WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, is celebrating the 45th anniversary of its beloved Strawberry Shortcake brand with a host of new products and experiences for fans throughout this milestone year. In collaboration with makers, bakers and creators who draw inspiration from Strawberry Shortcake, an array of new fashion collections, delectable treats, sweet social content and delightful artwork will be unveiled in 2024, highlighting the various iterations of the brand. Over the span of more than four decades, Strawberry Shortcake has consistently captured the hearts of fans from generation to generation.
Melissa Goodrich, Director, Franchise Strategy at WildBrain, said: “Strawberry Shortcake’s pop culture appeal and enduring legacy make her one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the world. She’s also a perfect example of the power of WildBrain‘s holistic approach to franchise management, as we take her through the 360-degree cycle of content creation, audience engagement and global licensing to build brand excitement on-screen and off. We’re excited to tap into feelings of nostalgia with classic Strawberry Shortcake and also surprise fans with fun ways they can celebrate the World of Strawberry Shortcake with us.”
Throughout the anniversary festivities, female bakers, artists, and entrepreneurs will take center stage, showcasing their talents and illustrating how Strawberry Shortcake serves as a source of inspiration. WildBrain’s dedicated licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG, has brokered deals for exciting collections from both new and existing Strawberry Shortcake partners including A Leading Role, Boy Meets Girl, BoxLunch, Blank Tag Co. and Glamlite Cosmetics. Fans can also share how Strawberry Shortcake inspires them by entering The Strawberry Shortcake 45th Anniversary Design Challenge, in collaboration with Threadless, launching on February 19.
Strawberry Shortcake Bakers: Sweet Treats
In honor of Strawberry Shortcake’s 45th anniversary, four female bakers, inspired by their love of Strawberry Shortcake, will give their take on all things sweet and delicious, with an array of treats including:
· Cake artist extraordinaire and founder of the iconic bakery Flour Shop, Amirah Kassem, will be joining the anniversary celebration by sharing her very own Strawberry Shortcake-inspired cookie decorating kit, which will be unveiled on social channels and distributed to forty-five berry besties to create their own confections!
· Strawberry Shortcake will also be taking over Flour Shop’s NYC flagship store February 14–27 with a “World of Strawberry Shortcake” theme. A free special Strawberry Shortcake sweet treat will be gifted to the first 50 people who visit the Flour Shop’s location at 177 Lafayette St, New York, each day of the two-week takeover.
· Additionally, Toronto-based baker Namaya Navaratnarajah, founder of CakesByNams, designed a berry special selection of Strawberry Shortcake-themed cakes, including an extra-special burn cake that was set ablaze earlier this month to debut the Strawberry Shortcake 45th anniversary logo across all of Strawberry Shortcake’s social channels.
· Offering even more sweet treats, Jennifer Mihalovits of Dough & Arrow will delight fans with Strawberry Shortcake-inspired cookies this month, and America Ramirez’s PeachyCakes will celebrate all eras of Strawberry Shortcake and her friends with with themed cakes and special deliveries to fans.
Strawberry Shortcake Makers: Fashion and Product Collections
· Existing partner, dress up and apparel brand A Leading Role, is unveiling its Strawberry Shortcake 45th Anniversary capsule collection. The range includes a stunning pink tulle skirt adorned with strawberry sequined icons and a crossbody purse available at US retailer Nordstrom’s alongside the Strawberry Shortcake Anniversary tee from Golden Hour and bespoke boots inspired by Strawberry Shortcake and skillfully designed by artist Regina Yazdi. An Instagram competition will give fans the opportunity to win a customized pair of signature Strawberry Shortcake boots.
· Boy Meets Girl, a purposeful, edgy and youthful contemporary athleisure brand, is kicking off a collaboration this month with a range that symbolizes founder and Strawberry Shortcake fan Stacy Igel’s belief that young girls, like Strawberry Shortcake and her diverse circle of friends, can achieve anything they set their minds to.
· Fandom-first retailer BoxLunch is launching a 25-piece collection to commemorate the 45th Anniversary of Strawberry Shortcake. The product assortment, which includes apparel, home, novelty, auto, sleep, accessories, pins, bags and jewelry, pays homage to the brand’s massively successful doll and merchandise line that has been bringing joy to audiences since its introduction in 1979. The collection is available now online and in BoxLunch stores nationwide in the US.
Collectibles and Toys
· Sticker company Blank Tag Co. created a special collection of Strawberry Shortcake stickers for Valentine’s Day. Fans can get creative and customize a notebook, water bottle or other items with these adorable waterproof and dishwasher-safe stickers.
· Additional partners, including Glamlite Cosmetics, will launch new Strawberry Shortcake-inspired assortments for fans from baby to young adult.