Joester Loria Group Signs on Two New Brands
The Joester Loria Group (JLG) announced that it has signed two new clients. Johnsonville Sausage has appointed JLG to develop an integrated licensing program for the Johnsonville brand. The licensing strategy will expand Johnsonville from a sausage brand to a multi-category food brand. The Johnsonville brand extensions will cover multiple categories on and off the grill.
In addition to the Johnsonville deal, JLG expands its partnership with PepsiCo; JLG will now become the exclusive licensing agency for SoBe. The agency will develop a lifestyle and consumables licensing program for SoBe that builds off its eclectic brand profile. The licensing strategy will expand SoBe from a beverage brand to a multi-category lifestyle brand offering apparel and accessories. A collection derived from SoBe’s South Beach heritage will also play on the vintage roots of the brand through beach lifestyle categories.
TIA and HMA Collaborate to Broaden Market Opportunities
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) and the Hobby Manufacturers Association (HMA) announced a one-year cooperative agreement that will provide members in each industry with opportunities to explore and grow their businesses through expansion into complementary markets. Through the agreement, TIA and HMA will offer reciprocal member discounts for exhibit space at their respective trade shows, iHobby Expo 2011 (October 20–23, 2011, in Rosemont, IL) and the American International Toy Fair (February 12–15, 2012, in New York City). The arrangement will provide exhibiting members of each organization with an introduction to a broader range of retail stores while introducing retail buyers to expanded ranges of products and product categories.
Nick Signs Distribution Deals for Power Rangers Samurai
MarVista Entertainment and Nickelodeon have finalized a multi-territory agreement that will provide for the all-new Power Rangers Samurai to be seen on Nickelodeon in key European territories, including Germany, the Benelux, the UK, and Ireland; throughout Latin America; and in Australia and New Zealand. Nickelodeon has acquired all television rights to the 40 new Power Rangers Samurai episodes for Germany, Holland, and Flemish-speaking Belgium, and pay television rights for all other territories. Nickelodeon will commence airing Power Rangers Samurai in May.
Industry Vet Tamra Knepfer Launches TK Brand Group
Tamra Knepfer has announced the opening of TK Brand Group LLC. With offices in New York City, TK Brand Group offers brand management expertise, specializing in licensing and brand marketing services for entertainment and character properties; corporate brands; and fashion, art and, lifestyle programs.
TK Brand Group has already signed on a roster of clients. It has been named the worldwide licensing agent of record for properties including Sqwishland; Crowded Teeth; Lenore, The Cute Little Dead Girl; and the whimsical art portfolio of Ellen Crimi-Trent (including Bird Talk, Woodland Friends, and the preschool character property Schoolies). TK Brand Group also represents Tavistock Restaurant Group, which includes a roster of restaurant chains such as Napa Valley Grille, Freeb!rds World Burrito, Alcatraz Brewing Company, and more.
In addition to representing brand owners, TK Brand Group represents manufacturers for inbound licensing programs, including T-shirt company Logotel. The agency also offers licensing, brand management, and marketing consulting, with clients that include American Greetings Properties and the preschool television network Sprout.
Knepfer started TK Brand Group after more than 20 years of licensing, marketing, and brand management experience. She has worked at Disney, Sesame Workshop, American Greetings, Rodale, Chorion Silver Lining, and Peanuts Worldwide as well as start-ups such as Mommy & Me, Inc.
Z.Cavaricci Appoints Stone America
Stone America Licensing announced it has been appointed as the exclusive licensing agent for Z.Cavaricci, a fashion and lifestyle brand. Stone America will offer manufacturers and retailers the opportunity to license categories to include, but not limited to, men’s and women’s sportswear, outerwear, swimwear, fragrance, footwear, jewelry, home, and apparel accessories.
Today the Z.Cavaricci line for juniors can be found as a direct-to-retail exclusive line at Torrid. Other licensees at this time cover the children’s apparel and junior denim categories.