March 7, 2023 - aNb Media, Inc.

The Insights Family Voted the MarTech Company of the Year

The Insights Family – the global leader in kids, teens, parents, and family market intelligence – has been named as the number one most innovative marketing technology creator in the UK in the coveted and competitive 2023 MarTech 50 awards. The Manchester based MarTech company, which works with more than 120 clients and operates in 22 markets across 6 continents working with clients such as Amazon, BBC, Hasbro, LEGO, and Warner Media was voted as the MarTech company of the year for 2023. This is a much-improved ranking after receiving 4th place and number one outside of London in 2022 but has risen impressively to top spot in 2023. Judges are impressed by the companies’ continued growth, and how their new mission and strategy is providing actionable insight to a broad range of marketing functions across a wide range of markets.

Luxury Stroller Wagon Brand Wonderfold Partners with Exclusive Importers and Distributors for UK and Australia

WonderFold, the leader in the luxury stroller wagon category, has announced their partnership with Baby Central and Coolkidz Australia, two exclusive juvenile products importers and distributors, for their first and only authorized expansion into the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia (AU)/New Zealand (NZ). The UK and AU/NZ join France, Canada, Spain and Korea as authorized distributors. “WonderFold’s expansion into the UK and AU/NZ marks a milestone in the company’s growth and we are eager to make this investment in our customers worldwide,” said WonderFold Co-Founder, Sabrina Ng. “We are grateful to have found partners that can help us further extend our reach globally and we look forward to achieving this next stage of growth.”

WiT Women in Toys Wonder Awards 2024 scholarship

Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Elects Cristina Liquori as Treasurer

Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT), a global nonprofit organization and the industry’s preeminent voice for the advancement of women, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cristina Liquori to its board of directors as Treasurer for a three-year term, which began on January 1, 2023. As Treasurer, Cristina will guide and oversee management of WiT’s financial affairs. Her contributions will help the organization drive impactful opportunities that…

Hasbro and Franklin Sports Expands Collaboration Through a Strategic Global NERF Licensing Deal

Hasbro, a global branded entertainment leader, announced today a licensing agreement with Franklin Sports, a leading manufacturer and retailer in the sporting goods industry, to expand its retail production and distribution of NERF Sports products globally. Hasbro will collaborate closely with Franklin to deliver brand-new innovations for the leading action-based performance brand, while expanding the product line’s retail distribution in markets around the world.

YuMe Toys Kicks Off 2023 with the Launch of DZNR Collectibles

YuMe Toys, a division of the Maxx Group, is launching a new series of DZNR collectibles of premium quality designer plush for 2023. The 7” collectible features the heritage and artistry of an iconic character condensed into a stylized art plush that consumers can identify and enjoy with appeals to kids, kidults, fans and collectors alike. Marketed to consumers as limited-edition collections, new lines will be unveiled throughout the year to ensure excitement. The DZNR series for 2023 features characters from Stranger Things, Jujutsu Kaisen, Marvel, Spider-man, and other IPs that are yet to be announced.

Madballs and The Sandbox Launch Brand New Avatar Collection and Experiences in the Metaverse

The Sandbox, a leading decentralized gaming virtual world and subsidiary of Animoca Brands, has launched a partnership with Cloudco Entertainment and its iconic property, Madballs. Madballs has sold millions of toys since its initial launch in the 80s and has an extensive consumer products program, inclusive of apparel, video games, comic books, and more. The partnership with Madballs will include the development of digital collectibles and the introduction of a unique Avatar collection. Each Avatar will be based on the original, outrageously disgusting Madballs characters, plus never-before-seen designs from the ‘80s, featuring ghastly faces, grotesque names, and disruptively funny attitudes to match. Customized with unique, randomly generated traits, each Madball boasts over 20 hand-crafted animations and offers a first-of-its-kind experience in The Sandbox metaverse.

ZAG Heroez Miraculous Movie Dolls from Playmates and ZAG Available at Major Retailers in the US in Fall 2023

Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir, the globally popular heroes of ZAG Heroez Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir animated TV series, make their film debut this year in the US$100+ million animated movie, Ladybug and Cat Noir: The Movie. To celebrate, the movie doll line from ZAG’s global master toy partner, Playmates Toys, will be available at major retailers in fall 2023. The announcement was made today by Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO, ZAG, and Georgia Manolas Walker, VP of Marketing, Girls Brands, Playmates.

ZAG Licensing Partners Novabrink and Xalingo Unveil First ‘Ghostforce’ Products at the ABRIN Expo in Brazil

Global independent animation studio ZAG in conjunction with local licensing partners Novabrink and Xalingo have unveiled the first Ghostforce toy products at ABRIN in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the largest event in the toy sector across Latin America. ZAG is most well-known for mega hit global brand Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, and Ghostforce; and the company is in production on Melody, an animated feature starring singer, songwriter and actress, Katy Perry. Several additional new IPs are also in development.

Afro Unicorn Expands Merchandise Program, Appointing Global Licensing Partner, Black-Owned Magical Beauty, LLC

Further expanding the Afro Unicorn program and perfectly timed with Women’s History Month, founder and African American trailblazer April Showers announced a new global licensing partner, Magical Beauty, LLC, for the empowerment-led brand with the mission to positively uplift and impact women and children of color. Ms. Showers, founder and CEO of Afro Unicorn, stated: “I am extremely proud of what Afro Unicorn has achieved in less than four years, and I am incredibly grateful for the tremendous amount of support we have received from our licensing and retailer partners, the media, and a whole host of influencers that have shared our story. We are thrilled to add Magical Beauty, our first black-owned global licensing partner, as our newest licensee to offer our fans a whimsical experience in hair care.”