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Finalists for The Licensing Awards 2023 AnnouncedFinalists for The Licensing Awards 2023 Announced
Countdown to The Licensing Awards 2023 in September is officially on, with the finalists across all categories having been announced.
License Global
July 24, 2023
10 Min Read
Licensing International
The full list of finalists for the Licensing Awards 2023 has been announced.
The judging panel, comprising more than 250 retail buyers, offered expert input across the product categories. These included executives from Tesco, Asda, Marks & Spencer, TruffleShuffle, My 1st Years, Card Factory, FatFace, Moonpig, TJ Morris, Next, Paultons Park, DFS, Character.com, The Works, HMV, The Entertainer, Fraser Group, Ted Baker, Vanilla Underground, Lakeland, Morrisons, JoJo Maman Bébé, Home Bargains, Sainsbury’s, Specsavers and B&M Stores.
The finalists in The Licensing Awards 2023 (all categories are for licensing activity over the period between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023) include:
THE U.K. RISING STAR AWARD FINALISTS
This is a Licensing International U.K. award designed to recognize excellence among junior industry professionals in the U.K. under the age of 35.
Thomas Dimech, senior retail and brand manager, Retail Monster
Gemma Fitzgibbon, licensing manager, Funko EMEA
Rakhee Ghelani, category manager, beauty and care, Universal Products & Experiences
Oliver Gilding, exclusive brands manager, Iceland
Donovan De Klerk, global licensing manager, Exquisite Gaming
Max Pilcher, FMCG and hardlines, consumer products coordinator EMEA, Mattel
Leigh Simpson, global licensing manager, Arsenal Football Club
Melissa Tudor, creative director, Fanattik
Ellie Yarnell, head, buying, Vanilla Underground
RETAIL CATEGORY FINALISTS
Best Retailer of Preschool Licensed Products (Age Group 0-5)
Asda
B&M
Character.com
The Entertainer
Home Bargains
Morrisons
Smyths Toys
Best Retailer of Kids’ Licensed Products (Age Group 5-16)
Asda
Character.com
Claire’s
The Entertainer
Marks and Spencer
Primark
Smyths Toys
Best Retailer of Adult Licensed Products
Asda
ASOS
Forbidden Planet
Game
HMV
Primark
TruffleShuffle
The Radar Award
This award is for retailers that have come on the radar on the licensing front as they have considerably upped their licensing activities in the last year (between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023).
Card Factory
Get Trend
John Lewis & Partners
Lush
My 1st Years
Studio
TK Maxx
Best Overseas Retailer
This award is for retailers of any discipline selling licensed products whose main retailing activity is overseas (i.e., not in the U.K.) but which also has a physical or online presence in the U.K. The award is for the retailer’s activity on the licensing front over the last year (between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023).
Aldi
Bershka
H&M
Lidl
Pull & Bear
Urban Outfitters
Zara
Best Licensed Retail Marketing Initiative
Disney100 Where the Magic Began Campaign with Asda/George
Elf Have your Elf a Merry Christmas Campaign with Asda
“Gabby’s Dollhouse:” Gabby on the Go! Campaign with Smyths Toys
“Jurassic Park” 30th Anniversary Initiative with the Natural History Museum
Miffy Year of the Rabbit Campaign with Ichiba
Mr Men Little Miss Comic Relief Campaign with TK Maxx
“PAW Patrol” Aqua Pups STA Campaign with Character.com
Pokémon Bus Party Tour with Smyths Toys
The World of Peter Rabbit Easter 2023 Campaign with Marks & Spencer
Best Licensed Promotions Campaign
Care Bears Churros Campaign with The Knot Churros
Crayola’s BRILLIANT Back To School Doodle Competition with Tom Gates
Little Miss Waste Less Promotion with Ecover
The Paddington Bear Afternoon Tea Tour from Brigit’s Bakery (Agency: Inspires Marketing)
“PAW Patrol” on a Stroll Campaign with Dogs Trust
“PAW Patrol” Swimming Awards with the Swimming Teachers Association
Peppa Pig x Cleaner Seas Project X Twinkl Celebrate World Oceans Day Campaign with George@Asda
Best Licensed Live Event
F1 Arcade in St Paul’s London from Kindred Concepts
“The Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse” on the Blackpool Seafront from Merlin Entertainments
“Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience” at Arley from Ravenswood Experiences
“Jurassic World: The Exhibition” at Excel London from Cityneon
“Peaky Blinders: The Rise” live immersive theatrical show from Immersive Everywhere
“Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure” at Blenheim Palace from Histrionic Productions
“SAW Escape Experience London” from Path Entertainment (TPEG)
“Stranger Things: The Experience” in London from Fever
“Wallace & Gromit A Grand Way Out” at Bristol from Locked In A Room
“The Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl Festival of Light” at Longleat from Longleat
PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS
Best Licensed Toys or Games Range
Disney Mini Brands Capsules from Zuru
“Gabby’s Dollhouse” Collection from Spin Master
“The Gruffalo” Wooden Toy Range for Primark from Fizz Creations
“Hey Duggee” Transforming Space Rocket from Golden Bear Toys
“Indiana Jones” Range from Funko Games
Marvel Nanopods from Wow! Stuff
“Peppa Pig” Boat Adventure Set from Tomy UK
Pokémon x Squishmallows Collection from Jazwares
“Super Mario Bros. Movie” Figures from Jakks Pacific
Super Mario Classic Pop Up from Tomy UK
Wizarding World Range from LEGO
Best Licensed Dress-Up or Partyware Range
Barbie Party Box for Claire’s from Christy’s by Design
Barbie UV Color Change Mermaid Costume from Rubies Masquerade
“Bluey” Party, Balloon and Dress-up Collection from Amscan
Gigantosaurus Deluxe Costume Range from Smiffys
“Little Mermaid Movie” Classic Ariel from Disguise
Peter Rabbit Classic Paper Tableware for Sainsbury’s from Smiffys
Pokémon Party, Balloon and Dress-up Collection from Amscan
Spidey & His Amazing Friends Preschool Costumes from Rubies Masquerade
“SpongeBob SquarePants” Frenzy Suit from OppoSuits
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Tabard from Christy’s by Design
“Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” Costume Collection from Rubies Masquerade
Best Licensed Preschool Apparel or Accessories Range (0-5 Years)
“Bluey” Collection from Aykroyd & Sons/Roy Lowe
Disney Classic Baby Range for Character.com from TDP
“Elf” Infant and Preschool Range from George@Asda
Elmer the Patchwork Elephant SS23 Range from JoJo Maman Bébé
“Paddington” Collection for F+F at Tesco from Blues Group
“PAW Patrol” 3D Apparel and Footwear Range from Vanilla Underground
“PAW Patrol” Aqua Pups Collection for Character.com from Aykroyd & Sons
Peanuts Collection for Primark from Blues Group
Peter Rabbit Collection from Blade & Rose
“Peppa Pig” Hair Accessories Collection from Hunter Price International
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt for TU Clothing from Blues Group
Best Licensed Children’s Apparel or Accessories Range
Barbie Christmas Collection from The Very Group
Flower Fairies Gucci Kids Love Parade from Gucci
Hello Kitty Kids’ Shoes and Accessories from Adidas
“Jurassic World” Children’s Collection from Marks and Spencer
LEGO x H&M Collection from H&M
Nintendo Collection for Next from Fashion UK
Paddington Collection for Tu Clothing from Aykroyd & Sons
Pokémon x Clarks Collection from Clarks
“Minecraft” Legends Collection for George@Asda from Bioworld International
“Minecraft” x Puma AW22 Collection from PUMA
Wizarding World Children’s Collection from Marks and Spencer
Best Licensed Adult Apparel or Accessories Range
FIFA 2022 World Cup Collection from Poetic Brands
Grinch Collection for Asda from Cooneen
Hot Wheels x Sean Wotherspoon Apparel, Accessories and Footwear from adidas
LEGO x adidas Superstar Footwear from adidas
Paddington Bear x Signare Woven Tapestry Range from AC Jade Trading
Peanuts Collection for Primark from Brand Alliance
Pusheen Apparel and Accessories Collection from Vanilla Underground
“Minecraft” Collection from Burberry
Netflix Collection from Lacoste
Smiley Originals x ASOS from Somerbond
Tommy x Miffy Apparel Collection from Tommy Hilfiger
Best Licensed Written, Listening or Learning Range
“The Adventures of Paddington” from HarperCollins UK
Alphablocks Phonics Fun from Trends UK
“Bluey” Publishing Range from Ladybird
“Hey Duggee” Press, Play and Party Sticky Stick from Golden Bear
Learn With Peppa Range from Ladybird
“Minecraft” Publishing Range from Farshore, HarperCollins UK
Mr. Men Little Miss Range from Farshore, HarperCollins UK
“PAW Patrol” Audio Cards from Yoto
Peter Rabbit Publishing Range from Puffin
“Thomas & Friends” Limited Edition Packs from Story House Egmont
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Tonie Audio Character from Tonies
Best Licensed Paper Products or Stationery Range
BBC Springwatch Greeting Card Collection from Abacus Cards
“Bluey” Calendar and Greeting Card Collection from Danilo Promotions
Disney D100 Sketch Quotes Greeting Card Collection from UK Greetings
Eden Project x Papergang Stationery Selection Box from Ohh Deer
Elmer the Elephant Children’s Stationery from Robert Frederick
Heinz Greeting Card Collection from Tache Crafts
Mr. Men and Little Miss Advent Calendar from A2V Trade
The National Gallery Master Painting Photo Upload Range from Moonpig
Peter Rabbit Pop Up Card Range from Cardology
Pokémon Besties Range from Blueprint Collections
Transformers AR Stamp Collection from Royal Mail
Best Licensed Giftware Range, Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares Range
Disney100 Limited Edition Collection from Mad Beauty
Disney The Nightmare Before Christmas Collection from Abysse Corp
“Grinch” Cosmetics from Revolution Beauty
“Jurassic Park” 30th Anniversary Collection from Fanattik
Me to You AW22 Collection from Home Bargains
Original Stormtrooper Collection from Nemesis Now
“Peppa Pig” Collection from Bamboo Bamboo
Sonic Cable Guy Phone and Controller Holder from EXG Pro
“The Snowman” Musical Soft Toy from Rainbow Designs
Squishmallows Range from Character World
“Stranger Things” Hellfire Club Range from Pyramid International
Swizzels Love Hearts Plush Gifts from Posh Paws
Best Licensed Food or Drink Range
Arsenal Pitch Infused Limited Edition Gin and Vodka Liquor Cracker Set from Bohemian Brands
Beatrix Potter Collection from Biscuiteers
Elton John Pianoman Truffles from Charbonnel et Walker
Harry Potter Hedwig Hollow White Chocolate Hand Decorated Owl for Marks & Spencer from Kinnerton
“Lord of the Rings” Pale Ale for Tesco from Brewdog
Me to You Collection for B&M from Kimm & Miller
Natural History Museum Dinosaur Poo from Crème D’Or
“PAW Patrol” Juice Drinks from Vital-Life Nutraceuticals
“Peppa Pig” Multivitamin Drinks from Whatever Brands
SpongeBob SquarePants Frozen Potato Shapes from Iceland Foods
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Toddler Snack Range from Ella’s Kitchen
The Innovation Award
“CoComelon” JJ’s Musical Freeze Dance Boots from Wow! Stuff
Disney x Moonpig Licensed Flower Range
“Finding Nemo” Diving Goggles Wash Bag from Half Moon Bay
“Jurassic World” Real FX Baby Blue Dinosaur from Wow! Stuff
McDonald’s French Fries Crossbody Bag x Loungefly from Funko
“Peppa Pig” Playmat Backpack from William Lamb Group
Super Mario Classic Bath Soap Confetti Cannon from H&A
“Super Mario Bros. Movie” Bath and Body Collection from LUSH
“Super Mario Bros. Movie” Fire Breathing Bowser from Jakks Pacific
Transformers Limited Edition Flagship Optimus Prime from Robosen Technologies
Wallace & Gromit Build Your Own Rocket from Build Your Own
Best Sustainable Licensed Product
The Ashmolean Museum the Treasured Collection Paint Range from Graphenstone Paints
BBC Children in Need Sportacular Collectibles from Louis Kennedy
Ben & Jerry’s x Tony’s Chocolonely Ice Cream and Chocolate co-branded collaboration
National Trust Footwear Collection from Moshulu
“PAW Patrol” Clean & Soft Range from Naturally Tribal Skincare
“PAW Patrol” Magazine from Story House Egmont
Minions YAZOO KiDS Milk Drinks from FrieslandCapina
Room on the Broom Pop-out Play-set from Play Press
“Super Mario Bros. Movie” Bath and Body Collection from LUSH
WWF Grasslands Collection from Tesco
PROPERTY CATEGORY FINALISTS
Best Preschool Licensed Property (Age Group 0-5)
“Bing”
“Bluey”
“CoComelon”
Elmer the Elephant
“Gabby’s Dollhouse”
“The Gruffalo”
“Hey Duggee”
“Paddington”
“PAW Patrol”
“Peppa Pig”
Peter Rabbit
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar”
Best Children’s or Tween Licensed Property (Age Group 5-12)
Barbie
Emoji
“The Grinch”
“Jurassic World”
Lilo & Stitch
L.O.L. Surprise!
Marvel Universe
Miraculous
My Little Pony
“Transformers”
Wizarding World
Best Teen or Adult Licensed Property
Barbie
Care Bears
“Friends”
“The Grinch”
“Peaky Blinders”
Peanuts
Pusheen
Smiley
Squishmallows
“Stranger Things”
“Wednesday”
Wizarding World
Best Gaming Licensed Property
“Among Us”
Atari
“Call of Duty”
“Fall Guys”
“Fortnite”
“Minecraft”
Pokémon
“Roblox”
“Sonic the Hedgehog”
“Super Mario Classic”
Warhammer
Xbox
Best Film Licensed Property
“Avatar The Way of Water”
“Black Panther Wakanda Forever”
“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3”
“Jurassic World Dominion”
“Lightyear”
“The Little Mermaid”
“Minions: The Rise of Gru”
“Rise of the Teenage Ninja Turtles Movie”
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie”
Best Music or Celebrity Licensed Property
The Beatles
Billie Faiers
Ed Sheeran
Elton John
Frankie Bridge
Gorillaz
Grateful Dead
Iron Maiden
Mrs Hinch
The Rolling Stones
Style Sisters
Best Sports Licensed Property
Arsenal Football Club
The Football Association
Formula 1
Liverpool Football Club
Manchester City Football Club
Manchester United Football Club
NBA
NFL
NFL Players Association
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
The Classic Licensed Property Award
This award is for properties that have stood the test of time (with at least a decade of licensing activity). The winner will join previous winners in The Licensing Classics Hall of Fame. Previous years’ winners include Barbie, The Beano, Paddington, “Peppa Pig,” Peter Rabbit, Pokémon, Mickey Mouse, Miffy, “The Snowman,” “Star Wars,” “Thomas & Friends” and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
This year’s finalists are:
Hello Kitty
In the Night Garden
Me to You
Moomin
Mr. Men and Little Miss
The Roald Dahl Story Company
“Sesame Street”
The Smurfs
“SpongeBob SquarePants”
Teletubbies
“Wallace & Gromit”
Wizarding World
What Kids Love
The only consumer award in The Licensing Awards, in collaboration with kids’ market intelligence specialist, The Insights Family. The methodology is from May 19, 2022, through May 19, 2023, for U.K. kids ages 3-12, looking at brands with the highest purchase (or purchase intent) power. To arrive at the finalists, The Insights Family – which speaks to more than half a million kids and parents every year – polled the kids about their favorite video games, TV shows, movies and YouTubers and whether they have bought – or intend to buy – anything related to them during the period. The list of licensed merchandise areas included toys, clothing, books, magazines/comics, DVDs, board games, food, stationery, stickers, apps, music tracks, toiletries, collectibles, posters, homeware, greeting cards and tickets.
“Bluey”
“Fortnite”
“Minecraft”
“PAW Patrol”
“Peppa Pig”
“Pokémon”
“Roblox”
“The Simpsons”
“Sonic the Hedgehog”
“SpongeBob SquarePants”
“Stranger Things”
“Super Mario Bros”
Honorary Achievement Award
There are no finalists announced for this award. It will be given to someone in recognition of their contribution to the industry.
The Licensing Awards 2023 takes place Sept. 12 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.
Tickets and tables can be reserved online or by contacting Clare Hollick at Create Events, [email protected].
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