Chiquita Brands, an international marketer and distributor of fresh food products, appointed Beanstalk as its licensing agency.

Chiquita is the No. 1 consumer-preferred banana brand globally and has more than 90 percent brand awareness in its key European markets. Beanstalk is tasked with developing the strategic licensing program for Chiquita in quality food brand extensions across Europe and the Middle East. Nancy Bailey & Associates manages the Chiquita Licensing Program in the U.S. This is one of the first global assignments resulting from the merger of Nancy Bailey & Associates and Beanstalk in December 2010.

Ciarán Coyle, Beanstalk’s managing director, international, said, “This is an exciting time for the Chiquita brand. Consumers’ fast-paced lifestyles today demand convenience but also quality and freshness. There is an increasing awareness of and focus on natural ingredients and eating for health. There are significant market opportunities now for a brand such as Chiquita, renowned for its commitment to freshness and real fruit taste, to innovate and add value to the food categories with the inclusion of its high-quality fruit.”

Beanstalk will be exhibiting at the Brand Licensing Europe trade show at London Olympia, October 18-20, stand No. D055.

Atlantyca Entertainment announced this week the inauguration of the Geronimo Stilton Scholarship Program, a €10.000 fund created to encourage women to study international business and trade exchange between Italy and China.

The scholarship will be awarded to two women, one from China and one from Italy, who are pursuing Master of International Business degrees. The Chinese student will be invited to attend the Master of International Business (MIB) of Università Cattolica di Milano. The Italian student will be invited to attend Fu Dan University of Shanghai. Both students will be offered a full year of study in international business at these prestigious universities.

The Italian student will be chosen this month, and the Chinese student will be named in March.

“We are eager to encourage more young women to enter the challenging field of international business in an even more challenging market like the Chinese one with a scholarship that will help young women achieve independence in a field typically dominated by men,” said Atlantyca Entertainment CEO Claudia Mazzucco “To invest in this educational endeavor demonstrates our confidence in the Chinese marketplace, a country that continues to offer us enormous success and tangible business opportunities.”

Mazzucco was bestowed with the 2010 Manager Woman Award by Fondazione Italia Cina, in recognition of her continued dedication to creating and implementing a flow of innovative ideas to consistently support the expansion of children’s literacy between China and Italy. Fondazione Italia Cina in partnership with Milano Finanza, bestowed the award at the annual awards ceremony held November 2010 in Milan.

Atlantyca Entertainment maintains an office in Beijing, which opened in 2010, dedicated to business development activities with primary focus in publishing and translation rights internationally. Atlantyca represents some of today’s leading literary properties, including Mondadori’s top properties and works with leading publishers including Qingdao Publishing, Tianjin Chinese World Books, and People’s Literature Publishing House. Translation agreements, for the company in China, surpassed more then 360 in Atlantyca’s first year of establishing the office.

Gil Scott-Heron said that “the revolution will not be televised.” Now we know why. Follow the logic: If television rots your brain, as some people have said, who does that harm the most? You, obviously, but beyond that, I’d have to say zombies. Zombies, like koala bears, sustain themselves on a single food source. Human brains, eucalyptus leaves, what’s the difference? A big one, actually. Televise the revolution, even if it’s a zombie revolution, and it’s just bad eating.

It’s hard out there for a zombie, but it’s not all bad. European retailer C&A will launch an Extreme Zombies apparel line in its 1,400 stores in Europe. Extreme Zombies, aimed at boys 8 and up, boasts a new style guide, and worked with IndieGo Distributions to complete the deal, which was brokered by MGL Licensing.

I, for one, welcome our zombie overlords.

—Bryan Joiner (has a small brain)

The Licensing Awards for the United Kingdom were handed out last night at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel… and wouldn’t you know, we have a full list of winners. That’s just how we roll.

Best Licensed Toys or Games Range
Star Wars Talking Plush Range from Underground Toys 

Best Licensed Dress Up or Party Range
Sesame Street Dress Up Costumes from Smiffy’s

Best Licensed Children’s Apparel Range
The Gruffalo SS11 Range for Sainsbury’s TU from Brecrest Babywear

Best Licensed Adult Apparel Range
Where’s Wally? Underwear and Nightwear for Next from Somerbond

Best Licensed Written, Listening or Learning Range
Peppa Pig Electronic Learning Range from InspirationWorks

Best Licensed Paper Products or Stationery Range
Star Wars Classic Poster and 3D Poster Range from GBeye

Best Licensed Giftware Range
Hello Kitty Nerdy Range from Blueprint Collections

Best Licensed Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares Range
Sophie Conran Buckets Of Fun from Burgon & Ball

Best Licensed Food and Drink Range
Nando’s Food Gift Range from Kimm & Miller UK

Best Licensed Brand Range
Red or Dead Bicycle Collection from Raleigh

The Innovation Award
Volkswagen T1 Camper Van Tent from The Monster Factory

The Retailer Awards

Best Pre-School Retailer of Licensed Products
Asda (includes George@Asda)

Best Kids Retailer of Licensed Products
Next

Best Brands Retailer of Licensed Products
John Lewis

Best Direct Selling Retailer of Licensed Products
Amazon

Top Retailer Award
Next

The Licensed Property Awards

Best Pre-School Licensed Property
Fireman Sam

Best Schoolers/Tween or Teen Licensed Property
Ben 10

Best Brand Licensed Property
JCB

Best Sports Licensed Property
London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Best Celebrity Licensed Property
JLS

The Best Classic Licensed Property
Star Wars

Best Licensed Marketing Communication 2011 Award
Mr Happy Should’ve Gone To Specsavers from Chorion

Honorary Achievement Award
John Sinfield

Saban Brands announced today the continued expansion of the Paul Frank brand across Asia with the opening of its first flagship store in China.  Working in partnership with Shanghai Romma, a subsidiary of the Jun Yao Corporation, the companies plan to launch at least 60 additional Paul Frank Stores throughout China over the next five years. The announcement was made today by Kirk Bloomgarden, Senior Vice President, International Licensing, Saban Brands.

“Asia is one of the fastest growing markets for the Paul Frank brand, with strong demand for products across all categories, and with an increasing brand awareness in China, there is tremendous opportunity in the retail marketplace there,” says Bloomgarden.  “We are thrilled to launch our first dedicated store in China, and look forward to executing a five-year growth plan that will deliver the Paul Frank experience across the country.”

As China evolves from global manufacturer, the country surpassed Germany as the world’s top manufacturer last year, to a global consumer marketplace, the Chinese have garnered purchasing power parity estimated to be U.S. $10.09 trillion. As one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with consistent growth rates of 5% – 15% over the past 30 years, China is also the largest exporter and second largest importer of goods in the world.

Saban Brands opened the doors to its flagship Paul Frank store in China in the Joy City Mall in Xidan, Beijing on September 9. The Grand Opening of the Paul Frank Store Beijing included a fashion show and musical celebration forcustomers with Shanghai Romma and Saban Brands executives as well as local dignitaries in attendance. To date, Saban Brands has established Paul FrankStores throughout Asia, in Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia.

HIT Entertainment has inked a deal with Morgan Home Fashions for new lines of Thomas & Friends seasonal beach products. Armed with the No. 1 preschool property, Thomas & Friends, Morgan will be riding the rails providing unique beach products that will be unveiled to retailers during New York Home Fashions Market Week from September 19-23. The new line will hit stores for the 2012 beach season, too late for this TLB editor, who will be catching rays, weather permitting, in four days.

Thomas & Friends will blanket the beach with products, including sun shades, zip-up beach mats, and roll up beach mats. The merchandise will be targeted toward kids of all ages and their parents. This is the first time Thomas & Friends seasonal products will be designed and offered specifically for use at the beach.

Skechers to Southeast Asia

Skechers USA, Inc. has signed a licensing agreement with The Licensing Management Group (LMG) to develop the brand across Southeast Asia.

Under the multiyear agreement, LMG will present a wide range of strategic opportunities to leverage the brand’s prominence as a multifaceted lifestyle brand for men, women, and children across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In addition to LMG, Skechers’s current global licensee network includes a worldwide partnership with Viva International Group for eyewear; a multiyear partnership with Li & Fung’s LF USA for Skechers Fitness apparel and accessories in the United States; and a wide range of international partnerships, including apparel in China, South Korea, Israel, and India; bags in Panama; and watches in the Philippines. Skechers also has licensing agreements for kids’ apparel, socks, watches, bags, luggage and medical scrubs, among others, and is continuing to seek new opportunities to bring the Skechers brand to new product segments around the globe.

—Bryan Joiner

Mind Candy has more than 30 licensees signed on to represent the global kids hit Moshi Monsters, which has more than 50 million registered users across the globe. Mind Candy announced its growing list of premium licensing partners today.

North America
North America is a key area of growth for Moshi Monsters, with more than 15 million children having adopted a monster. Mind Candy recently announced the opening of its New York-based office and the hire of Eric Karp, who is tasked with developing Moshi’s North American licensing program. Spin Master is onboard as U.S. toy partner—with an exclusive retail partnership to be announced at Vegas Licensing Show on Tuesday. Scholastic is onboard for publishing, with one book on shelf and several others to hit throughout this year. Topps is producing and distributing Moshi Monsters trading cards. Mind Candy will soon announce details of a video game set to launch this fall and will also launch a subscription service for the magazine, along with an exciting retail promotion this summer.

UK
The Moshi Monsters licensing program is well established within the UK, the brand’s domestic market. Vivid launched the first ever Moshi Monsters toy range in the UK in January with incredible sell-through leaving shelves bare. Moshi was ranked fourth biggest brand launch of this year in the April NPD charts. Penguin (global publishing partner exc. North America) now has six titles on shelf. Mind Candy launched the Moshi Monsters magazine in February, which was the largest selling kids title in the UK by the third issue. Trading cards from Topps have also proved popular. Other categories include Top Trumps (Winning Moves), beanies (Ty), key chains (Basic Fun), posters (GB Eye), calendars (Danilo), apparel (Somerbond), bedroom ware and textiles (Character World, Worlds Apart), Dress Up (Smiffys), cushions (Ilanit Toys), party ware (Gemma International), cakes and confectionary (Lightbodies, Bon Bon Buddies), lunch ware (Spearmark), and bags (Trademark Collections).

Australia/New Zealand
Moshi Monsters has experienced incredible success in both Australia and New Zealand. The toy range from Hunter Toys was unveiled at Australia Toy Fair in March, and demand has outstripped supply as products have flown from shelves. Planet Fun is onboard for distribution in New Zealand. Fusion is on board as licensing agent for both territories. Categories include publishing (Penguin), magazine (produced in-house), trading cards (Topps), Top Trumps (Winning Moves), posters (GB Eye), and key chains (Basic Fun). Apparel and hosiery have been signed, and a major QSR promotion will be announced after Licensing Show.

Mind Candy is thrilled with how its global licensing program is shaping up, says Darran Garnham, head of the company’s global licensing division. “The key for us is signing partners who get the brand and will produce good quality, innovative products. Get in touch if you want to hear more about exciting licensing opportunities,” Garnham says.

Mind Candy will be exhibiting at Booth No. 5669 at the Las Vegas Licensing Show this week.

Atlantyca Entertainment, a transmedia entertainment company based in Italy, has sold its hit animated series for preschoolers, Dive Olly Dive! seasons one and two (104 x 11’), to Turner Broadcasting System Italy, which delivers entertainment brands including Boomerang, Cartoon Network, and Boing in joint venture with Rti/Mediaset.

The agreement with Turner Broadcasting System Europe grants pay and free TV rights throughout Italy and will commence with the series premiering June 13 on Boomerang. Dive Olly Dive! is a co-production of Mike Young Productions Limited (MYP), Flying Bark Productions Pty Ltd. of Australia, KI.KA, ARD of Germany, Telegael Teo of Ireland, Atlantyca Entertainment of Italy, and GDC in China.

Commenting on the sale to one of the country’s most important broadcasters to children, Atlantyca Sales Manager Luana Perrero says, “We are extremely pleased that children in Italy will have the opportunity to enjoy the underwater escapades of little submarines Olly and Beth on Boomerang this summer. Italian kids are certain to benefit from the fun adventures and learning they will experience as they join hundreds of millions of children around the world who have become loyal fans of the series.”

Turner Broadcasting System Italy Content Director Cecilia Padula says, “We are very pleased to have reached the agreement with Atlantyca and to host Dive Olly Dive on our channels, starting from Boomerang this summer. It is a funny and brilliant show, which suits perfectly with the positive values and energy we wish to communicate in our programming. The UNESCO patronage adds value to a product that surely will enchant both children and parents.”

Dive Ollie Dive is a 3-D HD CGI animated series for preschoolers. The series follows the fun-filled underwater escapades of young research submarine-in-training, Olly, and his best friend and fellow sub-in-training, Beth. Season two takes our heroes out of the sheltered, self-contained world of Safe Harbour and into the vast and wondrous oceans of the world. They now explore polar ice caps, great tropical reefs and mysterious depths of the deep ocean.

United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized the educational value of Dive Olly Dive! and is using Olly to promote its underwater initiatives, including educating children on the issues surrounding our oceans. Additionally, UNESCO has been involved in script development for season two of Dive Olly Dive! on those locations and themes that are under its patronage.

“We are thrilled to have worked with UNESCO on the development of the second season of Dive Olly Dive! and welcome the added credibility this highly respected organization brings to the series as we continue to build on our audience of young children, which has already exceeded a cumulative 350 million viewers worldwide,” says Mazzucco.

In addition to the successful Dive Olly Dive! animated series, Italian publisher Piemme has published six books. Atlantyca Entertainment’s licensing department is currently in negotiations with a number of potential licensees for product launches in Italy.

Rubicon Group Holding, a diversified global entertainment organization producing innovative digital animated content and location-based attractions, will design and produce The Red Sea Astrarium (TRSA), a 184-acre themed entertainment resort located in Aqaba, Jordan, which, through a license from CBS Consumer Products, will prominently feature an attraction inspired by the 2009 international hit motion picture, Star Trek.  The “Star Trek” attraction is being creatively developed by Paramount Recreation.

RGH has joined with CBS Consumer Products and Paramount Recreation to create a stunning Star Trek-themed center that will deliver a variety of multi-sensory 23rd-century experiences, culminating with a state-of-the art space-flight adventure that takes real-time immersive entertainment experiences to bold new heights. This exciting, world-class attraction will serve as the cornerstone of the TRSA sector’s world of tomorrow. This will mark the iconic property’s first themed entertainment venue outside the United States.

In 1981, Diana Spencer and Prince Charles got married. Their eldest son, Prince William, and his ladylove, Catherine Middleton—or simply “Kate,” are now set for their own royal wedding.

In the hearts and minds of British subjects, it’s been a long time coming: The pairs on-again, off-again courtship spanned nearly nine years, causing several British tabloids to nickname the soon-to-be-Royal “waity Katie.”

Well, the wait is finally over and the two got engaged in October 2010, with the wedding scheduled for April 29 at Westminster Abbey.

It took no time for merchandizing to begin—several products were already collecting dust in anticipation of the royal announcement. Fans of fairytale weddings can collect stationery by the Royal Mail, china sets from Aynsley China, and coins by the Royal Mint.

In the world of games, card game company Top Trumps has produced a limited-edition Royal Wedding pack. Categories include VIP, Age, Style Icon, Celebrity Press, and Big Day Rating.

A license has even been signed to watch the wedding on the high seas. OceansTV, a provider of in-cabin TV entertainment to cruise line companies, has signed a non-exclusive distribution agreement with BBC World News for the licensing of the channel’s Royal Wedding coverage.

The BBC will be broadcasting live throughout the day, including from within Westminster Abbey during the ceremony.

Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruise Lines, P&O UK and Holland America are amongst the fleets that will be showing the Royal Wedding coverage to their passengers.

Here’s hoping the two have a long-lasting marriage.

—Mackenzie Allison