Licensing Expo Press | 2024

Day 1

Jewel Highlights Brands and Artists that Tell a Story

Jewel Branding & Licensing (Jewel) will be highlighting key initiatives and new clients at this year’s Licensing Expo.

“We’re excited for another great Licensing Expo where we get to meet with so many new and existing partners,” says Julie Newman, founder, chief executive officer, Jewel Branding & Licensing. “With an increased focus on sustainability, we remain committed to showcasing our causerelated and female-founded brands, as well as diverse portfolio of talented artists and designers.”

■ The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) licensing program is enriched by the brand’s extraordinary heritage, beautiful living collections and one-of-a-kind archival botanical artwork collection, which offer a unique opportunity to align with NYBG in supporting its mission to educate, study and preserve nature. Licensed in 15 countries across four continents, the program continues to experience significant global growth.

■ The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation works to advance Wright’s design legacy and expose new audiences to the innovation it inherently drives. FLWF works closely with licensees to incorporate Wright’s archival materials and design principals. Licensed products demonstrate Wright’s revolutionary American style of architecture, beginning with careful selection of materials down to meticulous construction of every detail.

■ National Wildlife Federation is one of the world’s oldest and most trusted wildlife conservation nonprofits focused on protecting America’s natural resources for wildlife, for ourselves and future generations. The Landmark Project partnered with NWF to launch a sustainable collection of graphic tees, sweatshirts, headwear and accessories that reintroduces a beloved childhood hero, Ranger Rick.

■ SCOUT, the brand renowned for fashionably functional totes and accessories, has signed multiple new partners to expand its presence as an iconic lifestyle brand.

In the search to find unique and distinct styles from global artists, Jewel has organically grown its roster into a diverse portfolio of artists who tell compelling stories through their art.

■ In the past year, Jewel has launched many Artist Series programs, where manufacturers and retailers highlight various, diverse artists with different viewpoints. Berkshire Blanket and Home continues to expand with its Artist Series collection of throws and robes highlighting EttaVee, Creative Ingrid and Mia Charro. The colorful warm, cozy throws have been strong sellers at a wide range of retailers. Crayola introduced an artist series coloring book featuring the art of Mia Charro, CatCoq, Tania Garcia and Alja Horvat.

■ Me and My Big Ideas partnered with CatCoq on a travel-themed Be Happy Box, which included an adorable retro water bottle, pouch, stickers and stationery. MAMBI also launched a collection of Happy Planner x Breathe Live Explore by Oris Eddu planners and accessories.

■ Whiskey Ginger, founded by Loni Carr and Brett Gramse, is inspired by the characters who inhabit the wild lands of Bozeman, Mont. The brand has experienced significant growth with partnerships, including drinkware with Tervis, a cocktail book with Hardie Grant, gifts and décor with Primitives by Kathy and most recently the launch of a multi-SKU men’s grooming and HBA line from Argento.

■ EttaVee, renowned for its vibrant and lively creations by artist, Jessi Raulet, launched a gift collection with Enesco, available at Hallmark Stores. The brand introduced a new partnership with Koi Scrubs for a colorful collection of hospital scrubs. Stay tuned for major partnerships to be announced in 2025.

Jewel has seen a significant rise in creative collaborations, where high-profile manufacturers and retailers are highlighting female artists and designers and want to tell their stories.

■ Nikki Chu, renowned interior designer and artist, introduced a new wall art collection with LeftBank Art. The Nikki Chu x Leftbank Art collection features an array of 22 pieces, each a testament to the designer’s penchant for blending luxury and style seamlessly. Chu’s highly successful partnership with York Wallcoverings includes peeland-stick wallcoverings with recent expansion into traditional wallpaper, which launched at High Point.

■ In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, artist and influencer, Oris Eddu, partnered with fashion brand, alice + olivia. Launched on International Women’s Day, this partnership marks a significant moment where art, fashion and empowerment converge to celebrate the strength of women globally.

■ Simplified, the best-selling brand of planning and organization tools for busy women founded by Emily Ley, partnered with Fit + Fresh for a line of colorful lunch totes, which are available Target.

■ Plum Pretty Sugar, a leading bridal experience brand, has further expanded its partnership with electronic invitation service, Greenvelope, to develop an elegant range of Plum Pretty Sugar digital stationery for wedding-related celebrations. The collection is available exclusively on Greenvelope.com.

Jewel has signed several new clients that will be debuting at Licensing Expo, including Museum of Fine Arts Boston and Krissy Mast. As leaders in trend-forward design, Jewel is focused on compelling licensing programs as well as creative services that can help manufacturers and retailers stay ahead of the curve. For more information about all of its services and the brands and artists in the agency’s portfolio, visit Jewel at booth C134.

New York Botanical Garden x Tea Forté

Museum of Fine Arts Boston x Uniqlo

National Wildlife Federation x Acco Brands

Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation x Kith

2

Dole’s Mission for Healthier Living

Dole Food Company, the premium brand synonymous with highquality farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, in partnership with its exclusive licensing agency Beanstalk, is set to present compelling licensing opportunities and wellness initiatives to attendees at Licensing Expo 2024.

To highlight Dole on the show floor are Dole’s iconic mascots, Bobby Banana and Pinellopy Pineapple, as these beloved characters bring their unique charm to Licensing Expo! Be sure to catch them in action during the two parades scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by a group photo.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there – Dole’s recent venture into the world of wellness supplements with BEAM be amazing x Dole Super Greens has opened new doors for licensing opportunities. The orange, peach and mango flavored powder is packed with 35 fruits and vegetables per serving, with prebiotic fiber and digestive enzymes that aid in digestion and vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help support the immune system. This innovative product showcases Dole’s commitment to nutrition and vitality and broadens Dole’s reach in the health and wellness market, with plans for further expansion through licensing. BEAM joins the growing Dole licensing program, which includes products such as drink mixes, pet treats, toys and collectibles. Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements as Dole continues to redefine wellness and inspire healthier lifestyles.

As you explore Licensing Expo 2024, don’t miss the chance to connect with Dole and Beanstalk at booth G134 to learn more about licensing partnership opportunities.

Jewel Branding & Licensing to Rep the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Jewel Branding & Licensing (Jewel) has announced its recent appointment as the licensing agent for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA). The MFA showcases a collection of nearly 500,000 works, which range from ancient to contemporary masterpieces.

The museum is renowned for its remarkable holdings of European and Japanese art; masterworks from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and the Byzantine Empire; and pioneering collections of photography, textiles and jewelry. The MFA’s innovative curatorial

approach, coupled with a range of community and educational initiatives, takes visitors on a captivating journey through time and across cultures, fostering dialog and creating opportunities for greater understanding through art.

“The collections and reputation of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston are exceptional, and we are thrilled to be working with them to expand the brand,” says Julie Newman, founder, chief executive officer, Jewel. “The MFA is a treasure trove of inspiring content, and we look forward to bringing its unique stories and point of view to the world.”

By leveraging the MFA’s iconic brand and artistic legacy, Jewel will expand the licensing program to enable art enthusiasts to experience the museum in their everyday lives.

“We are excited to embark on this journey with Jewel, an agency known for their expertise with cultural institutions and content-rich brands,” says Debra LaKind, senior director, intellectual property and business development, MFA Boston. “Through strategic licensing partnerships, we look forward to extending the reach of the MFA’s cultural impact and inspiring new audiences around the globe.”

Categories available for licensing include home, apparel, accessories, stationery, gifts and travel. Stay tuned for new developments as this partnership brings the MFA’s collections to new markets and audiences.

Plum Pretty Sugar

Nikki Chu

SCOUT

Tapatio Turns Up the Heat at Retail

Tapatio Hot Sauce is a national hot sauce brand known for its passionate fan base and its unique, original flavor. Tapatio, together with its exclusive licensing agency, Brand Central, continues to expand beyond hot sauce into exciting food partnerships and collaborations.

This year the Tapatio licensing program boasts 19 food licensees. Tapatio has partnered with CPG giants such as Frito Lay for Tapatio Doritos, Anhueser Busch for a RTD Bud Light spicy chelada and Conagra for Tapatio BIGS sunflower seeds. Tapatio’s other successful food partnerships include Unity Food’s Tapatio Ramen, MyProtein pre-workout and protein powder and Suntree Snack Foods’ Tapatio nuts. Other food categories include mashed potatoes, dry seasoning, ketchup, meat, dips, mac & cheese, pickles, marinades, coffee, frozen fruit bars and more.

Tapatio’s licensed products can be found in national retailers such as Walmart, 7-Eleven, Kroger, Albertsons, Costco and Sam’s Club.

Tapatio continues to expand into merchandise categories with partners, The Forecast Agency and Trau & Loevner (apparel), Fun. com (costumes, novelty apparel, accessories), Jada Toys (die-cast collectibles), MSRF (gift sets) and Oddsox (accessories). Tapatio is soon to launch an exciting collaboration with Hedley & Bennet (aprons).

For more information on Tapatio Hot Sauce, visit the Brand Central booth F154.

Introducing Satellite Crayon Project

In a fusion of technology and artistry, SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, one of Japan’s leading space companies, has introduced a groundbreaking licensing brand called Satellite Crayon Project. This visionary initiative aims to capture Earth’s vibrant array of colors as seen from space and transform them into an enchanting collection of consumer products.

The concept, taking fl ight in 2022, meticulously recreated the nuanced colors of our planet’s natural landscapes by harnessing images of Earth’s oceans and mountains captured by orbiting satellites.

But what inspired a company primarily associated with space exploration to delve into the world of crayons?

“Astronauts often say that their perspective changes after going to space,” says Shoichiro Seino, chief producer, Satellite Crayon Project. “When we look at Earth from our satellite, we see various colors overflowing. For example, the image of ‘sea blue’ is strong, but it is not necessarily the stereotypical blue when viewed from space. You can see that there are seas of various beautiful colors, such as red and green. Our planet is a treasure trove of discoveries waiting to be made. To convey this message to

audiences of all ages, including children, we chose beeswax crayons as a tangible connection point. The 24 crayons in our collection faithfully reproduce the colors of the oceans and mountains observed from space.”

Producer, Yukiya Hanada, aims to further cultivate interest and curiosity about Earth’s environment among a broader audience through the licensing business of Satellite Crayon Project.

“And our crayon colors are not limited to just 24; the colors of Earth are infinite,” says Hanada.

Jewel’s Creative Services Division Continues to Grow

Jewel Branding and Licensing has announced the continued growth of its Creative Services division. From style guides to packaging design and original artwork, the company’s creative team offers a full suite of customized services and is fluent in the language of design and product development and excels in delivering clear, valuable and practical solutions to clients.

Last year, Jewel launched the Trend Distillery, a creative services product that offers a one-stop shop for comprehensive trend research and market analysis specific to consumer product businesses. The Trend Distillery’s team of researchers and forecasters analyzes trends in specific product categories and packages them into actionable guides for buyers and product developers. These guides provide in-depth insights into trends, consumer preferences and industry shift s, enabling businesses to make informed decisions about future product development.

“We are fortunate to work with many successful retailers and manufacturers who come to us for help with their trend direction and product development needs,” says Meredith Counts, vice president, creative, Jewel. “Our strength is in our 360-degree view of the retail landscape. Because of the unique nature of what Jewel does as a company, we know what is selling and what customers are looking for across product categories and tiers of retail. That kind of comprehensive view allows us to guide our clients in the right direction season after season.”

OPINION: MEREDITH COUNTS, JEWEL BRANDING & LICENSING

“Trend Distillery stands out for its highly personalised approach”

Jewel’s VP of Creative, Meredith Counts, on the agency’s Trend Distillery service… And how it translates design trends, market data and consumer behaviour into product development strategies.

At the heart of consumer product innovation lies the ability to foresee and harness the power of trends. For manufacturers and retailers seeking to build robust seasonal collections for private labels, licensed brands, and beyond, navigating the ever-changing currents of consumer preferences is crucial.

This is where we at Jewel Branding and Licensing – with our customised Trend Distillery service – excel. O ering an unmatched, comprehensive service that caters to the specific needs of consumer product businesses, the Trend Distillery stands out for its highly personalised approach to each client.

We collaborate behind the scenes with manufacturing and retail partners worldwide, providing them with tools to thrive in a competitive retail market. The Trend Distillery exceeds mere trend predictions; it delivers in-depth analysis and actionable guides meticulously crafted by experts in the retail industry. These guides are not general reports, but custom blueprints for seasonal success – tailored to translate forecasted design trends, market data and consumer behaviour into clear, cogent strategies for product development.

Staying abreast of the newest trends can often be a demanding and expensive exercise, especially when faced with the challenge of incorporating these trends into product collections with each passing season. Our Trend Distillery service simplifies this process, o ering accessible and cost-e ective solutions to clients.

E ciency and accessibility are cornerstones of the Distillery. We’re committed to streamlining the process of trend adoption and implementation for

businesses, reducing the pressure placed on buyers and product developers to keep product o erings up-to-date and pertinent in a constantly evolving marketplace.

What sets the Trend Distillery apart is our holistic, 360-degree perspective of the retail landscape – a view that spans multiple product categories and retail levels. This knowledge plays a pivotal role in the guidance we o er clients aiming to competitively di erentiate their collections season after season. It allows us to o er valuable, informed direction that ensures product o erings are both timely and resonant with consumer tastes.

Enhancing Jewel’s ability to o er unparalleled creative direction is our portfolio: a diverse array of talented artists who are at the forefront of creating for the newest trends. This synergistic combination makes our creative services and the Trend Distillery a one-stop-shop for businesses looking to elevate their product development. The artists work in tandem with Trend Distillery’s insights, ensuring that the aesthetics, themes and designs are not just current, but ahead of the curve – imbuing products with a creative edge that captures and leads the market.

With the continued growth of our Creative Services division, the Trend Distillery emerges as an indispensable, exclusive ally to businesses. And the service is not just about trend forecasting... It’s about proactively meeting consumer expectations with a strategy that’s uniquely tailored to each client’s business. For companies eager to sculpt a collection that speaks to the now but is built for tomorrow, our Trend Distillery provides an invaluable service for achieving retail success.

“Our service is not just about trend forecasting... It’s about proactively meeting consumer expectations with a strategy that’s uniquely tailored to each client’s business.”

For more details on the Trend Distillery and how it can elevate your business, Jewel invites you to reach out to lauren@jewelbranding.com or visit https://www.jewelbranding.com/creative/distillery/

OPINION: MEREDITH COUNTS, JEWEL BRANDING & LICENSING