As part of a Walmart-led environmental initiative, the 14’ plush version of I Care Bear (Ages 4+) is being introduced to the world to celebrate Earth Day, with a beanie version to follow in August 2022. I Care Bear is here to remind us how important it is to take care of the Earth. He encourages us to recycle, reduce waste, and walk or ride our bikes when we can. He’s always there to make sure his friends care for the environment. For this nature-loving bear, there is no greater joy than keeping our earth clean for generations to come. I Care Bear is made of approximately 94% recycled polyester, and his box is made from 100% recycled paper and printed with eco-friendly soybean ink. Upon launch, I Care Bear was selected as the “Unlock the Magic” winner for the NAPPA Parenting Product Awards.

Brand Central, a top 10 licensing agency and brand consultancy, is highlighting its roster of clients and its diversity of services at  Licensing Expo 2022 in Las Vegas. For the past 20+ years, Brand Central has specialized in brands that are driving cultural conversations in the pop culture zeitgeist.  A few of the leading CPG brands the agency is featuring include Mars Wrigley, the largest confectionery company in the world, with a portfolio of iconic brands such as M&M’S, Snickers, Twix, Dove, Skittles, Starburst, and Hubba Bubba, and Kraft Heinz, the third largest food company with beloved global brands such as Oscar Mayer, Heinz Ketchup, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Jell-O and Kool-Aid.  The latest client joining the roster is Bimbo Bakeries USA which includes popular brands such as Entenmann’s, Little Bites, Thomas, Boboli, and many more.  The agency is also working with a roster of many other cult favorite food and beverage brands including: Tapatio Hot Sauce, Cap’n Crunch and Takis.

MGM Consumer Products announced that they will host the third annual virtual licensing summit on May 3rd, following-up on the success of the previous years’ event. Exciting plans, upcoming initiatives, and sneak peeks will be unveiled for iconic brands including Pink Panther, Wednesday, Creed III, Vikings: Valhalla and more. In addition, MGM plans to discuss how the studio’s licensing division is building out its popular sci-fi and horror portfolios and reimagining those categories with the expansion of Midnite Movies and the introduction of Sci- Fi Stories. MGM will also spotlight several other iconic properties, including Pink Panther’s 60th anniversary and the expansion of licensing programs around Creed III, Wednesday and Vikings: Valhalla tied to recent and upcoming series and movie debuts.