Entertainment One Licensing (eOne) has announced that it will continue its successful and long-standing partnership with Character Options (a wholly owned subsidiary of The Character Group plc), following the renewal of its license as master toy partner for Peppa Pig in the UK.
Hannah Mungo, Head of UK Licensing said in a statement: “Since we first partnered with Character Options in 2004, they have been integral to the success of Peppa Pig and we’re delighted to be extending our partnership. They continue to create imaginative new playsets and figures on a seasonal basis that keeps the fan base entertained and their toy line has set a benchmark for our international toy partners. We are also pleased to have extended our agreement with Jumbo, whose innovative range of Peppa themed puzzles and games continue to delight kids and families.”
As a testament to the strength of the Peppa Pig brand, both in the UK and globally, Character Options, which has a global manufacturing deal for Peppa with UK distribution rights, has signed a further three-year licensing renewal, committing to the brand until December 2017. Character’s extensive range of Peppa toys have been successfully rolled out by distributors in Australia, Benelux, Spain, Italy and Russia. The Company has been instrumental in growing the brand in the UK and internationally and continues to be a driving force as Peppa gains momentum in new markets.
Character continues to innovate and invest in product development, constantly refreshing and updating the core range, as well as driving new themes, including a brand new ‘Holiday’ theme that will hit the UK market in Spring/Summer 2015. The firm’s popular Peppa Weebles and Theme Park range will also be extended with new product launches in Autumn/Winter 2014 – just in time for the Christmas retail season. A major brand new theme for Autumn/Winter 2015 and beyond is currently in development.
“Consumer demand for Peppa Pig toys keeps on rising year on year and we have been committed to driving that growth with the introduction of new lines like Peppa Weebles and the exciting Holiday theme,” said Jon Diver, Character Group’s Joint MD. “The brand’s ongoing international growth has also opened doors for us in new markets and we will be building on this success in years to come.”
eOne has also secured a three-year renewal agreement with Jumbo Games, who will be commemorating Peppa’s 10th anniversary by launching the Peppa Pig Muddy Puddle Floor Puzzle, which pays tribute to the first-ever episode – ‘Muddy Puddles’. The puzzle sees Peppa having fun with her friends while splashing around in her golden boots. The special boots also feature in Jumbo’s Peppa Pig Hide and Seek Game in which the electronic figure can be placed anywhere for children to listen to clues or use picture clues to find her. Both anniversary launches are available at retail Autumn/Winter 2014.