Preschoolers are the hot demographic per evidence of recent deals commenced by major brands:
• Classic Media supports the U.S. launch of the animated preschool series Tinga Tinga Tales by naming Bandi the master toy licensee for the African-influenced series that airs on Disney Junior. The line of interactive toys based on the series, which animates animal fables, such as why lions roar or why giraffe’s have long necks, debuts in fall 2012. The series will also be showcased in a line of games from Pressman Toy Corporation and University Games is introducing Colorforms activity products.
• Hit Entertainment aligns with Betty Crocker to introduce Thomas & Friends Fruit-flavored snacks beginning in June. The snacks are shaped as various characters and come in six different flavors.
• DreamWorks Animation enters an exclusive licensing alliance with Fisher-Price for a line of preschool toys featuring Kung Fu Panda 2, The Penguins of Madagascar, Puss In Boots, The Croods, Madagascar 3, Legend of the Guardians, and the TV property Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness. [Entertainment/Licensing]
Sources: Bandai America, Andre Lake Mayer, VP Licensing, 5551 Katella Ave., Cypress, CA 90630; 714-816-9756; mayera@bandai.com; www.bandai.com.
Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks, Ben Mand, Marketing Manager, One General Mills Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55426; 763-764-7600; ben.mand@genmills.com; www.genmills.com.
Classic Media, Karyn Schneider, VP Licensing, 85 Fifth Ave., 6th Fl., New York, NY 10003; 212-659-1965; ks@classicmedia.tv; www.classicmedia.tv.
DreamWorks Animation, Kerry Phelan, Head of Worldwide Licensing, 1000 Flower St., Glendale, CA 91201; 818-695-3991; kerry.phelan@dreamworks.com; www.dreamworks.com.
Hit Entertainment, Gabriela Arenas, V.P. U.S. Consumer Products, 230 Park Ave., S., 13th Fl., New York, NY 10003; 212-463-9623; garenas@hitentertainment.com; www.hitentertainment.com.
Pressman Toy Company, James Pressman, President, 7 W. 18th St., New York, NY 10011; 212-675-7910, x107; jimp@pressmantoy.com; www.pressmantoy.com.
University Games, Robert Moog, President/Chairman, 2030 Harrison St., San Francisco, CA 94110; 415-503-1600; moog@ugames.com; www.ugames.com.
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