Gift Focus - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 112)

Penguin Ventures to celebrate the 40 th Anniversary of Where’s Spot? in 2020 Penguin Ventures, together with Puffin Books, will be celebrating 40 years of Eric Hill’s classic picture book Where’s Spot? in 2020. Spot has been an integral part of early childhood since he appeared in lift-the-flap adventure Where’s Spot?, first published in 1980. The format was the first of its kind and initiated a new publishing concept of creating interactive books for babies and young children. Spot has since been translated into more than 60 languages, including Dutch, Finnish, Italian and Korean, as well as a braille edition. The series has sold more than 65 million books worldwide. A firm favourite with pre-schoolers and parents, Spot’s toddler-like behaviour introduces children to new experiences, friendship and play in a fun and gentle way. Penguin Ventures is now proactively seeking new licensees for their successful Spot consumer products program. Rainbow Designs has recently been announced as partner for plush, and Dennicci has been confirmed for infant apparel. Susan Bolsover, licensing and consumer products director at Penguin Ventures, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating another important milestone for one of our much-loved brands! Spot feels as fresh and relevant to parents and children today as he was when first created by Eric Hill in 1980. There is already significant interest shown by licensees for Spot, and I’m excited about the opportunities that the anniversary will offer to further elevate this classic character, both in the UK and globally.” Penguin Ventures has planned a series of partnerships and collaborations, with Licensing Works! recently signed as Spot’s licensing agent in the US. Leslie Levine, owner of Licensing Works! said: “ Where’s Spot? is timeless and as popular as ever today with parents and children alike. This iconic brand is a beautiful addition to our portfolio, and we are extremely excited to execute the 40 th -anniversary licensing plans to roll-out classic perennial merchandise for infants and toddlers.” Jewel Branding & Licensing Signs CatCoq Jewel Branding & Licensing is excited to announce that the company has signed trendy, free-spirited design brand CatCoq for global licensing representation. JBL officially debuted the brand at the Surtex show in New York in early February. CatCoq was founded by Cat Coquillette, a location-independent artist who finds inspiration for her artwork in the many countries she makes her home. Coquillette’s original artwork has been featured by celebrities, including Jessica Simpson, Khloe Kardashian, Hillary Duff and Lucy Hale. She has had successful collaborations with Urban Outfitters, Fab Fit Fun, Modcloth, Brit + Co and has been featured in Teen Vogue and Good Housekeeping . Coquillette’s striking patterns can be found on products sold at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and Homegoods. Since signing CatCoq, JBL has closed licensing programs with several licensees. CatCoq’s striking imagery will soon debut on wall décor, stationery, back-to-school products and gifts. Deals for CatCoq were signed with several international companies at Brand Licensing Europe 2018, including Paso and IconLogin. Additional programs have been brokered with Wisconsin-based manufacturer the LANG Companies, Inc. looking to diversify its product portfolio with Coquillette’s designs featured on stationery. Primitives By Kathy has also signed a deal to license the brand’s artwork on a wide range of gifting products. CatCoq founder Cat Coquillette said: “I’m very excited to partner with Jewel & Brand Licensing to expand my licensing program to new categories and multiply the number of people around the world that my artwork touches. Through the company’s extensive list of global licensing partners, my artwork can continue to inspire a love and appreciation for art and the wonderful planet we share.” The Gourmet Candy Company launches new RHS confectionery lines Following the success of The Gourmet Candy Company’s RHS confectionery range, launched in 2017 and extended in early 2018, The Royal Horticultural Society has announced a further expansion of the range for 2019, including five new lines. Along with the existing selection of chocolate gift boxes, fudges and honeycomb bars, the RHS Confectionery range now includes Treacle Toffee, Salted Caramel Toffee, Milk Chocolate Bunnies, Milk Chocolate Hedgehogs and Milk Chocolate Butterflies, all presented in classic RHS design gift boxes and packaging, with designs inspired by the RHS Lindley Library. The new lines will be available at retail from March 2019 onward. Outlets stocking the range will include Wyevale Garden Centres, along with department stores, independent garden centres, farm shops and the RHS shops based at the RHS gardens in Wisley, Harlow Carr, Hyde Hall and Rosemoor. Distribution is also planned for a number of international markets, including the U.S., Australia and Sweden. The market for the range is likely to be lovers of fine confectionery and RHS supporters, but there will be a strong secondary market of gift-givers looking for unusual and elegant treats to present to friends or family. 90 giftfocus hot property