Industry News
Minecraft Continues Global Consumer Products Growth with New Partnerships and Expanding Licensing Program
The Hey Dude x Minecraft footwear collection brings playful Minecraft designs to both kids and adults and has delivered strong sell-through.
Jazwares & Sanrio to expand Hello Kitty And Friends range to EMEA
Jazwares has announced a licensing agreement with Sanrio GmbH.
Maurizio Distefano the evolution of Licensing comes to BLE
Masha and the Three Bears was showcased in June at the Annecy Animation Festival, with its first trailer expected to debut ahead of BLE.
The interview by official China Licensing Expo website——Vikram Sharma at Warner Bros. Discovery
Lil’ Iguana: 32 Years of Protecting Childhood Through Entertainment
Lil’ Iguana, born from a father's mission to protect his children over 32 years ago, has evolved into a multifaceted global children's entertainment and educational property with a new 3D animated series, Lil’ Iguana & Friends, aiming to introduce safety education and positive values to a new generation.
Sanrio Launches New Global YouTube Channel for Kids
Sanrio Co., Ltd. launched a new global YouTube channel, "Sanrio Kids – Cartoons & Kids Songs," featuring original 3D animated content with beloved characters to support children's emotional and social development through fun and educational content in both Japanese and English.
Mattel Spotlights ‘Barbie in the Nutcracker’ with 25th Anniversary Celebration
Mattel celebrates the 25th anniversary of "Barbie in the Nutcracker" with a new TV special on Netflix, a classic film re-release, and a new toy collection, honoring the enduring magic of dance and storytelling.
Loungefly Launches Pixar ‘Cars’ 20th Anniversary Collection
Lifestyle accessory brand Loungefly has dropped its Disney‑Pixar *Cars* 20th‑anniversary merchandise collection with character‑themed bags and blind‑box keychain charms.
Mad Beauty Celebrates Its Most Innovative Harry Potter-Inspired Collection Yet
Mad Beauty teams up with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to roll out a new Harry Potter beauty collection for Autumn/Winter 2026, featuring interactive items including a 24-day advent calendar with UV magic wand, Sorting Hat lip balm and Dobby sock gift set, celebrating 25 years since the first Harry Potter film.
Starbucks Launches Peanuts Merch Collection
Starbucks partners with Peanuts to roll out a 10-piece limited-edition merchandise line themed on the Halloween classic *It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown*, marking the special’s 60th anniversary and launching globally on September 15.
Outfit7 Expands 'Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super' Through Multi-Territory Partnership with Amazon Kids+
Outfit7 has secured a multi‑platform partnership with Amazon Kids+ to roll out 'Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super', launching first in the U.S. before expanding to Canada, Europe and Mexico this autumn, covering animated streaming, toy merchandise and an exclusive companion game for Amazon Fire Tablets.
Burger King Launches 'Dragon Ball Super' Menu With Exclusive Figurines
Partnering with Toei Animation, Burger King rolls out its limited‑time *Dragon Ball Super‑themed* menu across participating U.S. restaurants starting September 1, featuring the Power Up Pack and King Jr. Meal with exclusive character figurines, special sauce, mango‑pe popping‑boba lemonade and themed packaging, while supplies last.
McDonald’s Makes Waves with SpongeBob X One Piece Happy Meal Toys
McDonald’s USA brings SpongeBob SquarePants and One Piece together for their‑first‑ever crossover Happy‑Meal toy collection, launching September 15 with 15 mash‑up collectibles that reimagine Bikini Bottom characters as members of the Straw‑Hat Crew.
Fast & Furious Celebrates Anniversary with Products and Experiences
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Fast & Furious franchise, Universal Products & Experiences rolls out a worldwide licensing program covering collectible vehicle models, apparel, retail pop‑ups, car tours and theme‑park attractions across North America, China, Japan and Europe, with more activations scheduled for 2026.
Beard Papa's Launches Persona 30th Anniversary Cream Puffs, Merchandise
Beard Papa’s has teamed up with ATLUS for a limited‑time Persona 30th‑anniversary collaboration across participating U.S. stores from September 4 to October 4, 2026, launching themed cream puffs, gift sets with in‑game codes, official merchandise and in‑store fan‑focused decorations.
LEGO Super Mario Levels Up with New Building Sets
The LEGO Group is changing the game with its latest wave of Super Mario building sets. For the first time ever, the eight new builds will include minifig versions of Mario, Luigi, and the rest of the Mushroom Kingdom mainstays.
Omens Studios Expand Kids' Franchises
Omens Studios is launching a new “Leo the Wildlife Ranger” e-commerce store which will feature storybooks, activity books and merchandise. Further product ranges, including apparel, bags, stickers and plush, are planned for Q4 2026.
ESA, Pokémon Team Up for World Space Week
The European Space Agency (ESA) and The Pokémon Company International (TPCi) will collaboratively celebrate World Space Week from Oct. 4 to 10.
Disney Presents 'World Princess Week'
Aug. 21 is the premiere “LEGO Disney Princess: Magical Mayhem.” The new Disney+ special follows the princess characters and their sidekicks as a cozy castle day turns chaotic when animals run amok.
Walker Books to publish Search & Find The Traitors: Where’s The Secret Traitor?
Walker Entertainment, an imprint of Walker Books, has has announced it has acquired World English Language rights (excluding USA) from All3Media International, part of media and entertainment group, Banijay Entertainment, to publish Search & Find The Traitors: Where’s The Secret Traitor?based on the global hit TV show.