Unibrands, Wicked Cool in Deals with MasterChef
Endemol Shine North America, producers of reality competition series MasterChef and MasterChef Junior, have partnered with Unibrands and Wicked Cool Toys to develop a cooking products line inspired by Fox’s franchise.
Unibrands debuted the MasterChef-inspired BBQ Grilling Sets and Accessories. The collection includes a spatula, tongs, fork, and basting brush with signature stainless steel and rubberized grip design. Grill accessories will include grill light and covers and oven mitts. Thermometers will also be part of the debut collection.
Wicked Cool Toys’ line includes real cooking tools, plating suggestions to create elevated dishes, and three levels of recipes for all skill levels. The cooking sets debuted in November 2015 exclusively at participating Walmart Stores and will be in additional retailers in 2016.
Both deals were brokered by licensing agency Brand Central, which represents MasterChef.
Masha and the Bear Deals in Italy
Maurizio Distefano Licensing announced three new licensing deals for the preschool property Masha and the Bear in the Italian food and accessories markets. These are in addition to the 60 contracts signed for the Italian market in the past year for Masha and the Bear. The new deals are listed here.
Swiss Eyewear Group will develop a line of Masha and the Bear sunglasses for children. The Masha and the Bear-themed glasses, made in different styles and colors, will feature 100 percent polarized lenses, anti-shock frames, and modern design.
Mineral water company, Acqua Sant’Anna, will produce and market Masha and the Bear fruit juices, iced decaffeinated tea, and still and sparkling mineral water in various sizes.
PreGel, a leading Italian manufacturer of gelato, yogurt, dessert, and pastry products, will offer Italian ice cream stores the opportunity to serve various flavors inspired by the hit show.
With a target audience of children ages 3–9, Masha and the Bear has enjoyed strong TV ratings in Italy as well as on-demand streaming on YouTube, Chili, and Infinity, and a popular Facebook page. A new spin-off series, Masha Tales, a film, and a live tour have also been popular. Previously announced licensing deals featured beachware, bicycles, bicycle accessories, confectionery, markers, coloring sets, umbrellas, bed linen, clocks, and watches.
Select Brands Introduces TMNT Small Appliances
Select Brands and Nickelodeon announced the introduction of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles–branded small appliances. The new products mark Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’s first major launch into the small appliance category. This new line will be at retail this fall.
Featuring designs from the classic comics, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles product line includes:
- Three different Turtles mug warmer sets, each including a ceramic mug incorporating the design
- Two Turtles waffle maker styles
- A one-cup coffee maker including a ceramic mug
- A pizza maker designed for a 12-inch frozen, homemade, or from-scratch pizza
Snyder’s-Lance Signs Brand Central
Snyder’s-Lance, Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of snack foods, has signed Brand Central LLC as its licensing agency for both brand extensions and licensing acquisitions for its portfolio of brands. Snyder’s-Lance portfolio includes some of America’s favorite snack foods such as Snyder’s of Hanover, Lance, Cape Cod, Snack Factory, Pretzel Crisps, Late July, and Stella D’oro.
Yu-Gi-Oh, Silver Buffalo in Deal
4K Media, Inc., the Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., subsidiary that manages the licensing and marketing of the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand, announced it has signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Silver Buffalo for a line of housewares, lifestyle, and accessory products utilizing artwork from the Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters series.
Silver Buffalo will develop specialty hot and cold drinkware, home décor, and blanket lines incorporating the anime artwork from Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters. The line launches this spring in the U.S. and Canada.
Pantone Signs JAM Brands for Canada
Pantone, the global color authority, is partnering with JAM Brands, Inc., to introduce the Pantone Universe brand to Canadian licensees specializing in fashion, lifestyle, home décor, giftware, and publishing.