The winners of the 6th edition of the Bologna Licensing Awards, an integral part of the 16th edition of the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids.
The Bologna Licensing Awards, reserved for international licensors/agencies, licensees and retailers, have just taken place. The 6th edition of the awards is an integral part of the 16th edition of the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids (BLTF/Kids, 6-9 March), the only trade fair dedicated to brands for children, teenagers and young adults, at the heart of the 60th Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
The Awards this year had 10 categories, and a special mention was also given to the best sustainable project. The renowned jurors David Kleeman, Ivan Colecchia, Helena Mansell – Stopher, Susanna Iraci and Jutta C. Breyer chose the winners from over 160 entries from all over the world, particularly from the European market.
Here are the winners in each category, with the motivations of the jury.
BEST PRE-SCHOOL LICENSING PROJECT
Lerner Publishing Group, in partnership with Sesame Workshop, with their SEL Publishing Program project with Sesame Street.
“For the very gentle and humorous way of helping the little ones to learn about the importance of friendship, having fun and solving conflicts”.
BEST KIDS LICENSING PROJECT
Creata with McDonald’s Happy Meal & The Smurfs project in collaboration with Schleich.
“For the way that these big brands, from licensor to retailer, drive consumer awareness and action for the sustainable development goals”.
BEST TEEN LICENSING PROJECT
The Pokémon Company International with the retail project Pokémon x La Rinascente in synergy with La Rinascente retail group.
“For the great mix of choosing one of the best Italian retailer partner, plus a dedicated project development and innovative marketing ideas with efficient Social media and PR activities, creating a one of a kind Best Practice in the industry for the young target ever”.
BEST RETAIL PROJECT
TF1 Licensing with the BarbaLouvre project in collaboration with the Louvre Museum.
“For the outstanding way they combined a series of books and cartoon characters together with art, and created a wonderful collaboration to drive consumer awareness of the arts”.
BEST FASHION PROJECT
Sanrio with Adidas for Hello Kitty, in collaboration with Adidas.
“For the masterpiece created by a collaboration between a fashion brand and a very sensitive licensor. Two classics that work beautifully together”.
BEST LICENSED PUBLISHING PROJECT
The Ludattica x Eric Carle project by WildBrain CPLG, for the brand The World of Eric Carle.
“For the extremely innovative project and perfect execution combining easy learning to quality of the physical product”.
BEST LICENSED TOY PROJECT
Faba with Le storie della Nuvola Olga written by the author and illustrator Nicoletta Costa.
“For the charming material mix that invites children to start the play experience; for the gender-free, low-technology and highly relatable from an aesthetic point of view; and for the entertaining and educational role in developing the language and stimulating the imagination”.
BEST PROMOTION/LOYALTY CAMPAIGN
Jakala with the project Minions Market Mania! Sound Collection together with NBCUniversal.
“For the engagement program and achieved measurable business results in partnership with a well-established brand”.
BEST LICENSED KIOSK PRODUCT
WildBrain CPLG Hachette Bundles for Peanuts in cooperation with Hachette.
“Thanks to the Hachette collectibles, the Peanuts comic strips by Charles M. Schulz continue being part of our daily life with its inspiring humor, poetry and irony”.
SPECIAL MENTION – BEST SUSTAINABLE LICENSING PROJECT
Sanrio with Ecover X Mr Men, Little Miss, in collaboration with Ecover.
“For the way they are using the brand to help driving sustainable awareness and behavioural change”.
BEST PROPERTY OF THE YEAR
BBC’s Bluey, represented in Italy by Maurizio Distefano Licensing.
“This entertaining and enjoyable portray of modern everyday family life, with Bluey, has become a very successful licensing property, full of constructive, positive and funny messages”.
