Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, an international producer, distributor and licensor of children’s animated and live-action content, and Cloudco Entertainment, owner of the Care Bears entertainment brand, have announced a new True North Bear exclusively available in Canada at Walmart and Toys “R” Us. Fans of the franchise can also look for more Care Bears collaborations with Peace Collective, Ardene and Kernels Popcorn coming this year.

“Nelvana and Cloudco came together with a goal to create something unique and exclusive for Canadian Care Bear fans, and it’s no surprise the True North Bear is already taking the country by storm,” says Carly Slack, director, licensing, marketing and retail, Nelvana. “Our collaboration with Cloudco Entertainment to create an exciting moment for True North Bear is being so well received by fans around the world, and we’re excited for where our next big Canadian Care Bears collaboration will take us. These bespoke collaborations pair nostalgia with some of Canada’s top brands and business alliances, delivering quality merchandise and innovative promotional partnerships that portray the characters in a unique and authentic Canadian way.”

True North Bear, produced by master toy partner, Basic Fun!, comes in a 14-inch plush that wears his Canadian pride on his tummy. Featuring a new belly badge with a smiling maple leaf, True North Bear is sporting a red toque with a white pom-pom.

Related:10 Minutes With … Cloudco Entertainment on the Success of ‘Care Bears’ in Brand Licensing

“We are thrilled to partner with Nelvana to bring True North Bear to our dedicated Canadian fan base,” says Robert Prinzo, head, licensing, Cloudco Entertainment. “This exclusive collaboration is a celebration of our fans and a testament to their unwavering love for Care Bears. The response to True North Bear has been incredible, and we are excited to continue creating unique and authentic experiences for our Canadian fans. This is just the beginning of our journey together, and we can’t wait to see where our next collaboration takes us.”

In addition to True North Bear, Nelvana is launching several new partnerships in 2023, including a new clothing line focused on mental health from streetwear brand, Peace Collective, plus new launches with fashion retailer, Ardene and a promotional partnership with Kernel’s popcorn.

See Cloudco Entertainment at Licensing Expo, June 13-15 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas.

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