Licensing Expo

Brands at Licensing Expo

A look at some of the brands that will be on show in Las Vegas this year.

American Mensa

With more than 50,000 members, American Mensa is the largest national Mensa operating under the auspices of Mensa International, Ltd. There are currently more than 140,000 members worldwide, and an estimated 6 million Americans are eligible for Mensa membership. Mensa members range in age from 2 to 106. They include engineers, homemakers, teachers, actors, athletes, students, and CEOs, and they share only one trait — high intelligence. To qualify for Mensa, they scored in the top 2 percent of the general population on an accepted standardized intelligence test.

Curtis Licensing

Curtis Licensing will be unveiling new ontrend artwork collections alongside remastered classic images at Licensing Expo. The new collections include fresh florals, fun summer inspired designs, popular travel locations, whimsical Christmas illustrations and much more. The company will also feature the ever-popular retro images that once graced the covers of The Saturday Evening Post magazine, making it a household name. As the licensing division for America’s oldest magazine, Curtis has an arsenal of over 200 years of nostalgic content, including an archive of over ten thousand illustrations by artists like John Falter, Stevan Dohanos, J.C. Leyendecker, George Hughes and the always popular, Norman Rockwell. In fact, the wholesome, often humorous images that graced the covers and pages of the magazine were the cornerstone for the publication’s success in the first place. The illustrations created rich portrayals of daily American life that captured the public’s heart and mind for decades to come. These delightful images which keenly capture the innocence, love, dignity, and humor of life in decades past, have been featured on thousands of licensed products and countless promotional campaigns, both in the United States and internationally. In addition to the retro art, the Curtis Licensing collection also offers the latest trends in art design. Curtis Licensing programs currently include seasonal and everyday home décor, stationery and gifts, games and hobbies, publishing, educational and promotional uses and apparel.

Perfetti Van Melle

Perfetti Van Melle’s licensing team is delighted to be back at the Licensing Expo and ready to

welcome its business partners to offer them a sneak peek of the latest launches and artwork developments the candy house is renowned for. This year Mentos is in the spotlight. The brand has just released a fantastic new style guide which not only includes a fresh approach to the brand icons, but also cool to the core fashion trends and vintage holiday designs. The fresh DNA of the brand and its beautiful pastel shades make Mentos a natural in the beauty category too. After the success at retail of the Sally Hansen & Mentos nail polish line last year, new launches of beauty products are following suit this year. Perfetti Van Melle is witnessing a huge appetite in the F&B aisles for innovative collaborations with the signature flavors of its brands. Chupa Chups is a fore runner and its sparkling drinks by Korean licensee Namyang are now sold all over the world and nominated finalist this year for best Product in the category Food or Beverage for a Corporate Brand of the Licensing International Excellence Awards. Mentos jelly drinks will be next on the menu. Shortly after Bulla’s release of the dreamiest and creamiest Chupa Chups ice cream in Australia, the Fruit-tella brand is in the starting blocks for a promising launch of ice pops with Iceland in the UK. Meanwhile, international agreements are being put on track to develop protein products with Airheads and Chupa Chups. Location based licensing is also taking a leap for Perfetti Van Melle. Visitors stopping by Perfetti’s booth can check out images of the amazing themed installations that have been created with Mentos and Chupa Chups in Asian malls and venues. They typically involve larger than life candy theatres with a wow factor, topped by the latest event at the Changhi Airport in Singapore this March where a mega sized lollipop installation was proclaimed Singapore’s largest Chupa Chups lollipop by Singapore’s Book of Records.

Aspire (Wildbrain CPLG)

From Aspire, the Wildbrain CPLG’s newly rebranded Corporate & Lifestyle division, there are opportunities across new rights, including Sauber Motorsports’ Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN, The Master Lock Company and the University of Southern California. These stand in Aspire’s portfolio alongside the world’s number-one premium vodka brand, Absolut, and flavored spirit brand, Malibu, for which

Aspire is focusing on apparel, fashion collaborations, frozen goods and chocolate. Aspire’s slate also features Yale University, which continues to deliver strong international success across apparel and accessories, including an upcoming collection with India’s largest fashion retailer, Reliance, and further expansion planned into homewares, gifting and back-to-school categories. Aspire will also showcase luxury British leather goods brand Osprey London, with recent highlights including a Sitting Spiritually premium garden furniture range and new footwear collection from 33 Joints.

TSBA

TSBA – The Sports and Brands Licensing Agency – is an award-winning licensing agency based in the UK. Their team of licensing experts have a wealth of experience in delivering global licensing programmes for major sporting and heritage brands. These include: The Open - the oldest and most prestigious golf championship in the world; Transport for London (TfL) - the world’s first and most iconic underground network; the National Portrait Gallery – housing the most extensive collection of portraits in the world; and the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) – an epic motorsport adventure of man and machine against the elements. As part of the Cre8 Group of companies, TSBA offers a unique, holistic service to their clients with additional platforms to diversify their brand offerings and propel growth. Services include product design, development and production, and tailored e-commerce and event retail solutions. Now in their 13th year, TSBA continues to expand and build on its strong reputation within the licensing industry. They are immensely proud to have received finalist nominations at both the Licensing International Excellence Awards and the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards. This year they have also welcomed an array of licensees from apparel and accessories to homewares and gifting to their licensing programmes. The 150th Open will be celebrated in July when the Championship will be played at St Andrews, the home of golf, while WRC celebrates its 50th rally season this year. The Elizabeth Line will open later this year, which will provide further licensing opportunities for the TfL brand. And, after a three-year refurbishment programme, the National Portrait Gallery will re-open its doors in Spring 2023, providing opportunities for collaborations to celebrate this landmark occasion.

Penguin Ventures

Penguin Ventures will have a dedicated presence at Licensing Expo this year as Lindsay Pearl, Head of International Licensing will represent their portfolio of classic brands: Peter Rabbit, Spot, The Snowman and The Snowdog and Flower Fairies on the Penguin Random House US stand. Lindsay Pearl, Head of International Licensing, Penguin Ventures said: “After a long absence due to the pandemic, I am delighted to be exhibiting the Penguin Ventures brands at Licensing Expo this year with my colleagues from Penguin Random House US. This is a long overdue opportunity to connect with existing and new licensees face to face, and to celebrate our partners’ achievements during what has been a challenging time, whilst thanking them for their continued support and remarkable resilience. Our portfolio of classic literary brands has performed incredibly well in all markets, demonstrating that families continue to turn to trusted and heritage character brands such as Peter Rabbit, Spot and The Snowman for comfort, learning opportunities and shared experiences. I’m looking forward to exploring how we can continue to bring the magic of our classic brands to new products and markets with our partners this year and beyond.” In celebration of Peter Rabbit’s 120th birthday year Penguin Ventures has partnered both with new licensees as well as expanded ranges with current partners in North America as well as key global markets. New partners to the Classic Peter Rabbit programme in North America include Little Road Co. (formerly Lulu & Roo) who recently launched their Peter Rabbit apparel and accessories range which capitalises on the trend for matching sibling outfits and is aimed at boys and girls up to 8 years old. The collection has been a resounding success with over 58% of the inventory selling out on the first day. Also, new to the roster is Dreamland Baby. Featured on Shark Tank (the US version of Dragon’s Den), their range of safety-certified weighted sleep suits, pyjamas, bedding, and toddler blankets launches in August. Dreamland’s mom-designed, doctor-approved sleep solutions feature their proprietary CoverCalm Technology, even weight distribution from baby’s shoulders to toes, allowing little ones to feel calm, fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer. In the play and learning space, Phidal has followed up their success on Peter Rabbit movie with a new range of Classic Peter Rabbit titles and will be launching four books at retail later this year. The new licensee portfolio is rounded out with the addition of Craft Buddy, who have recently launched their stunning diamond art painting range in the UK and will continue to expand in key global markets including North America. The collection includes diamond art canvases, notebooks, pencil cases and greeting cards which are all designed for families to enjoy together. In addition, brand new licensee, Aspinline – will launch a range of Peter Rabbit fabric badges and pin badges later this year. Alongside this raft of new licensees Penguin Ventures have been working on new and expanded ranges with key current partners including Kids Preferred who have launched a book and toy set for Carter’s Story Hour book and plush program. Longstanding partners Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma continue to evolve and expand their collections which include homeware, confectionery and gifting, following established success with Peter Rabbit. This season saw exciting product refreshes launch with more planned for future release. Penguin Ventures partnership with Zrike also

continues with the licensee launching a range of new Peter Rabbit homewares including dining sets, kitchen utensils and textiles with expanding distribution across the Marmaxx group which will see Peter Rabbit products available at over 3,000 physical stores across in North America.

Greg & Co LLC

Greg Giordano, the Owner and Managing Operator of Greg & Company, LLC., has been in the Art Licensing industry for over 25 years, and his designs are featured on a variety of products, including greeting cards, apparel, personal checks, and blankets. Despite his success in so many various categories, Greg is well-known for his widespread accomplishments in the puzzle industry. After years spent as a wildlife gallery painter, Greg started his own business in the early 2000s. He licensed his first puzzle image, “Spring Days”, back in 2005. Initially, many of his images that were licensed as puzzles were reminiscent of the type of gallery paintings he did, with a strong focus on wildlife animals and birds. “In the beginning, the licensing deals I was getting were reflective of the paintings I had done. The subjects were wildlife animals; rabbits and deer, dogs and cats, and also birds,” explained Greg. In the past 20 years, Greg’s achievements in the puzzle industry speak for themselves. He now works with 26 puzzle licensees, and his puzzles are sold in over 30 countries worldwide, as well as digitally. He has created puzzle designs for co-branded licensing programs with John Deere and Farmall tractors, as well as Chevrolet, Dodge, Volkswagen and Ford automotive brands. Even more remarkable is the fact that in his archive of over 600 designs, 200 of them have been licensed as puzzle images. The themes of Greg’s designs have also grown and expanded throughout the years, as he makes a scrupulous effort to stay ahead of market trends and demands. More recently, some of the images Greg has created feature vintage cars and trucks, farm scenes, or smalltown and nostalgic imagery. “With direction from the Licensees I work with in combination with a response to the consumer market, I’ve found that my subject matters continue to grow and develop alongside what is popular and ‘on trend’. It’s been a really fun way to broaden my horizons and tackle new design challenges,” shares Greg Giordano. It is common knowledge that art licensing is an ever-evolving industry, and this will undoubtedly pose new and exciting creative prospects for Greg. His continued popularity in the puzzle industry will provide him with additional opportunities to meet these hurdles head on.

MHS

MHS Licensing & Consulting will be introducing art brands Amira Rahim, Lindsay Kivi and Blue Chair Blessings for the very first time at the upcoming Licensing. “We’ve been longtime supporters of the Licensing Expo and first exhibited there in 1996. The two-year hiatus due to COVID really emphasized the importance of this show and the platform it provides for launching new art.” Marty Segelbaum, President of MHS Licensing & Consulting continues, “We are thrilled to be back which coincides perfectly with the launch of our talented new art brands.” Amira Rahim is a passionate abstract artist on a mission to make the world a more colorful place. Internationally collected, her globally recognized brand has been featured in major media and entertainment outlets, and her work is already distributed across multiple retailers. Amira’s bold color palette and extraordinary abstract paintings create an instant energy in any room they grace. A driving force behind the brands popularity is Amira’s impressive 118k active social media followers, many of which are emerging painters who inspire her. “Painting is my way of honoring my time on earth. It’s my way of paying homage to the human experience and it’s a process that moves me every day.” says Amira. Lindsay Kivi supports animal rescues, sanctuaries, and conservation organizations through her art and aims to inspire others to do the same. An animal lover to her core, Lindsay creates compelling art that deepens one’s connection to all living beings. From colorful fun-loving animal portraits to dramatic monochrome paintings, her stunning artwork is appropriate across multiple categories of consumer products. Emily Burger, creator of Blue Chair Blessing, is grateful for the opportunity to paint and illustrate as an instrument to share God’s word. Her charming watercolor and acrylic designs are a direct reflection of her faith. Emily explains, “While going through a very difficult time, I often found myself exhausted and sitting in a little blue chair outside my home to rest and pray. It is here where I found strength, comfort and grace, and the inspiration behind my art.” Emily’s painterly style and hand lettering lends itself well to a wide variety of product categories, including wall décor, tabletop, home textiles, stationery, and gift items. In addition to these new art brands, MHS will also be introducing new images from their well established and sought-after art brands at Licensing Expo. Collectively these popular art properties generate over $130 million in annual sales through their licensee partners.

Design Plus

Founded in 1983, Design Plus is a global licensing boutique headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with partners in the United Kingdom, Europe, Mexico and Japan. Design Plus specializes in unique leading edge programs that connect brands to their fans through creativity, color, flavor and taste.

Brandgenuity

Brandgenuity is a leading brand licensing agency that extends iconic brands into products, services and experiences. Clients include BMW, Church & Dwight, Sazerac (Fireball Whisky, Buffalo Trace, Southern Comfort),

Too Hot to Handle, Dr. Scholl’s, Chuck E. Cheese, Kao (Jergens, John Frieda), Mr. Kate, White Castle, NFLPA and others.

Maui & Sons

Stoked on his family’s home-made chocolate chip cookies, Jeff Yokoyama (aka Yoki) was inspired to spread joy across the island of Maui through the family recipe, and in 1980 Maui and Sons was born. When the journey met a fork in the road, Yoki went with the flow, embarked on a new adventure, and took the famed cookie logo designed by friend and fellow surfer Rick Rietveld along for the ride. Following in the footsteps of entrepreneurs who pour their energy into their passion, Yoki turned to action sports apparel, placed the cookie logo where he was told he couldn’t - the back pocket - and the innovative Maui and Sons madras surf short was an instant success. As the young company continued to follow its intuition instead of the rules, it continued to grow. Focusing on marketing their products to Southern California surf shops and local high schools, a following emerged, and the brand became a beloved staple across the sunny beaches and skateparks of SoCal. As the 80’s rolled into the 90’s and beyond, it continued to grow through innovative designs, impactful graphics, memorable artwork-based advertisements, and an exciting color palette - now the mold for activewear brands worldwide. 40 years later, the Maui and Sons cookie logo can be seen on beaches the world over, worn by people who cultivate harmony in their lives by pairing an active lifestyle with gratitude for the joys provided by mother nature.

Joester Loria Group

Joester Loria Group recently announced representation by Toyota Motor Sales as the exclusive licensing agency for the iconic Toyota and Lexus brands. A merchandise strategy has been deployed for each brand highlighting the unique attributes and positioning. Toyota has an extensive lineup of cars, trucks, SUVs and hybrids. Across the portfolio, Lexus is designed to seamlessly blend eye-catching design with exhilarating performance. The brand’s portfolio spans luxury sedans, coupes and best-selling SUVs, in a range of powertrains including hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. announced at Licensing Expo. Further brands in the spotlight from Joester Loria include McDonald’s who have partnered with leading retailers and brands to deliver coveted collections around the world. The Gen-Z focused collections showcased the global pop culture icon with retro and modern designs featuring fan-favorite menu items, the beloved McDonaldland characters and iconography from the Golden Arches archives. JLG has been selected by American Greetings, to lead its efforts in extending its premium Celebrations brand, Papyrus, into new product categories. In doing so, JLG will drive the activation of new partnerships that deliver premium-quality, Papyrus-branded products that help consumers “Express Beautifully.” The World of Eric Carle is the award-winning franchise based on the works of Eric Carle, a staple in schools, libraries and homes around the world. More than 150 million copies of Carle’s books have been sold and the bestknown title, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, is one of the top selling children’s books of all time, with a copy sold every 15 seconds. The World of Eric Carle consumer products program continues to show exceptional growth worldwide. Miffy, from Dutch artist Dick Bruna, celebrates 65 years of global success in publishing, consumer products, entertainment and more in 2022. Bruna’s sophisticated, minimal illustrations featured in 124 original titles sold more than 85 million copies, and have proven their timeless, global appeal. Miffy engages consumers worldwide in pop-up shops, cafes, exhibitions, a live show, the TV series and merchandise for children and adults. 2021 was a record year for the Constellation Brands beer portfolio’s core and licensed product, and 2022 is shaping up to deliver continued growth. The premium beer portfolio continues to dominate in the U.S. with Corona being the #1 most loved beer brand, Modelo Especial the #1 import brand and the #2 best-selling beer brand, and Pacifico posting continued growth with national advertising, distribution, and dynamic marketing. PepsiCo, one of the world’s best-known food and beverage companies is a category leader in more than 200 countries with sales topping $22 billion across its portfolio of brands. Pepsi is recognized as one of the top 25 Most Valuable Brands in the World. Pepsi’s vast archive of classic advertising and vintage assets continues to inspire unique collaborations with designers, brands, and retailers. Cheetos, the brand is embedded in the fabric of pop culture, achieving cult status among followers through decades of entertaining commercials and an ever-expanding social media presence. Cheetos is sold across the globe on every major continent, now in over 40 markets. Its star, Chester Cheetah, is the ultimate instigator, the purveyor of playful mischief. Kellogg’s extensive portfolio of breakfast and snack brands can be found in 9 out of 10 homes in America. Kellogg’s iconic brands including Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, and Rice Krispies are available in both contemporary and vintage designed apparel and accessory collections in national retailers, specialty chains and better off price accounts. Finally, Joester Loria Group is the exclusive licensing agent for Ferrara Candy Company, leading sweet snacking company with a portfolio over 35 brands. Ferrara’s stable of brands is as diverse as it is delicious including Brach (#1 seasonal sugar confection), NERDS, SweeTARTS, Trolli, Laffy Taffy, Now and Later along with iconic favorites such as Lemonhead, Jujyfruits, Fruit Stripe gum, Chuckles and Red Hots.

Seltzer Licensing

Since 1998, The Seltzer Licensing Group, a global brand licensing agency and consultancy, has helped companies around the world identify the best paths – and partners – for a successful brand licensing program. They work closely with some of the world’s best-known retailers and most established and well-loved brands to orchestrate creative brand alliances that deliver for all involved. They have created, analyzed, and successfully executed hundreds of brand licensing plans and strategies for a wide-range of clients across various categories and industries. With their clients every step of the way, from identifying partners to deliver-

ing signed agreements and beyond, they provide a streamlined yet comprehensive, collaborative, and consensus-building approach that maximizes the power of an alliance.

LMCA

Wurlitzer, the iconic German American brand, known for its innovative musical instruments and equipment that helped “bring music to the millions”, has appointed global brand extension licensing agency, LMCA, to extend its brand into new categories in audio, music, and entertainment areas. The Wurlitzer brand has earned its place in musical history through its original and transformative innovations that have influenced the music industry and society for generations. From the distinctive sound of the Wurlitzer electric piano; to ‘The Mighty Wurlitzer’ organs showcased in America’s finest musical landmarks; to the iconic Wurlitzer jukeboxes that in design, sound and spirit brought people together to enjoy music in redefining ways; Wurlitzer has a deeply rooted heritage in crafting European quality musical instru-

ments and innovations that inspire, influence, and entertain. LMCA will draw on the brand’s legacy in music innovation and long-lasting craftsmanship to extend Wurlitzer’s footprint into new areas for the music enthusiast in North America and Europe – with a focus on audio, music and entertainment products and services.

The Brand Liaison

The Brand Liaison is a top-tier licensing and brand management agency focused on creating new revenue streams for their clients through licensing, strategic partnerships and other brand extension opportunities. For licensors, their goal is to commercialize opportunities that will extend their clients’ brand equity into new product categories to maximize their licensing potential. For licensees, they assist manufacturers in acquiring brands and developing strong licensing programs in order to create long term licensing and retail success. Representing both licensors and licensees, the team of seasoned “liaisons” has extensive experience in developing successful brand extension and licensing programs. Their collective experience includes activities with numerous high profile brands including lifestyle apparel brands such as Lacoste, Mudd Jeans, Nautica, Playboy, Liz Claiborne, Geoffrey Beene, Gloria Vanderbilt, Laura Ashley, JEEP, Converse and Skechers, entertainment giants such as Disney, Warner Bros., and New Line Cinema, and sports licensing with the NFL, NBA, NCAA, FIFA World Cup, and many more. They have also worked with major retailers such as Macy’s, Target, Walmart, TJX Group, Hot Topic, Bed Bath and Beyond, Home Depot, Rooms To Go, Jo-Ann’s, David’s Bridal, HSN, QVC and many others.

Crayola Properties

Crayola is the worldwide leader in children’s creative expression products. Known for the iconic Crayola Crayon first introduced in 1903, the Crayola brand has grown into a portfolio of innovative art tools, crafting activities and creativity toys that offer children innovative new ways to use color to create everything imaginable.

Global Merchandising

Global Merchandising Services Ltd is an award-winning music artist, celebrity and brand merchandise company. Headquartered in London and Los Angeles, Global executes and delivers business through all channels of retail distribution, live events, web stores, popup stores, brand origination and development, sponsorship, endorsements, web3 strategizing and third-party licensing.

Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo is the most important Mexican painter of all time, and lived to the fullest in the most passionate of ways. Her iconic existence, unique expression and extraordinary life have provided a one of a kind model to embrace optimism, strength and courage for the future generations. Frida’s passion influences many people globally and inspires culture, history and art throughout the world. Frida Kahlo inspires and is an eternal trendsetter for celebrities and fashion icons of today. Frida Kahlo expresses diversity, rebellion, love, desire, energy and passion. She is the true representation of strong women.

Brand Central

Brand Central is a top 10 licensing agency providing brand extensions, collaborations, manufacturer representation, creative services, e-commerce and trend intelligence to iconic brands including: Mars Wrigley, Kraft Heinz, Bimbo, Tapatio, Takis, Cap’n Crunch, Fogo De Chao, Rube Goldberg, Alma’s Way, Black Paper Party, Simmons, Mister Rogers Neighborhood and Sally Face.

Beanstalk

Beanstalk, a global brand extension licensing agency, works closely with theirclients to unlock brand equity and create many of the world’s most recognizable products and services. They help leading brands, celebrities, media properties, manufacturers and retailers creatively find ways to strengthen their relationship with their most important stakeholder – the consumer. Beanstalk offers a breadth of services across their practice areas, including brand representation, digital media representation (Tinderbox), manufacturer representation, consulting, creative services (STUDIO B), legal and financial services, and royalty auditing. The company is headquartered in New York, with offices in London, Miami, Cincinnati, Mexico City and Sao Paulo, and affiliates throughout the world.