruffalo has become a successful long-term brand, expanding beyond the UK into several territories. The IP marked its 25th anniversary in 2023 and continues to win partnerships in various categories, including clothes, beauty, and live events. Miguel Aldoroso (Ánima Kitchent), took us on a brand development journey with their IP Cleo & Cuquin, a 59-year-old brand well-known in Spain and Latam.

ANIMATION

The ‘Mavka’ Success Story After a brand digitising process through YouTube and other channels, a new TV series was introduced in 2022, while in 2024, the focus will be on consumer products, with a new toy collection. The mix of animation and gaming has also been beneficial in the development of new IPs. A conference was held to discuss Temtem, a new European franchise, following on from Pokémon example, born from a characterdriven, multi-player game. Marla Studios created a gripping game as a consequence of its initial Crowdfunding campaign, and Mediawan is currently developing an animated series. Consumer products are also planned, such as soft toys, action figures, and board games. Anna Shchur (ZeptoLab) and Juan Martín Bartomioli (Red Wolves Studios) also provided examples of brilliant gaming properties such as Cut the

Clara Benyamin © Cartoon

Rope, Lily’s Garden, and Penny & Flo, all founded on a significant narrative universe. Corinne Kouper (TeamTo) introduced their IP Behind The Beats. The animated series chronicles the story of outstanding artists who collaborated to create new musical genres such as New Wave, G-Funk, Reggae, and Electro Pop. The speech also provided an opportunity to discuss the contentious matter of negotiating music rights, as well as YouTube and France Télévisions’ investment in the show. Giorgio Scorza (Movimenti Production) oversees the production of classical animation IPs such as Topo Gigio, as well as the popular young adult Netflix series Tear Along the Dotted Line and This World Can’t Tear Me Down. He founded the animation network FORFUN MEDIA, together with the Italian Studio Bozzetto, before joining the European giant Banijay Group. During his conference, he suggested examining

The Current State of Traditional Linear TV Broadcasting major groups’ business models while remaining true to your own particular vision. In a panel dedicated to the state of animation in theatres, David Alaux (TAT productions), and Klaus Rasmussen (Global Screen), discussed the success and future programming of their animation movies, which include Epic Tails, The Jungle Bunch world tour, The Amazing Maurice, and Niko Beyond the Northern Lights. It was determined that it was critical to protect brand IPs by paying attention to every component of the process, such as creating excellent style guides. In addition to devoting a lot of space to IPs development, several other topics that are actually important for this business were discussed, such as the transformation that public broadcasters are facing as a result of digitisation. Experts such as Sebastian Debertin (KiKA), Alessia di Giacomo (RTVE), and Andrea Basílio (RTP) detailed that broadcasters lost major market shares to OTT and streaming platforms. Most of them have now established their own digital platform or channel, beginning to publish on YouTube and TikTok. Clara Benyamin (CBLF Avocats), Olivier Lelardoux (Blue Spirit Productions), and Colin Williams (Sixteen South) addressed more subtle issues of AI, such as content standardisation and the copyright problems. Cyril Le Pesant (Gaumont Animation) spoke about the benefits of technological evolution through the experience of his group, which is experimenting with the involvement of robotics in its projects. The audience listened intently to all these speeches, emphasising the necessity to devote more and more time to artificial intelligence subject. A few talks, such as the panel How green is your studio?, featuring Ilan Urroz (Foliascope), discussed effective practices for creating environmentally friendly enterprises.

SUSTAINABILITY

LEGISLATION

There’s a window for collaboration before legislation kicks in By Rob Hutchins There is a small but crucial window for collaboration across the licensing industry supply chains before the heavy weight of legislation demands operational change across the businesses. This was among the key messages delivered on last 8 November when a panel made up of some of the biggest names in brand and entertainment licensing took to the stage to discuss the issues and successes of mapping sustainability, at the Sustainability in Licensing Conference 2023. It was the LEGO Group’s sustainability transformation lead, Sine Møller who broached the subject of supply chain and in-team collaboration as a major stumbling block for the industry right now, calling on the need for business to break out of their siloes and work towards common sustainable goals together. Sine – who collected one of

the first ever Products of Change SDGs Members Awards later that day for the company’s approach to cross-industry collaboration – has been among the leading voices within the licensing space for driving connection among brands and supply chains to not only aid LEGO’s advance towards its 2025 sustainability ambitions, but the licensing industry as a collective. It was a call to action echoed by the majority of the panel, including the Walt Disney Company’s associate principal council, Anna Halford who detailed the restructuring recently undertaken at the company to better facilitate collaboration across each of

the business sectors. As a result, Disney has been able to get ahead of some of the incoming legislation with initiatives that include closer inspection of the Eco-Design for Sustainable Product regulation and the publication of the company’s own green claims guidance for licensees. In 2024, Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directives will kick in as well as the introduction of EPR laws that are expected to be in full flow by 2025. The effects of such laws are already being felt, particularly the companies that already supply to the European market, where the blueprint for what the UK’s regulation will look like is already being laid. “For us, the developments in legislation have meant we have had to go back further into our supply chain than ever before,” said Elizabeth Eaves, sustainability lead at Mattel EMEA. “We recently qualified a portfolio of sustainable textiles to be used in product

SUSTAINABILITY

Helena Mansell-Stopher, Ceo and Founder, and Robert Hutchins, Editor, Products of Change for children under 3, which is the most demanding application that we have in toys. For that, we had to go back not only to tier 1 and 2 but all the way back to tier 5 – not to the people stitching and manufacturing the garments, but to the people recycling the plastic bottles to go into the yarns. We had to check what was going into these textiles and that we’re doing it in a way that is minimising contamination of what goes into the final product. It wasn’t an easy project, but it’s prepared us well for the next challenge of the coming few years which is the Digital Product Passport.” Across the panel, supply chain collaboration was a path well-traversed. DK Books’ head of operational compliance and sustainability, Nicola Torode told attendees the business was now tackling scope 3 emissions – making up 99% of the book publisher’s total carbon footprint, while Bravado’s

LEGO Group’s sustainability transformation lead, Sine Møller

David Boyne revealed that now UMG – the Bravado parent company – had its net zero ambitions approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, it was in the building of a roadmap to reduce emissions the next steps lay. Despite the advances that are being made, however, collaboration still remains a roadblock to sustainable development. “Companies are still operating in siloes, even within their own operations,” said Sine. “We have to learn to work and share better together.» Heavy legislation is going to shift the business landscape dramatically over the coming years. “Take packaging fees, for instance. There are different systems for it in Spain, in Italy, in UK – all these markets that we are supplying to,” said Elizabeth Eaves, Sustainability Lead, Mattel EMEA

Jeremy Orriss, Licensing Director, Difuzed

Jeremy Orriss, licensing director at Difuzed. “Until there is standardisation, the whole this is a nightmare. We can collect the data, but everyone has to agree to a standardisation.” On the subject of collaboration, Jeremy also voiced the topic of “who pays the piper?” Who picks up the cost that will be incurred in changing operating systems, changing materials use, and other areas of industry sustainable development. “Surely we’re at a point where we can collaborate to discuss some kind of industry fund to help facilitate this,” he said. “Perhaps it’s something that can start to come from the marketing spend the established brands have? Perhaps that’s money that can be better placed into educational tools and programmes for those in this area.”

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FABACUS/NOBODY’S CHILD

Digital Product Passport: A ticket to thrive? By Rob Hutchins With a board of directors passionate about industry sustainability in common, Fabacus and Nobody’s Child have embarked on a partnership to deliver the world’s first Digital Product Passport, a ticket to the future of transparency in the product supply chain. It is the aim of so much of the regulation emerging from the European Union right now to drive more sustainable and circular products at retail and into the hands of the consumer. It is, after all, in light of the climate crisis that there’s been a major shift in consciousness around the world towards improving business operations to reduce our climate impact. Part of this action is the developing framework to ensure that all products sold in the market carry a Digital

Product Passport – a new mechanism that will make shoppers fully aware of the environment impact of the product they are purchasing through every stage of its journey, from source all the way to the shelf. This data will span everything from the materials used, the manufacturing processes, supply chain partners, and all environmental implications that come with it. It will be the ultimate tool in driving product and supply chain transparency. It’s also already started rolling out in some categories across some territories and it means brands will soon have to compile and share some very comprehensive product data to comply. And while on the surface it looks like this will be a lot of leg work for product suppliers working across the European market, there are plenty of positive opportunities to be seized. “Digital Products Passports give brands and retailers a chance to embrace their sustainability efforts and will become more significant for the licensing and retail ecosystem in the years to come,” says Jonathan Baker, chief commercial officer at Fabacus, a leading data service provider for the licensing industry.

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“Moreover, the digital engagement initiated by DPPs can introduce customers to other products or services, creating an up-selling or cross-selling opportunity and contributing to the brand’s revenue growth and customer loyalty,” - Jody Plows, CEO of Nobody’s Child Jonathan Baker, chief commercial officer at Fabacus “They will undoubtedly have a direct impact on organisations, particularly the larger corporates, their data capture and sharing processes, as well as supply base.” In the summer of 2023, Fabacus partnered with the ethical fashion brand, Nobody’s Child to launch its first fullyfledged Digital Product Passport across the brand’s Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place clothing collection, making it not only the first out the gate with the transparency technology but the first for the licensing sector as well as the first to receive backing from a retail partner via Marks & Spencer – a stakeholder in the Nobody’s Child value chain – where the brand sells. “Collaboratively, we worked together through the design and development stages to ensure full disclosure of information regarding the product, its supply chain journey, and carbon footprint,” explains Jody Plows, CEO of Nobody’s Child. “As a brand, we are hopeful this development is just the start for complete transparency across the fashion industry.”

That won’t be without its challenges, of course. The mainstream licensing industry has famously and historically always suffered from a “low level of data sharing and overall supply chain visibility,” says Jonathan. “Gathering data from multiple sources will be a challenge for organisations outside of licensing, too as this level of data sharing has not been standard practice.” This is where Fabacus plans for its Xelacore platform to come in and change things up, more than a little. “The Fabacus platform, Xelacore allows multiple partners to publish their data into one repository, providing a centralised view of all the necessary data required for a Digital Product Passport,” says Jonathan. “The Fabacus DPP is built to accommodate the nuances of licensing by incorporating brand licensors into the DPP framework by authenticating legitimate licensed products, thus giving visibility to their product environmental footprint across their third-party licensing business.”

It may sound like a lot of work. But it is only a matter of time before it will become mandatory practice. Already, DPP requirements have been rolled out across the battery industry, with fashion and textiles next. In the meantime, brands have an opportunity to use the DPP platforms available now to their benefit. “Digital Product Passports offer a tangible way for brands, even those not traditionally aligned with sustainability, to enter and enhance the conversation around environmental impact,” says Jody. “The transparency they offer not only educates consumers but positions the brand as more responsible and aware of sustainability issues, appealing to the growing segment of eco-conscious consumers. Moreover, DPPs can catalyse a competitive drive among brands, pushing them to showcase their sustainability efforts and improve their practices to meet consumer expectations and industry standards.” Used in the right way, DPPs offer another level upon which brands can communicate with their fanbase, offering a “platform for compelling storytelling” says Jody “while allowing them to share narratives about how products are made as well as the values driving the company.” Jody continues: “Moreover, the digital engagement initiated by DPPs can introduce customers to other products or services, creating an up-selling or crossselling opportunity and contributing to the brand’s revenue growth and customer loyalty,”

Jody Plows, CEO of Nobody’s Child

This is certainly why Nobody’s Child will continue to lead the conversation from the front, and that includes rolling out a Digital Product Passport for each of its products by the end of 2024. And that’s a real snapshot of the future.

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Happy Soda collection

THE SMILEY COMPANY

Interview with Nicolas Loufrani Nicolas Loufrani, Ceo, The Smiley Company, was one of the speakers at Sustainability in Licensing Conference (SILC) 2023. LM spoke with him to learn more about the company’s eco-friendly resources. What are your latest green initiatives and which target groups are they most aimed at? Smiley is at the forefront, currently standing as the sole licensor to develop a project along with a comprehensive set of brand guidelines that align with the latest EU guidelines on consumer protection related to sustainability practices. Smiley’s commitment

to sustainability is embodied in its comprehensive initiative, Future Positive ®. This long-term sustainability endeavor, rooted in the mantra “Made Different, Made Better,” is a collaborative effort with partners and licensees to foster positive change across diverse consumer categories. Unlike a mere label or certification,

The Ethiquette x Smiley Future Positive is an active initiative aimed at developing and promoting more sustainable products. The focus is on incorporating recognized labels such as FSC, Oeko-Tex, and others, which will be prominently featured on packaging and marketing materials. At the heart of the Future Positive Campaign is a turnkey solution for individuals and businesses embarking on their sustainability journey. This 360-degree global campaign encompasses not only the creation of sustainable lifestyle products but also integrates the brand’s essence, experiential elements, live events, and opportunities for charitable giving. This initiative resonates with consumers across various target groups, reinforcing our dedication to a more sustainable and responsible future. Through collaboration and tangible actions, Smiley and its partners are actively contributing to positive change and encouraging others to join in shaping a greener world.

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By prioritising sustainable sourcing and production methods, the industry can reduce its overall environmental footprint. Moreover, the choice of inks and other materials in the production process plays a pivotal role in determining the ecological impact of licensed products. Shifting towards the use of eco-friendly, non-toxic, and recyclable materials can significantly enhance the sustainability profile of licensed merchandise. This transition not only aligns with growing consumer preferences but also sets a positive example for the industry as a whole. Which eco-friendly product partnerships have you recently realised? As our roster continues to expand, Smiley has successfully forged numerous eco-friendly product partnerships across various categories over the past year.

offerings. One notable collaboration is the continuation of our partnership with Eastpak, where we are set to unveil a new range of sustainable products. Additionally, we are proud to welcome new partners into our sustainabilityfocused initiatives, including Saturday Society, Jules, and POSTERY.

In the past year, we have collaborated with a diverse array of brands, including Happy Soda, LOQI, Eastpak, Rainkiss, SNOCKS, Anya Hindmarch, The Etiquette, Small World Accessories, Atelier Amelot, WOUF, and HOPTIMIST. Each of these partnerships has resulted in the creation of products that prioritise sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials, responsible manufacturing processes, and a commitment to reducing environmental impact.

By continually diversifying our partnerships and introducing new releases with a strong emphasis on sustainability, Smiley aims to inspire positive change within the industry.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce upcoming releases that will further enhance our eco-friendly product

How, in your opinion, can the licensing industry become more sustainable today? Absolutely, the licensing industry has the potential to make significant strides toward sustainability, although the pace of change may not always align with consumer expectations. In my perspective, there are several key areas where licensees and retailers can intensify their efforts to contribute to a more sustainable future. Firstly, there’s a crucial need for licensees and retailers to amplify their commitment to sustainability across the entire supply chain. This includes scrutinising and optimising processes within factories, selecting eco-friendly materials, and adopting environmentally conscious manufacturing practices. Nicolas Loufrani at SiLC 2023

Rainkiss collection

Additionally, there’s a great opportunity for licensees and retailers to focus on sustainable packaging and shipping practices. Minimising excess packaging, utilising recyclable materials, and exploring innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions can make a substantial difference. Sustainable packaging not only reduces waste but also communicates a commitment to environmental responsibility to consumers. Lastly, collaboration among industry stakeholders is vital for fostering sustainability. Licensees, retailers, and other key players can work together to establish and adhere to industrywide sustainability standards. This collaborative approach ensures a more comprehensive and effective transition toward sustainable practices, creating a collective impact that surpasses individual efforts. In essence, by turning up the dial on sustainability efforts, licensees and retailers have the power to drive positive change within the licensing industry. Every partner in the supply chain has a unique opportunity to make a difference, and by collectively embracing sustainable practices, the industry can meet the growing demand for environmentally conscious products while contributing to a healthier planet.

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Jutta C. Breyer

LICENSE FACTORY

The significance of sustainable dyeing The German company License Factory has been steadily adopting sustainable dyeing procedures in the fashion sector since 2022, providing an inspiring option for everyone wishing to refresh their wardrobe, contribute to environmental conservation, and take responsibility. License Factory is a young and dynamic company that manufactures and distributes high-quality license textiles and accessories. The company operates as a full-service provider for retailers and covers the entire value chain – from design concepts, sampling, production planning and control through to the delivery of the finished products. Long-term business relationships and a personal market reputation with all important business partners are the

keys of its success in the licensing field. Since March 2022, License Factory has been actively involved in exploring alternative natural dyeing methods for the textile industry after becoming aware of the environmental impact of synthetic textile dyeing. In 2023, the company has established its own label, Liquid, creating a textile collection made from 100% natural dyes from renewable sources – eco-friendly and completely compostable, meaning it’s produced without harmful pollutants. Jutta C. Breyer, CEO of License Factory GmbH explained the significance

of natural dyeing. As opposed to synthetic dyeing, that employs millions of chemical substances, it uses only extracts from plants, fruits, barks, roots, and so on. Synthetic dyeing presents many issues, such as water consumption (according to EU estimates, the production of a single cotton T-shirt requires 2,700 liters of freshwater), representing 10% of global CO2 emissions, and the waste products of the synthetic dyeing process, namely the highly hazardous sludge, the disposal of which has yet to be resolved. It is critical to remember that sustainably produced clothing is frequently made from higher-quality materials and is more durable, and that clothing recycling is not a sustainable solution because each recycling process for threads or fabrics necessitates another synthetic dyeing process, resulting in long-term and sustainable environmental pollution. The retail industry should take the first step in creating a more transparent offer, letting consumers know precisely ‘where’ and ‘what’ they can truly buy sustainably, using a simpler and more truthful labelling system.

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LEATHER PRODUCTS

The success of sustainable leather By Matteo Melani Today, consumers are more attentive to sustainable products, and it also applies to leather goods. According to a study by Markets&Markets, the organic leather market is expected to grow by 15% between by 2028, with a total value of $216 million. This prediction confirms that even before the communication of good practices (such as CO2 offsets through planting new trees or the use of renewable sources), in order to gain the public’s attention, it is necessary to start with the manufacturing materials. To date, alternatives to animal skins are mycelium (fungus) leather, vegetable-based leather (with raw materials derived from plant fibres such as pineapple, cactus, apple peels), microbiotics (cellulose, collagen, spider silk), laboratory-grown (synthetic reproduction with animal cells).

Although there are still few products made from sustainable leather, some fashion houses have taken a gamble on new production methods. At the beginning of January, the US clothing brand Ugg launched a collection of footwear made from naturally sourced leather from farms practising regenerative agriculture, i.e. respecting biodiversity and minimising soil disturbance. The Ugg series includes Tasman Crafted Regenerate and Ultra Mini Crafted Regenerate. Tasman Crafted Regenerate is an indoor-outdoor slipper that features a sugarcane EVA sole and a sock liner made from 60% recycled wool. A product made from a sustainable material and with a style that recalls

traditional craftsmanship as it has a suede upper (sourced from farms that practice regenerative agriculture) and finished with hand-stitched details and a woven leather strap. Ultra Mini Crafted Regenerate, on the other hand, is made from premium twin face sheepskin, but like Tasman Crafted Regenerate, has an EVA sole made from sugar cane and is enhanced with hand-stitched details and a bolder double stitching. The lining is made of recycled wool. The naturally sourced material enhances the entire products, so much so that both online and in shops they can be found for $160 and $190 respectively. While in the clothing sector there is still a long way to go, in accessories more and more brands are opting

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OtterBox Cactus Case for sustainable materials. At the last Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, OtterBox presented its latest innovation: a new phone case made from nopal cactus. This is a unique product as the patented cactus skin (Desserto®, developed by Adriano Di Marti) is exclusively available on OtterBox cases and, in addition to smartphones, can also protect MagSafe wallets and Apple Watch straps. Desserto® is a luxury, non-animal tested and sustainable material that is used in OtterBox clothing, footwear, bags and mobile

accessories. Desserto® meets all consumer standards of environmental sensitivity. Indeed, nopal cacti can grow in harsh conditions and do not require irrigation or a constantly hot climate, and they capture substantially more CO2 than the agricultural process. For the manufacture of the cases, only the mature leaves are harvested, allowing the cactus to be re-grown in six to eight months. In terms of durability, Desserto® is soft to the touch and is resistant to dropping, wear, scratches and stains.

OtterBox Cactus Leather Wallets

IMAGE CREDIT: Uggs

Cover image and below: Ugg footwear collection

The challenges of sustainable transition

Obviously, the transition to vegetable leather entails impacts that should not be underestimated. First of all, the high cost of material production, which for a company means heavy investments in research and innovation, and, consequently, the finished product will also cost more than one made from traditional leather. As far as international markets are concerned, Europe is the leading market for vegetable skins and will remain so in the future, followed by North America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and South America. On the occasion of the 28th COP (United Nations Climate Change Conference in December 2023), several tanners’ and leather manufacturers’ associations of various nationalities drafted a document in which they praised the legislative proposals in the European Union and the United Kingdom to reduce the impact of fashion and textiles. The transition requires effort, but a sustainable push from consumers and regulations from political institutions can provide virtuous impulses for a better change.

EVENTS

BIG BUYER

There is plenty of room for licensing in the stationery industry by Rossella Arena The 27th edition of Big Buyer was held in Bologna from 8 to 10 November 2023. It was a great opportunity to discover the latest innovations and trends in the stationery sector. The approximately 160 exhibitors’ offering was of high quality, aiming at capturing the trends of the youthful public, with pastel and neon stationery and collaborations with the most beloved characters from the web and TV. Karactermania is having great success with items inspired by the Wednesday series, and with small round backpacks of various licences, which recall the shape of emoji. Bic is promoting the Bic Kids line, and The Sea Beyond (Mare fuori) pens and lighters, due out with the new tv series in February 2024. Le formiche di Fabio Vettori (Fabio

Vettori’s Ants), the brand of the Italian artist of the same name that offers many products in different categories including stationery, clothing and home, has curated a collection of diaries and calendars dedicated to green themes. The artist has stated that he would also like to create fine arts kits in the future, to be used in children’s workshops. Spil has launched two stationery lines dedicated to two young artists with a large following on the web, particularly on Instagram: Baffogram, who creates romantic and pungent cartoons, and Chiara Akamon, an illustrator and tattoo artist who captivates with her tender animals.

Among Santoro’s biggest novelties is the BangoBerry line, based on an adorable group of animals living on the tropical island Bingo Bango, which features bright colours and many personalisation elements. Blasetti focuses on notebooks dedicated to the timeless Smurfs, and the pastel stationery and accessories line by Elisa Shori (Disegnetti Depressetti). There are many licensed proposals from Giochi Preziosi, with backpacks, notebooks and pencil cases of Barbie, Pera Toons, Mare fuori and Ducati Corse. Grupo Erik also has a rich offer including the stationery line of Pusheen, the original lamps dedicated to the Little Prince, Jurassik Park and The Lord of the Rings, the Harry Potter collection with items such as the perpetual calendar and the magic potion pack puzzle, and many other products to be discovered in the lines of Stitch, Wednesday, Willy Wonka, Groot, One Piece, Nightmare Before Christmas, Kokonote.

The next Big Buyer will be hosted in Milan from November 27 to 29, 2024. For further information please visit: www.bigbuyer.info

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Left image: Teen BDBF backpack line

MITAMA

Continuous innovation Mitama, the only Italian brand that develops all the articles of the paper & stationery world, offering quality products, in the spirit of self-expression and continuous innovation. The contamination between people from different backgrounds (music, fashion, art) is the secret of Mitama creativity. Thanks to the Mitama Lab, the 100% Italian research and design centre, a team of designers, marketing experts, pedagogists and engineers is dedicated to the development and testing of new products. #BDBF - BE DIFFERENT BE FREE, is the philosophy behind the Mitama style, a freedom of expression that leads to research and continuous innovation. Among the highly successful product lines, the Teen BDBF backpack line is designed for middle school students and teenagers who want to express their style in a bold way. High-impact graphics capture the essence of urban culture and youth trends, and are enhanced by accessories and contrasting details. The logo features black on black and black on black effects with a coloured outline, echoing the themes of the backpacks.

The BDBF backpacks have several clever features: a practical and useful frontal elastic to hold together everyday items such as sweatshirts or umbrellas, an integrated side USB port, numerous pockets, and an adjustable 3 cm webbing, which not only provides more stability for the weight of the backpack but also takes care of the student’s back. Colour paste is a modelling paste, the special feature of which lies in the fact that you can create new colours and at the same time give it the shape you want, thanks also to practical molds. Once dried, the paste becomes a real colour to be used as a crayon. Boom is the original soft silicone case. It has a gusseted body that can be lengthened and shortened at will, offering flexibility of organisation. It can also become a cute case for everyday things (glasses, make-up, toothbrush).

Boom case

Mitama this year will participate in major trade fairs in Italy and abroad, such as Didacta Florence, Big Buyer Milan and Insight-X Nuremberg. Additional international trade fairs in the countries chosen as target markets for 2024 are being planned.

The zip closure adds practicality to the experience, allowing for quick and easy opening and closing. In addition to the variety of colours and the ever-changing fantasy characters, a distinctive feature of Boom is the fact that you can write and erase on its surface, making it unique every time.

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CARIOCA

Carioca Plus, the innovative line for true art lovers LM interviewed Giorgio Bertolo, General Manager, Carioca, to discover more about the new Carioca Plus collection and the company’s future goals. You introduced the new Carioca Plus range to the Italian market at the end of 2023. Can you give us more details? The launch of the new Carioca Plus line marked a watershed moment. Successfully launched in September 2023, this innovative proposal stood out for its compelling creativity and sophisticated aesthetics, aimed explicitly at teens and true art enthusiasts. An invitation to the world of colour and design, the line debuted with surprising success, exceeding even our most optimistic expectations, and captured the public’s attention, helping to consolidate our market presence

and overcome global challenges. This positive response from the market underlines our ability to anticipate and meet evolving consumer needs, affirming our position. What are the other major product innovations you are proposing? In addition to the expansion of the newly created Carioca Plus brand, our focus remains on children’s creativity and the development of tools to encourage and

enhance it. So, of course, the novelties for 2024 will all be about colour and freedom of creativity, such as the brand new Velvet Artworks, kits with 4 colouring boards with embossed velvet details and outlines. Are there any new partnerships in the near future? We are currently working to strengthen our collaboration with the creative duo Van Orton to consolidate the market presence of the Carioca Plus product line.

Giorgio Bertolo

What is Carioca’s current relationship with the topic of sustainability? In recent years, Carioca has also become a leader in sustainability, actively researching and applying effective solutions to lessen the

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to take significant steps towards a less environmentally impactful future. At the end of 2023, the company’s First Sustainability Report was also published, outlining achievements and future plans. Which events do you plan to attend this year? We are currently planning trade fairs for the upcoming season. The Namta trade fair in New Orleans, the School & Office Expo in Athens, and, of course, the Big Buyer, which will be hosted in Milan this year, are the next events on the agenda.

environmental impact of its products. The reduction of fossil plastic in favour of post-consumer plastic is one of the keys to this policy. Furthermore, the adoption of Eco-Design, the use of sustainable and recyclable packaging and the installation of photovoltaic panels are just some of the initiatives that have enabled Carioca On the top and below: Van Orton for Carioca

The collaboration with Van Orton The Carioca Plus range combines Carioca’s 60-year history with the inspiration of a new generation of artists. Van Orton is a creative duo of twin brothers from Turin. Their art is influenced by pop culture and features a design inspired by church stained glass windows. They gained popularity by reinterpreting cult film icons from the 1980s, prompting interest from major brands, including Marvel, Microsoft, Armani, BMW and artists such as Pearl Jam. Van Orton actively joined the Plus project from the outset, assisting Carioca with product development. With his unique and original style, they gave a distinctive look and personality to all the packaging in the range, transforming them into works of art in their own right. The products include Japanese fiber tip pens, 4.0 mm coloured pencils, high-quality acrylic markers, fine-grained solid watercolours, wax and oil pastels, drawing paper and sketchbooks.

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PdiPigna Reverberation 70s - Francesca Occhionero. Left Image: Black/Pink Collection

PIGNA

A 2024 brimming with surprises and collaborations

The new year has just begun, but Cartiere Paolo Pigna is already introducing a slew of novelties! To begin with, 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the Quablock blocks with detachable sheets, with many exciting initiatives. The popular Monocromo (Monochrome) brand is still producing new items, such as the A.I.M. (Artificial Intelligence Monochrome) diary. It is the first diary to employ dynamic QR codes to demonstrate the possibilities of artificial intelligence, with free monthly resources covering music, art, sustainability, fun and organisation. The Monochrome novelties continue with the Silver, Gold and Pink collections, characterised by high quality materials. An example of this are the refined notebook covers made

with a matt plastic coating and glossy thickened screen printing. Another new entry is the Multicolour Pastel spiral notebook, with its coloured sheets in four different pastel shades, and silver spiral. The environmentally friendly line, Pigna Nature Flowers, through its floral subjects and use of sustainable materials, wants to celebrate the beauty of our planet. New additions include the Cotton Shopper with four beautiful nature-themed illustrations, the Adhesive tape and the Boxes Set,

consisting of three gift boxes with floral designs and a tape. Pigna also enjoys cultivating partnerships. Renewed is the one with Jannik Sinner, fourth in the world and winner of the Davis Cup with the national team, the youngest Italian tennis player to reach the top 100 and win an ATP 500 event. Notebooks, diaries, ring folders, erasers, pencils and accessories such as water bottle and bag, are dedicated to this 2001 class champion. The successful collaboration with Amici Cucciolotti (Puppy friends) stickers returns, for a line of notebooks and diaries that helps feed over 40,000 animals, cared for every day by ENPA volunteers. The meeting between Pigna and Quid+ led to the creation in 2024 of the Quaderno Emozionato (Emotional Notebook), a unique project that guides children aged 0 to 7 in the discovery and acceptance of their emotions via play. The PdiPigna collection, which aims to tell the story of Italian creativity, including art, design, architecture and fashion, will also include new offerings. Each agenda is born under the banner of refined aesthetics, as in the elegant Black/Pink Collection and the lively Reverberation 70s, with the collaboration of Francesca Occhionero. Many other partnerships will also be unveiled throughout the year.

Quaderno Emozionato (Emotional Notebook) by Quid+

Jannik Sinner Eraser

MEDIA & DIGITAL

LAYER LICENSING

Seven licensing deals that defined 2023 in gaming By Rachit Moti, co-founder at Layer Licensing With the global gaming population expected to reach 3.38 billion by the end of this year, video game integrations are a great way for licensors to reach new audiences.

Rachit Moti skin, and custom voice lines, as well as the Nicki Minaj character skin. Taking a first-person-shooter associated mainly with teenage boys and splashing it in various shades of pink might not sound like a recipe for success, but Activision’s commitment to honouring Minaj’s brand along every step of the way in this collaboration has proven hugely successful with players, and likely introduced new players into the free-to-

With so much happening in 2023, you’d be forgiven for missing some of deals that took place throughout the year. While integrations in the biggest games such as Fortnite, Minecraft and Roblox often dominate headlines, deals in lesser-known games, especially in the mobile market, can easily fly under the radar. Rapper Nicki Minaj landed in Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare 2 as the franchise’s first female Operator with a self-named character. The partnership coincided with the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, and introduced two pink weapons that shoot pink splatters, a Nicki Minaj-themed vehicle play shooter, too. UFC’s Dana White branded the Power Slapping sport, and set up an hononyme company, releasing a mobile game in July 2023, Dana White’s Power Slap. Power slapping is a competitive sport that has been around since the ‘00s, but it started to gain traction after videos from Russian slapping contests went viral. It’s not unusual for mobile games to capitalise on viral trends, and this is something that licensors can

MEDIA & DIGITAL

Rocket League, which introduced new car decals and wheels through a partnership with Puma and Koche. This fairly simple integration demonstrates that licensors can integrate IP into games of any genre and style as long as it’s done correctly. Of course, it helps there’s already a match there because football and Rocket League are both competitive sports, but sometimes simple DLC, such as themed cosmetic items, is an easy way to get your IP or brand in front of millions of players. take advantage of, too. According to SensorTower data, Power Slap Mobile has over seven million downloads and over $700k in revenue, with 337,000 daily average users still playing the game today. Gamers aren’t always receptive to influencer collaborations. That said, Jake Paul’s collaboration with the tower defence game Rush Royale was a huge success, leading to a 20% growth in daily active users (DAUs) and 1.5 million users unlocking the Jake Paul-themed hero. As controversial as he may be, Jake Paul is one of the most wellknown influencers in the world. Raising awareness of in-game collaborations through social promotion can contribute to their success. Blackpink is one of the hottest K-pop groups in the world right now, so it was only a matter of time until they got their own mobile game. And with nearly four million downloads and over $1.1m in revenue since its release in May 2023, it’s safe to say that Blackpink, the Game, has been a huge success. Taking on the role of the band’s producer, the game provides exclusive access to behindthe-scenes photos and videos, tapping into the fandom surrounding the group and ultimately giving Blackpink fans more ways to engage with the band. Blackpink’s previous collaborations with PUBG: Mobile and Xbox also means there’s an existing positive relationship with gamers to build on.

Scopely’s Stumble Guys has set itself apart from its competitors through its collaborations with non-gaming IP that introduce new gameplay mechanics. For example, its collaboration with Nerf added Nerf-themed cosmetic items and a new shooting mode into the game, boosting downloads by 120%, according to SensorTower. Adding a new shooter mode provided a significant twist on Stumble Guys’ existing gameplay mechanics, offering players a chance to dive into an exciting new game mode. 2023 was a busy year for football in video game collaborations as major clubs aim to grow their digital footfall. One of our personal favourites is AC Milan’s collaboration with racing game

There are plenty of ways for fast-moving consumer goods and foodservice companies to get into video games, such as the 2023 KFC’s partnership with PUBG: Mobile. The in-game partnership added new cosmetic items into the game based on the Colonel, while also introducing KFC restaurants as location points on the map where players could purchase new menu items to recover their health. Chicken Dinner is a phrase commonly used by PUBG players when they win a match, so this partnership was a hit with the game’s community. Adding actual KFC menu items into the game was a great way for KFC to promote their new menu, while PUBG-themed menu boxes at real-life restaurants maximised the visibility of the in-game campaign.

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

2024 TRENDS

From basic style to nostalgia by Alessandra Maccaferri Fashion licensing is a recurring presence in children’s and luxury collections, but it is also being affected by industry trends, such as the nostalgic trend of 90s and YK2, basic style, and sustainability. Licensing is often found in luxury and children’s fashion collections. Givenchy has released a global capsule collection for kids inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ feature film, Frozen, in celebration of the film’s 10th anniversary. The girls’ and boys’ the renewal of their global license agreement for the BOSS and HUGO eyewear collections until December 2030. The BOSS and HUGO glasses and sunglasses collections for men and women are characterized by their high quality, sophisticated design, and premium positioning. The joint strategy is to continue to gain market share with BOSS eyewear through a unique and compelling product offer thanks to the development of iconic styles that are immediately recognizable to the consumer. HUGO, which accounts for a considerable share of HUGO BOSS’s eyewear business, will also continue to expand its presence within the Gen Z target group, supported by a distinctive product proposition and a consistent goto-market approach. BOSS and HUGO glasses by Safilo apparel line consists of seven pieces, including a curated selection of T-shirts, T-shirt dresses, and dresses. Boasting a mix of cool and warm color tones, the collection features reimagined characters and signature hues of black, white and pale blue from Givenchy and Disney’s Frozen palettes. Baseball caps and bobs, as well as an assortment of sneakers, from tennis shoes to runners and high-tops, round out the range. Hugo Boss and Safilo Group announced

The Natural Performance collection by Puma combines the elegance of basic style with the attention to sustainability. Puma and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team proudly presented the collection for Spring/Summer 2024. It features Formula 1 driver George Russell, embodying the spirit of Natural Performance. As a key figure in the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team, Russell’s presence adds a dynamic and authentic dimension to the collection, bringing the thrill of the racetrack to fans and fashion

enthusiasts alike. This collection takes inspiration from nature’s functions and forms, a clean and organic outlook permeates the designs, reflecting the team’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency. Pop highlights, contouring graphics, and an innovative distortion effect inspired by the speed and G-force of the new car’s front wing create a unique visual language that carries forward the vision of pushing the boundaries of performance and style. The color palette of the collection mirrors the depth Below and Top Image: Disney Frozen capsule collection by Givenchy

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Paul Frank x Dumbgood

Natural Performance collection by Puma and vibrancy of the ocean, with Tropic Electric Pool dominating alongside the timeless elegance of black and white. These colors, inspired by nature, are seamlessly integrated into woven jackets, shorts, pants, and hoodies. The incorporation of lines from the new car and the front wing design further emphasizes the connection between the collection and the pinnacle of motorsport technology. The latest licensed fashion collections take you back to the 1990s and 2000s… and more! Dumbgood, a lifestyle brand specializing in licensed apparel and accessories from Bioworld, will release its new collection inspired by the works of renowned artist, Paul Frank. His character, Julius The Monkey, will be featured in the collection available on the Dumbgood site. Julius has been a fan favourite on numerous forms of clothing, accessories, stationery, and more since his debut in the mid-’90s. The new collection has a variety of contemporary product selections, including hats, T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, jackets, crossbody bags and a coin purse. The line will include Julius’ embroidered logo.

Cakeworthy x Furby collection Canadian fashion label, Cakeworthy, and Hasbro have released a collection based on the classic toy, Furby. “The Cakeworthy brand thrives off of nostalgia, so this collection truly couldn’t have been a better fit for us,” says Brandon Shedden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Cakeworthy. “When designing this collection, we essentially asked ourselves, ‘What would FURBY look like if it were a hat or a bag or a jacket?’ This has truly been one of our most ambitious collections to date, including never-before-seen features from Cakeworthy, including 3D elements and even hair.”

evoking Clueless and a piece capturing the essence of Saturday Night Fever. ColourPop Cosmetics launched a beauty collection inspired by Twilight. The collection contains an eyeshadow palette based off the blue-green filter of the films, metallic eyeliners, a glittering body oil (to replicate Edward’s shimmery vampire skin), highlighters and lip oils. The collection’s names are inspired by well-known characters and quotes from the film and book series.

The 13-piece fashion line includes an array of accessories featuring Furby, as well as several clothing items including a sweater, T-shirt dress and a sherpa jacket.

Natural Performance collection by Puma

Olympia Le-Tan is teaming up with Paramount to create a line of accessories, including two exclusive bags inspired by Mean Girls, two bags

Twilight beauty collection by ColourPop Cosmetics

TRENDS

MEN’S COSMETIC

Beauty care from a male perspective By Matteo Melani Quality, values, customisation. Male cosmetics represent a product sector with strong potential, so much so that in recent years new products have been launched, such as tanning gels, nail varnishes or colouring masks for men - and they have never existed before. Among the brands that have extended their offer to men is the British e.l.f. Cosmetics, which last autumn launched the promotional campaign ‘express your e.l.f. (an acronym for eyes, lips, face)’ with the expression of one’s own identity as the main theme. Among the products advertised were many foundations for men. But the men’s cosmetics challenge is also played out with tradition, as many men and boys love to have a smooth face. Gillette, in 2020, launched King C, a set consisting of a manual shaving razor, oil, soft beard balm, facial cleanser, clear shaving gel and an

electric shaver (with neck heads, doubleblade safety razor, beard and edge razor and beard trimmer). It is an item that combines practicality (of shaving tools) with value (skin cleansing gels are created with natural ingredients such as avocado and argan oil, cocoa butter and white tea extract), with features that are immediately recognisable to the customer.

The over-50s target

While young people represent an important segment of the cosmetics audience, more mature consumers are also willing to spend to look more

glamorous. Recently released was Rewind 10, a home-made beard tint from the brand Rewind, which chose 51-year-old American rapper and singer Fat Joe as its testimonial. The choice of Fat Joe was not accidental because he identifies the need of those who want to get rid of white beards to have their own colour. As for the product, Rewind It 10 is easy to use and the colour activator is enriched with Aloe Vera with antiinflammatory properties, Macadamia Seed Oil to nourish dry skin and Meadowfoam Oil for a soft and silky feel and, above all, is completely ammoniafree. Along with the shaving cream,

TRENDS

online is undoubtedly a channel capable of intercepting the tastes of men in search of beauty products. According to a study by Idealo, over the past year, interest in men’s product variants related to body care registered +86% in purchase intentions compared to the previous year, in contrast to women’s products in the same category which saw a drop in interest of -14%. Similarly, men’s skin-care products had a +13% increase in purchase intentions over the past year, while women’s products stood at +11%. In addition to the desire for beauty products, what drove the growth was lower prices. In fact, while on average men’s body cleansers cost 1% less than last year, women’s cleansers were 5% more expensive. Online commerce offers undeniable opportunities and brands have also moved accordingly to promote their products. For example, King C can be found on e-commerce as well as in physical shops, while on social media there are several video tutorials on how to shave. The Internet was also helpful for elf Cosmetics, as its promotional campaign was launched on social media Rewind 10 also comes with a hair dye. The American brand Vahl has also chosen an over-50s testimonial to promote its Pro Series electric shaving trimmer, signing up 57-year-old actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, famous for his beard. The shaver has innovative features starting with a high-definition camera for a more precise shave and thus a better result than traditional shavers and a diamond-coated blade. The Pro Series can be used to shave the face or trim the beard and moustache.

The potential of digital for sales and marketing

Obviously, to compete in the cosmetics market it is not enough to offer well-made products, but effective promotional strategies are needed, and and then debuted on television during the first episode of the British version of Big Brother. Vahl, on the other hand, focused on online sales and chose Amazon as the first distribution channel for its electric shaver. Thus, products for the male market also reflect the latest consumer trends both in terms of product (increasingly natural compositions, high-tech functions, durable materials) and marketing (consistent testimonials, investment in online sales channels). It will be interesting to see how brands will use this new market niche in the future.

RETAIL

RETAIL IN EUROPE

Retail in Europe. Some promising sectors By Matteo Melani From big-spenders to lowerend buyers, Europe continues to offer great opportunities for retailers. Despite uncertainty due to inflation, European consumers (both EU citizens and non-EU countries such as the UK) continue to shop both in shops and on e-commerce.

Suki Waterhouse wears H&M Studio Holiday Capsule

According to Forrester’s latest trade report, total retail sales in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK will reach EUR 2.7 billion by 2028, up from EUR 2.3 billion in 2023. While the German economy has made losses to date, the report explains that on a national basis, total retail sales in Germany will reach EUR 680 billion by 2028, up from EUR 585 billion in 2023, with online sales accounting for 22 per cent of the total in five years’ time. In the UK, where the national economy

has recently experienced GDP contractions, total retail sales will reach GBP 544 billion (EUR 624 billion) in 2028, up from GBP 459 billion (EUR 527 billion) in 2023. Online sales are expected to account for almost a third (32%) by 2028, the highest rate in the whole of Europe. In France, total retail sales are forecast to reach EUR 610 billion in 2028, up from EUR 521 billion in 2023; while online sales are expected to reach 18% by the end of the forecast period, up

from 14% in 2023. As for online sales, positive results will be found in sectors such as telecommunications, electronic devices, computer software and video games, where online will account for more than 50 per cent of the respective total retail sales by 2028.

From apparel to toys: the trade that runs in Europe

One sector that offers guarantees of growth is definitely clothing, with Nike continuing to hold the lead in sales, as

RETAIL

it offers products that appeal both to those who regularly practise sport and those looking for comfortable clothing for everyday life. It is followed by Zara, which saw its sales increase by 11.4% compared to the previous year, also thanks to its flagship stores inside big shopping centres. Third place goes to H&M, a brand loved by young people – especially students - which launched the H&M Studio Holiday capsule collection this past Christmas holiday with timelessly tailored clothing, such as a red evening dress with an eye-catching aesthetic. Before that, H&M launched a limited-edition collection in collaboration with Rabanne, which includes dresses inspired by the iconic 1960s creations of the house founder Paco Rabanne and combines futuristic design with craftsmanship. Key pieces for women include two archive-inspired wire mesh pieces and mirrored sequin dresses, along with romantic chiffon dresses decorated with rhinestones and leopard print jersey dresses. The Toy business is also growing in Europe, as demonstrated by Claire’s, which has well over 900 boutiques and 2.100 points of sale in Europe. Claire’s offer follows phygital rules, precisely because on the Roblox platform it offers content and games revolving around the limited edition ShimmerVille collection (soft toys, backpacks, pens and key rings).

The winning travel-retail formula If e-commerce and traditional commerce allow brands to reach specific customers (by territorial size

ShimmerVille Collection

or taste), with travel-retail it is possible to reach a wider audience of people such as tourists or business travellers.

Europe is the second largest travel-retail market after Asia-Pacific and among the development factors are certainly the improvement of consumers’ lifestyle and the facilities improvement of airport, railway station and maritime station routes. Expanding segments in this area include cosmetics, apparel and jewellery. Recently, the new A Departure Zone at the Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino (Rome, Italy) has set up a 1.700 square metre space housing 14 high-end fashion brands such as Bulgari, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Moncler, Dolce&Gabbana, Golden Goose, MaxMara Weekend, Vilebrequin, Pinko, Twin Set, Piquadro, The Bridge, Coccinelle and Furla. This new area particularly favours 100% Italian labels, which are a guarantee of unique value in terms of creativity and high manufacturing quality, and in addition to the shops, there are points for return or exchange. It is an initiative that reflects the value of travel-retail in Europe and, before that, the increase of tourist flows in Europe and their ability to make shopping away from home.

EVENTS

SHOPTALK EUROPE

Europe’s most senior retail innovation event Recognised as Europe’s most senior gathering of retail, brand, tech and investor decision makers (4,000+ attendees / 1 in 3 C-suite), Shoptalk Europe will unite the entire ecosystem to build tomorrow’s digital innovations reshaping how consumers discover, shop and buy. Technology armed consumers and their rapidly rising expectations are outpacing many retailers’ and brands’ ability to satisfy the demand. But the opportunity for innovation is greater than it’s ever been. This is where Shoptalk Europe steps in, equipping the world’s biggest and most influential retailers with the tools, skills, and connections to gain and maintain the upper hand, driving growth and embracing a mindset to reimagine tomorrow’s digital innovations in store and online. The event takes place from 3-5 June 2024 at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona. Shoptalk Europe offers Europe’s most senior and holistic retail innovation agenda tacking the industry’s biggest questions. 175+ of Europe’s most fearless leaders from across the retail and brand

Some data from the 2023 edition Shoptalk Europe in 2023 saw 3,500+ of Europe’s most senior retail, brand, tech and investor decision makers gather in Barcelona, and 1 in 3 being C-suite representing over 70 countries. These were the attendance percentages by country: 28% UK/Ireland; 16% Spain, Italy and Portugal; 12% France/Benelux; 9% DACH; 8% USA; 4% Scandinavia; 10% Rest of Europe; 13% Rest of the World. Participants were really pleased with the overall event experience and networking possibilities (respectively 95% and 94%, Shoptalk Europe survey).

ecosystem will reveal best practice case studies and razor sharp insights on business critical topics. For example, the topic of AI in Retail will be discussed, in order to determine which applications of artificial intelligence will be most

transformational to the industry. It will also talk about the technologies and capabilities required to create exceptional unified shopping experiences; harnessing brand power to drive differentiation, customer loyalty and trust; changing industry relationships; next-Gen Customer

EVENTS

Experiences, cutting-edge digital shopping experiences and technologies key for a seamless customer journey. Much attention will also be paid to emerging technologies that retailers can use to reduce shrink, theft, and waste; the European economic and market outlook, and how retailers and brands can adapt to thrive in this environment; and organisational excellence, which enables retailers and brands to build agile teams and organisations to capitalise on new opportunities. The Groceryshop section will go into detail on all industry topics, such as how grocery and FMCG retailers can unlock and activate unified commerce; how Retail Media Networks will evolve in this field and what impact they will have on relationships between manufacturers and retailers; what digital capabilities FMCG needs to adopt and win in e-commerce; and how grocery retailers and FMCG brands can meet consumers’ conflicting demands for convenience and quality.

Appointment with Mattel 2024 will see Shoptalk Europe welcome Sanjay Luthra, EVP Managing Director EMEA & Global Head Direct to Consumer International, Mattel, who will be opening the ultimate toy box for product innovation when appears live on stage. Coming off the blockbuster success of the Barbie Movie mania and with mega brands including Hot Wheels, Monster High, Fisher-Price and countless others, global toy company and owner of one of the strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world, Mattel has a deep understanding for building brand loyalty and attracting a new generation of fans through innovative new product offerings. Don’t miss hearing from Sanjay Luthra as he reveals how this nearly 80-year-old toy giant is using its direct-to-consumer platform, Mattel Creations, as a powerful catalyst for digital transformation, and great consumer connection through innovative products and experiences that inspire and entertain.

Licensing is also a key element of the retail ecosystem showcasing the world’s biggest brands and found throughout all major retailers. Adidas, Ahold Delhaize, Aldi, De Agostini Publishing, Decathlon, Harrods, Lacoste, Nike, PepsiCo, Puma, Ralph Lauren, The Coca-Cola Company, Skechers, Tesco, TIKTOK, Unilever, and other industry titans attended Shoptalk Europe 2023. Here’s just a taste of some of the industry leaders already confirmed for Shoptalk Europe 2024: Marcella Wartenbergh, CEO, AWWG Group; Stijn Demeersseman, Chief of Staff, Amazon Fashion Europe; Elodie Perthuisot, CEO Carrefour España & Chief Digital Officer Carrefour Group; Jérôme Dubreuil, Chief Innovation Officer, Decathlon; David Clark, Group Digital Director, Frasers Group; Cassandra Bergsland, Director of Omnichannel, John Lewis Partnership; Simone Dominici, CEO, KIKO Milano; Sanjay Luthra, EVP Managing Director EMEA & Global Head Direct to Consumer International, Mattel; Maria Jose Barrera Rojas, Global Chief Digital Officer & E-Commerce Director, Massimo Dutti, Inditex; R. Alexandra Keith, CEO – Beauty, P&G.

Go to: www.shoptalkeurope.com for more information.

INTERVIEW

INFORMA GROUP

Interview with Anna Clarke (Knight) Anna Clarke (Knight), SVP at Informa, spoke with Licensing Magazine about Informa Group’s work, and the most recent changes that will affect this year’s Licensing Expo and Brand Licensing Europe.

Anna Clarke (Knight)

As Informa Group, you discovered through recent research who will be the new professionals attending the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. Based on the new demographic of these visitors, some changes to the show will be required. What does this imply for you? A company called Freeman conducted research on trade fairs in the United States, speaking with many attendees and exhibitors about what they desire from events and trade shows. When it comes to the workforce

in the US, there are an increasing number of millennials and younger generations, with different needs. They place a greater focus on networking both facilitated and not, and growing their careers significantly, requesting professional mentoring. They also urge us to be more careful with the show’s programming, making room for social concerns, and creating a little more time to recharge. I’d like to emphasise that every generation is welcome to the show; what we’re attempting to do is

INTERVIEW

week period where they will be able to register for free using a special code.

ensure that we can deliver a balanced program for everyone. In this perspective, which are in particular the novelties you have in plans for the 2024 Licensing Expo? We’re focusing more on the return on investment and on time, so we’re developing all the tools and technology that people can utilise to maximise them. We’re also looking at a new theme for all our shows, Brands at Play, which is all about the power of play as it pertains to all generations, but it also allows brands to be established in a creative way. We’re thinking about starting some new experiences and making more functional all the spaces. Whenever we have a networking area, or a food and beverage space, we’re going to drive an experience there, so that people can socialise and get catered while also seeing something, such as an Arcade Bar, or a Board Game café. Furthermore, we’re working on some incredible live experiences for the exhibit hall floor. Plus, we’re going to work on how we can help the newcomers to maximise the show before, during, and after it, as well as help them meet people and get involved. We’re revising our admissions policy for the show. For the first time, we will charge an admission fee. It’s a small price, $50.00, since we don’t want to

make things tough for people. It’s not about profit in any way, but we want to make sure that individuals who register consider the reality that this is a trade event, and that business must be done, and we wish to invest back in the show and create more of those experiences in 2025 and 2026. Exhibitors, the press and all retailers will not pay, and we will have various options for service providers. Because we are introducing this update for the first time, we’ll reward our loyal customers: for anyone who attended last year’s exhibition, we will have a six-

Many changes take time, and you mentioned that in 2025, there will be even more significant changes and innovations at the Licensing Expo, can you name a few of them? It is critical that the trade show floor remains the number one destination, since it highlights the brands’ presence. Having said that, we also recognise that certain exhibitors’ preferences are changing. We can’t say no completely to other requests, so we will move to a hybrid model in which we will allow for private meetings while promoting the licensing experience. Day three of the 2024 edition will be totally dedicated to the future of the industry, and we’ll push it even further in 2025. Can you please provide a short overview of why Informa is at the forefront of the licensing industry? I believe we are at the forefront because we are the biggest kind of collective, bringing together the most people globally through our trade shows and our media service License Global. However, we are here to serve the industry. We work for a large company, but every single member of my team and I love what we do. We also enjoy conversing with others, all of the changes that we bring in originate from the clients. I’d say that we have the biggest international reach, but we also have amazing partners that we work with as well such as you, who are really important to us as well. Why is Brand Licensing Europe effectively a European event, despite its location in London? First of all, participation in the event is basically European. We have strong contingents from Western Europe: France, Italy, Germany and Spain are very well represented on both the exhibitor side and the visitor side. A large Eastern European contingent was also present in 2023. But the main reasons are that pan-European and global deals are being discussed, and European retailers are coming. This year the event will take place from 24 to 26 September, because the dates in October coincide with important Jewish holidays. We know that these are more difficult dates, as many Europeans have holidays in August, so we urge everyone to get organised now, and for the coming years our intention is to bring the deadlines back. Finally, some of the improvements you’ll see at Licensing Expo we will bring into BLE as well.

EVENTS

POLAND

The 14th edition of Kids’ Time

From the 21st through 23rd of February 2024, Kielce hosts the 14th edition of Kids’ time, the Polish trade fair dedicated to children’s products. The 13th International Fair of Toys and Products for Mother and Child Kids’ Time in 2023 drew nearly 300 exhibitors, including 40 international enterprises from 22 countries. The Expo was visited by 4.5 thousand people from 44 different nations.

Hot Wheels Products at the 2023 License Zone

At Kids’ Time, producers and warehouse owners meet representatives of shops and shopping malls and find a contractor for their company. The child

The Toy market in Poland The most dynamically developing toy categories with the highest value increase in the first half of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, were blocks (mostly standard blocks), which increased by 16%, and games (particularly strategic card games, such as Pokémon), which increased by 23%. Other toys (including children’s costumes and scientific and educational toys) increased by 16%. Spin Master (306.9%), KookyLoos (189.1%), Little Live Pets (84.1%), Jazwares, Mega Bloks, Ravensburger, My Little Pony, TM Toys, Polly Pocket, Thomas and Friends were the top ten brands in the first half of 2023 vs. H1 2022 (CY%Ch Sval), while the top five toy companies were LEGO, Private labels, Mattel, Trefl, and Hasbro. Licenses accounted for 17.2% of the toy market (growth dynamics: 19%). Minecraft, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Paw Patrol, and Pokémon are among the most valuable licences. It should be noted, however, that the LEGO company, which sells sets under popular IPs, has a great influence on the development of licenses.

products and services business sector’s assortment represented more than 500 brands and included baby monitors, remote-controlled swings, self-heating bottles, car footrests, educational board games...

The License Zone

The License Zone, introduced for the first time in 2023, is a new space inside Kids’ Time, conceived as a unique opportunity to become familiar with the licensed products market, and to help companies develop their licensing business. This new area has made it possible to display the latest licensing novelties, thanks also to a gallery with selected licensed products, such as FC Barcelona, Rainbow High, Harry Potter, Paw Patrol, Barbie, and many more. This year sees the return of conferences on licensing market, some of which are organised in partnership with Licensing Magazine.

EVENTS

BCBF, the highlights of 2024 What to expect from the 61st edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF)? The beloved trade fair is proud to welcome Slovenia as Guest of Honour country 2024.

BLTF/K

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids returns on 8-11 april 2024 In a few months, the 17th edition of the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids will take place in the heart of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Four days dedicated to the latest news and trends in brands for children, teenagers and young adults from April 8 to 11, 2024. The Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids (BLTF/K), the international licensing event dedicated to the buying and selling of brands and properties for children, teens and young adults, will return to BolognaFiere from 8 to 11 April 2024, for its 17th edition. The licensing trade fair is an integral part of the prestigious Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF), the world’s leading trade fair for children’s publishing, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023 with tremendous success (more than 1,500 exhibitors from 100 countries, over 29,000 trade visitors). The new edition of BLTF/K will be packed with additional features and services. The Licensing Business Lounge, in addition to the Exhibition Area and the Events Room for launching and displaying one’s own brands, will be accessible for arranging appointments

BCBF also organised a special exhibition inspired by The Original Art, an annual exhibit created to showcase illustrations from the year’s best children’s books published in the United States. It will honour 43 years of extraordinary illustration featuring 49 beautiful pieces from the Society of Illustration’s 2023 show in New York, together with the children’s books they represent. The Comics Corner 2024 will be larger, with more comics publishers from around the world, as well as a more in-depth look at African publishing with the third edition of the Spotlight on Africa. BolognaBookPlus, a major brand extension partner devoted to general adult publishing and organised in partnership with AIE Associazione Italiana Editori, will celebrate its fourth anniversary in 2024. It will include exhibition space, a training event on the role of the literary agent and scouting, rights, and self-publishing, as well as an exhibition on the international versions of Orwell’s 1984 covers and a display of the Best of the Best book jackets. The established Literary Translation Forum will be joined in 2024 by a new Audio Forum, in partnership with Beat Technology.

EVENTS

and showcasing products with greater flexibility, due to customised offices and tables. In collaboration with Licensing Magazine, the 4th edition of International Kids Licensing Days, three days of conferences on the newest industry trends, is also in the works. For the first time in 2024, the BLTF/Kids programme will be also enriched with the Licensing Portfolio Reviews, a new and innovative way to bring together the big names of animation, brands and manufacturers of consumer goods and everything revolving around these categories - together with the talents of illustration and design. A series of speed dating meetings will take place throughout the trade exhibition, providing a unique opportunity to scout for new ideas and styles, as well as to establish new opportunities for collaboration. A special emphasis will be placed on the retail and fashion sectors, with in-depth discussions and chances for

contacts between operators in these two industries, and exhibitors. Sustainability is now a buzzword that has entered the licensing sector and that this industry cannot ignore. With this in mind, an area will be set aside completely for licensed products that meet this parameter and are created by companies exhibiting at the Fair. This location will also serve as a stimulus for visitors and retailers in attendance, encouraging them to increasingly pursue this road in their own business choices. During the event, the 7th edition of the Bologna Licensing Awards, the only international acknowledgment to all licensing professionals who developed projects, IPs and products for children, teens and young adults in 2023, will be presented. Philippe Guinaudeau, founder, The BrandTrends Group; Ian Hyder, CEO and co-owner, Max Publishing; Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder, Products of Change; Cristina Paesani, art and fashion expert; and

Astrid Specht, editor of TOYS and 1st Steps will serve as jurors. To the winners, in addition to press visibility, also a showcase set up at the heart of the BLTF/K hall and a dedicated event in the frame of the trade show programme.

BCBF LAUNCHES THE TV/ FILM RIGHTS CENTRE! The Bologna Children’s Bookfair is the ideal place for audiovisual producers and commissioning editors to find the next bookbased IPs, to be developed into TV series and films for children, young people and family target audiences. For this reason, and to enhance the important link between these two industries, BCBF launches the TV/FILM RIGHTS CENTRE: the new business area welcomes audiovisual producers to help foster business and networking opportunities with the publishing world. Write to licensing@bolognafiere.it to get further information

TRENDS

SPORT

Sport and marketing, Euro 2024 and the Superbowl By Matteo Melani If movies and TV series offer interesting opportunities for advertising investments, sporting events represent an unparalleled reservoir of advertising opportunities for those wishing to promote their brand and launch new products. Among the events that have attracted multiple advertising investors are the European Football Championship to be held in Germany, which is estimated to be watched by 67 per cent of Europeans, with a total audience of 5 billion people worldwide and 2.7 million fans attending

51 matches in person in 10 German cities. Hisense, a multinational home and consumer electronics company, signed a sponsorship contract not only for the final tournament, but also for the UEFA European qualifiers in 2023-24 and

2025-26, the UEFA Nations League finals in 2025, UEFA U21 EURO 2025, and UEFA Futsal 2026. As Fisher Yu, President of Hisense Group Holdings explained, sports sponsorships are opportunities to build brand trust. To continue to build the brand globally, Hisense will offer fans around the world an unparalleled UEFA EURO 2024™ viewing experience thanks to its cutting-edge image quality technology. Given the potential following several non-European TV groups have moved to purchase the broadcast rights. Such as Viettel Telecom, the leading telecommunications company in Vietnam, which announced that TV360, its TV streaming application, had obtained the official broadcasting rights for UEFA EURO 2024 in Vietnamese territory. In previous years, Vietnamese audiences had to register with two different providers to watch both the qualifiers and the final phase, but with the deal recently reached, Viettel Telecom is now able to bring the full tournament experience. Among the most recent events, the Super Bowl also attracts viewers from all over the world (it is broadcast live and delayed on several TV channels in Europe) and as per tradition FritoLay will be one of the sponsors, but in this edition with two commercials: one is about Doritos Dinamita; the other Taste of Superbowl 2024 with different products. The Doritos Dinamita commercial will be in-game and can already be found on shop shelves for a month, while the Taste of Superbowl commercial will start on Super Wild Card Weekend and end on Super Bowl night.

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WHAT’S NEXT

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The next events to follow! ... And where you can find us! EVENT

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