The Joester Loria Group Joins Eric Carle at the Seventh Annual Carle Honors

Posted Oct 31, 2012 | Tags: , , , ,

 

The seventh annual Carle Honors, an event that recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to children’s literature and literacy, was held at Guastavino’s in New York City this past September.

Founder of the event and iconic author/illustrator Eric Carle was in attendance along with his wife Barbara. Carle gave a touching speech in which he expressed his appreciation for all who have helped make The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art the fantastic institution it is today including the world’s most famous, hungry caterpillar. The museum is now celebrating its 10th Anniversary.

This year’s honorees were Christopher Cerf, Kent L. Brown, Jr., Frances Foster (mentor), and Lane Smith. The award categories and honorees included: “Bridge”, for individuals who have found inspired ways to bring the art of the picture book to larger audiences through work in other fields, in which Christopher Cerf was honored; “Angel”, for those whose generous financial support is crucial to making picture book art exhibitions education programs, and related projects a reality in which Kent L. Brown was honored; “Mentor”, for editors, designers, and educators who champion the art form in which Frances Foster was honored; and “Artist” for lifelong innovation in the field in which Lane Smith was honored.

The Joester Loria Group is The World of Eric Carle’s exclusive North American licensing agency and we were proud to be in attendance to celebrate the Carle Honors.

Publishers Weekly recently posted a recap of the event.

For more information about the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art visit: http://www.carlemuseum.org/

Green Label Exclusives Showcased at Dew Tour in San Francisco

Posted Oct 24, 2012 | Tags: , , , ,

The highly popular Mountain Dew Green Label Exclusives collaborations were recently featured in the sponsorship tents at the Dew Tour in San Francisco. This leg of the Dew Tour ran from October 18 through October 21. These collaborations bring together a distinct group of extreme athletes and lifestyle brands to develop a limited edition Mountain Dew collection.  Several of the athletes that recently worked with Mountain Dew on the Green Label collaborations were also at the tent meeting with media about the project.

Visitors to the tent got to see a sneak peak of the next Green Label collaboration: the Supra shoe with skateboarder Boo Johnson that will befeatured on Karmaloop.com starting December 13th.  Only 150 pairs will be available and are anticipated to sell out in minutes.

Mountain Dew’s Green Label Exclusives program brings artists and athletes together with top designers to produce one-of-a-kind and limited edition lifestyle products inspired by the Dew brand. Collaborations on display included the Mac Miller x Diamond Supply Co. custom snapback that sold out in eight minutes and the DGK Skateboards x Keelan Dadd travel kit.

The Joester Loria Group, responsible for developing the Green Label Exclusives program in collaboration with Mountain Dew, secured the deal for this latest series of co-brand extensions.

 

Five New UK Licensees Announced for The World Of Eric Carle

Posted Oct 23, 2012 | Tags: , , , , ,

The Joester Loria Group and sub-agent Rocket Licensing have announced that five new partners have joined the expanding licensing program for the world’s favorite caterpillar in the United Kingdom.

The new licensing deals, finalized at Brand Licensing Europe, are major names in a number of important categories, including: Wild and Wolf, an award-winning designer, manufacturer and wholesaler of gifts, homeware and accessories; children and babyware manufacturer Dennicci; Kiddie Rides, the leading children’s coin-operated rides service, which will be offering a Very Hungry Caterpillar-themed ride; William Lamb Footwear; and Universal Cycles.  These deals expand an already strong and well-established licensing program for the brand that has more than 100 licensees in categories including t-shirts, fabrics, puzzles, plush, stationery and more.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is the most read children’s book in the UK and its worldwide sales are in the tens of millions.  Products based on the book and its star have won awards and topped sales charts worldwide. Fan sites, Facebook pages, magazines, school curriculum programs and special events have further boosted the brand’s engagement with its audience.

At Brand Licensing Europe, Rocket Licensing highlighted the brand’s success and was inviting new partners to join its licensing program that draws on the unique style and appeal of a brand whose vibrant colors and instantly recognizable images are a part of childhood for millions.

The Joester Loria group is excited to welcome these new partners to the licensing program and we look forward to continuing to deliver quality products for children all over the globe.

Annoying Orange Debuts Graphic Novel at Comic Con

Posted Oct 18, 2012 | Tags: , , ,

Annoying Orange’s first graphic novel, Secret Agent Orange, made its debut to the public at New York Comic Con this week. Written and published by Papercutz, Orange plays a 00-agent and battles the purple-leeching Grapefinger.

The Annoying Orange graphic novel series will feature all-new original adventures starring Orange as he battles an impostor orange, the CIA and just about everything else the fruit-filled world can throw at him! Three full-color 64-page graphic novels, available in both hardcover ($11.99) and paperback ($7.99), will be released each year.  The first title launches at retail in December 2012. Jim Salicrup, Editor-In-Chief of Papercutz, will oversee the Annoying Orange graphic novel collection that will be written and illustrated by SCOTT SHAW! and MIKE KAZALEH.

The graphic novels are an exciting addition to the successful Annoying Orange licensed product collection and fans continue to be entertained by the brand on its weekly YouTube series and recently-launched TV series on Cartoon Network.

TV Guide posted a first look at Secret Agent Orange.

 

Delicious Licensing Developments for Kellogg’s

Posted Oct 17, 2012 | Tags: , , ,

The Joester Loria Group is excited to announce that our client Kellogg’s is introducing new kitchen appliances and treat-making kits for several of its brands just in time for the holiday season.

The new, compact kitchen tabletop appliances include a Keebler Uncommonly Good Cake Pop Maker and Keebler Uncommonly Good Pie Maker from licensee Smart Planet. The Cake Pop Maker includes a recipe booklet containing eight Keebler cake pop recipes. It can make seven cake pops at a time and retails for $24.99 at Shopko, Burlington, HEB, and CVS.  The Pie Maker makes four deep dish pies at a time and also includes a recipe booklet. Both appliances have non stick surfaces for easy clean-up.  The Pie Maker also retails for $24.99 at Burlington, HEB, and CVS.  Keep an eye out for the Pop-Tart Mini Pastry-on-a-Stick Maker coming soon!


Kellogg’s new seasonal Rice Krispies treat-making kits from Brand Castle are a fun family activity. The Halloween-themed kits are available now and the holiday-themed kits will follow in November.  The Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies Treats® Pumpkin Kit and Haunted House Kit  can be found at Walmart, Piggly Wiggly and Burlington. The kits contain Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal, marshmallows, decorating candies, icing pens and foil shaped pans.

Happy baking and treat making!

The World of Eric Carle Expands Its Social Media Outreach

Posted Oct 16, 2012 | Tags: , , , , ,

The World of Eric Carle’s social media campaign has generated more than 740,000 impressions since the March 2012 revamp of its social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and interaction with influential mommy blogs.  The relaunched Facebook page focuses on brand messaging, product giveaways, party ideas, and downloadable activities.  Over the past 6 months, the Facebook fan base has increased by 97%, with more than 5,270 “likes” and generating more than 220,000 impressions.

This month, The World of Eric Carle is hosting a do-it-yourself Halloween costume contest, asking fans to submit photos for a chance to win the ultimate Very Hungry Caterpillar prize set valued at over $150.00.  This is a fantastic way for the brand to interact with its fans while encouraging and sharing creative activities, something The World of Eric Carle brand is so much about. See the Facebook page for more details.

In April 2012, The World of Eric Carle launched its Pinterest page.  In just 5 months, the number of followers have increased by 256% with 665 followers. New boards include downloadable activities as well as a Craft & Activities board offering endless creative fun for parents and their children.  Pinterest’s popularity in party planning has allowed the Very Busy Party Planning board to be one of The World Of Eric Carle’s most popular Pinterest boards.  It features decorative cakes, dessert displays, healthy party snack options and fantastic handmade decor.

Blogging campaigns are also on-going, targeting influential mommy, daddy and educational blogs.  This outreach has generated more than 520,000 impressions with themed giveaways and product reviews.

The rise of social media has become a such a benefit to brands as it allows for the brand to develop a more meaningful relationship with consumers.  We continue to support social media efforts as a cornerstone of all branded programs.

Follow The World of Eric Carle on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Pepsi Partners with “X Factor” To Pick Its Newest Pop Star

Posted Oct 11, 2012 | Tags: , , , , , ,

Our client Pepsi recently introduced a new “pop star” in the form of a limited-edition dragon-fruit-flavored soda called Pepsi X. The new flavor is the result of a brand marketing partnership with the hit television show, “The X Factor.” Last spring, Pepsi launched its “Pepsi Flavor Audition Tour” at 20 of the locations where auditions for “The X Factor” were held. Contestants and fans were given the opportunity to sample four new flavors and vote on their favorite. More than 15.000 votes were cast and the dragon fruit flavor was the fan favorite.

The limited edition flavor hit store shelves on Monday, October 8th. The Pepsi X packaging also features “The X Factor” logo. This partnership is an excellent example of using crowd sourcing to develop and market a product. The program also organically integrates two well-known brands from different categories in a way that benefits both brands.

Packaging Digest recently covered this brand marketing partnership.

Animal Planet’s Virtual Pet Halloween Parade is Underway

Posted Oct 9, 2012 | Tags: , , , ,

The Joester Loria Group is thrilled to share that our 2nd Animal Planet Virtual Pet Halloween Parade is currently underway!   We are working with a group of exceptional pet and mom bloggers that will be dressing up their pets in Animal Planet pet costumes, snapping photos and posting it to their blogs as well as the Animal Planet Pet Halloween Parade landing page.  Check out all the adorable Animal Planet costumes on Wag.com!   

Bloggers will be provided with Animal Planet’s costumes to dress their pets and their photographs will be showcased on their blogs as well as the Animal Planet Pet Halloween Parade landing page. 

Animal Planet fans will be asked to vote on their favorite pet costume photo and the winning photo will be featured on Animal Planet’s website and will receive an Animal Planet pet product prize package.  The winning blogger will also become a guest blogger on  Animal Planet’s Daily Treat blog.

 

AUGMENTED ANIMAL PLANET REALITY GAMES AVAILABLE IN WENDY’S KIDS’ MEALS

Posted Oct 4, 2012 | Tags: , , ,

The Joester Loria Group brokered a deal with quick service restaurant chain, Wendy’s, on behalf of its client Discovery Communications that kicks off on October 8, 2012 and continues through November 18th.  Wendy’s will distribute 5 Animal Planet-themed Kids’ Meal premiums packaged with a special card that unleashes a fun free digital game.  In addition to the augmented reality play, the new Animal Planet toys include fun facts, an adoption certificate and are designed to promote the fun of owning pets as part of the Kids’ Meal play experience.

With the purchase of a Kids’ Meal, Wendy’s customers will receive an Animal Planet premium featuring one of five animals: a dog, cat, parakeet, chameleon or fish. From a dog catching a disc to a cat purring, each toy will showcase a trait of the specific pet. The augmented reality experience features the same pets received in the Kids’ Meal and allows kids to play games from a desktop, as well as a mobile device through iTunes and Google Play. Fun and educational, each game of virtual play is differentiated among the five pets and incorporates each animal’s natural play patterns.

In addition to these Animal Planet premiums, participating Wendy’s will distribute coupons for a special offer on Animal Planet products, available at Toys “R” Us.  Wendy’s will support the Animal Planet Kids’ Meal promotion with extensive in-restaurant marketing in more than 6,000 Wendy’s locations nationwide, which will include signage, branded Kids’ Meal bags and window clings, as well as a presence on www.Wendys.com.

Additionally, Wendy’s has an online game supporting this promotion, available to play here:  http://animalplanet.wendys.com/

The Joester Loria Group is proud to be part of such an innovative brand licensing program that combines technology and play.

This announcement comes on the heels of Animal Planet’s recent Tillywig Award for its Giant T-Rex Playset. Read more here: http://joesterloriagroup.com/blog/animal-planet-awarded-a-tillywig-top-fun-award/

License! Global covered this news as well.

 

Time to Play Holiday Showcase Highlights Top Toys

Posted Oct 2, 2012 | Tags: , , , ,


Last Friday, The Joester Loria Group exhibited The World of Eric Carle at Time to Play’s annual Holiday Showcase, joining more than 40 top toy brands in presenting our latest offerings to members of the press and top bloggers. Additionally, the Time to Play team revealed their list of the “Most Wanted” toys for the upcoming holiday season and announced the nominees for the 2012 People’s Play Awards, which allows the public vote on their favorite toys.

The Joester Loria Group showcased The World of Eric Carle’s 2012 Holiday toy collection including infant developmental toys from Kids Preferred and puzzles and games from University Games, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar Match and Munch Game, recent recipient of 2 Dr. Toy Awards. The World of Eric Carle’s new products generated great social media buzz with more than 33 tweets and 160,000 impressions the day of the showcase alone!

A number of exhibitors tapped into the growing demand for software and hardware developed to educate and entertain children, featuring kid-targeted tablets. #KinderTown, a terrific resource for parents seeking quality apps was also there to demonstrate their app store. The World of Eric Carle has 2 children’s apps currently available and highly rated by KinderTown, Counting With The Very Hungry Caterpillar and My Very First App, with more to come.

For more information about the event, visit TimeToPlayMag.com.