Latchkits, PlayMonster’s popular DIY crafting brand, releases Latchkits Yarnimals, craft kits which teach kids how to make their own adorable 3D plush. Kids can proudly create their own Latchkits Koala, Panda, or Penguin, and discover hours of cuddly fun when they’re done creating.
Miko, the little robot loved by millions of children around the globe, is now a host to kids’ streaming platform Kidoodle.TV. With the just-announced collaboration between Miko and A Parent Media Company Incorporated, families can explore Kidoodle.TV’s ever-growing kids’ content catalog on their Miko 3 robots. That includes kid favorites like Booba, Big B Statz Roblox, SuperHeroKids, Talking Tom Shorts and T-Rex Ranch — plus dozens of other shows available ad-free on Miko 3.
University Games and Forbidden Games have announced the acquisition of Raccoon Tycoon, Mosaic, and the rest of the intellectual property of Forbidden Games, the brainchild of Glenn Drover, game designer and president of Forbidden Games. “I am extremely excited that our games will join the impressive product line at University Games, where they will benefit from University’s broad market penetration and channel expertise,” stated Glenn, who will be joining the team at University Games as VP of the Strategy Games Division. He continued by adding, “And I anticipate being able to add a ton of value for University Games in a booming category that weaves perfectly into their existing strengths.”
Popeye the Sailor Man is partnering with UNDONE, the world’s leading custom watch brand and MADworld to release a specialized NFT collection across Asia. The Popeye Metaverse Madness tells the story of Popeye in different parallels, where the balance of time and space is broken and chaos occurs. The program will include more than 4,000 Popeye character variations dressed in an assortment of costumes, set against a variety of backgrounds, and released in the form of Algorithmically Generated NFTs. The deal was brokered by MediaLink, Popeye brand owner, King Features’, local agent in China.
As part of a Walmart-led environmental initiative, the 14’ plush version of I Care Bear (Ages 4+) is being introduced to the world to celebrate Earth Day, with a beanie version to follow in August 2022. I Care Bear is here to remind us how important it is to take care of the Earth. He encourages us to recycle, reduce waste, and walk or ride our bikes when we can. He’s always there to make sure his friends care for the environment. For this nature-loving bear, there is no greater joy than keeping our earth clean for generations to come. I Care Bear is made of approximately 94% recycled polyester, and his box is made from 100% recycled paper and printed with eco-friendly soybean ink. Upon launch, I Care Bear was selected as the “Unlock the Magic” winner for the NAPPA Parenting Product Awards.
Goliath, one of the few remaining, family-owned global toy and game companies, has announced the acquisition of Colorific, a family-owned STEM, craft, activity, preschool and educational toy business based in Melbourne, Australia, effective immediately.
Brand Central, a top 10 licensing agency and brand consultancy, is highlighting its roster of clients and its diversity of services at Licensing Expo 2022 in Las Vegas. For the past 20+ years, Brand Central has specialized in brands that are driving cultural conversations in the pop culture zeitgeist. A few of the leading CPG brands the agency is featuring include Mars Wrigley, the largest confectionery company in the world, with a portfolio of iconic brands such as M&M’S, Snickers, Twix, Dove, Skittles, Starburst, and Hubba Bubba, and Kraft Heinz, the third largest food company with beloved global brands such as Oscar Mayer, Heinz Ketchup, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Jell-O and Kool-Aid. The latest client joining the roster is Bimbo Bakeries USA which includes popular brands such as Entenmann’s, Little Bites, Thomas, Boboli, and many more. The agency is also working with a roster of many other cult favorite food and beverage brands including: Tapatio Hot Sauce, Cap’n Crunch and Takis.
MGM Consumer Products announced that they will host the third annual virtual licensing summit on May 3rd, following-up on the success of the previous years’ event. Exciting plans, upcoming initiatives, and sneak peeks will be unveiled for iconic brands including Pink Panther, Wednesday, Creed III, Vikings: Valhalla and more. In addition, MGM plans to discuss how the studio’s licensing division is building out its popular sci-fi and horror portfolios and reimagining those categories with the expansion of Midnite Movies and the introduction of Sci- Fi Stories. MGM will also spotlight several other iconic properties, including Pink Panther’s 60th anniversary and the expansion of licensing programs around Creed III, Wednesday and Vikings: Valhalla tied to recent and upcoming series and movie debuts.
HABA USA has announced that President Lea Culliton will retire in June after two decades leading the company. Culliton, who led sales, marketing, and operations, helped introduce, establish, and grow the HABA brand name in North America. Cynthia Waruszewski now joins the company as head of North American sales and marketing with more than 15 years of experience growing brands including American Girl, Barbie, Fisher-Price, Disney, Carter’s and Pottery Barn Kids.