The winners of the Bologna Licensing Awards, reserved for international licensors/agencies, licensees and retailers, were announced yesterday afternoon. The 7th edition of the awards is an integral part of the 17th edition of the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids (BLTF/K, 8-11 April), the only trade fair dedicated to brands for children, teenagers and young adults, at the heart of the 61st Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

The ceremony of Bologna Licensing Awards, reserved for international licensors/agencies, licensees and retailers, took place yesterday afternoon and was hosted by TV presenter Laura Carusino and organiser Cristina Angelucci (BM srl). The 7th edition of the awards is an integral part of the 17th edition of the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids (BLTF/K, 8-11 April), the only trade fair dedicated to brands for children, teenagers and young adults, at the heart of the 61st Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

The Awards this year had 13 categories, including the newest ones Best Licensed Sustainable Project and Best New Licensing Stars 2023. The prestigious jurors Philippe Guinaudeau, Ian Hyder, Helena Mansell-Stopher, Cristiana Paesani, Astrid Specht chose the winners among almost 190 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

Universal Products & Experiences in partnership with Spin Master for the Gabby’s Dollshouse project.

The product is as bright, colourful and fun as the series is based on, and allows for great storytelling at home.

BEST KIDS LICENSING PROJECT

The Pokémon Company International for the Pokémon x Van Gogh Museum project with the Van Gogh Museum.

Staying relevant and continuing to drive a cultural conversation is key for a brand’s rele-vance in the market. This is a genius way to inspire kids to art, approaching them to one of the greatest artist ever known.

BEST TEEN LICENSING PROJECT

The Pokémon Company International with the project Clarks x Pokémon in synergy with Clarks.

An original interpretation of characters applied to sophisticated consumer products, creat-ing a vibrant and enjoyable partnership.

BEST YOUNG ADULT PROJECT

Rai Com for the Mare Fuori (The Sea Beyond) licensing program, in partnership with various partners.

The achievement goes to what local content can do to become relevant in its region and internationally, together with an impressive array of products inspired by a highly successful TV series with a well-focused consumer products target.

BEST RETAIL PROJECT

Mattel Europe with the Barbie x Zara project in collaboration with Zara.

A true brand activation, with Zara that created Barbie’s world in real-life. A great extension of the Barbie movie inspiring customers to dress just like their idols.

BEST FASHION PROJECT

The Pokémon Company International and Dolly Noire for the Dolly Noire x Pokémon project.

Pokémon can be relevant to its audience with creative activations, producing an original collection with a sophisticated use of characters and their application on the products.

BEST LICENSED PUBLISHING PROJECT

Andersen Press with the illustrated book Goodnight Elmer.

A continuous work to innovate through play and publishing. A high-quality play/toy book with the Elmer puppet helping kids ease into bedtime.

BEST LICENSED TOY PROJECT

Universal Products & Experiences in partnership with Spin Master for the playset Gabby’s Dollshouse.

Spin Master has captured the essence of this engaging brand and brought it to life through play.

BEST PROMOTION/LOYALTY CAMPAIGN

Studio 100 Media with the Vegesaurs x Lidl campaign, in collaboration with Lidl.

A well-thought and executed project through a highly engaging campaign to create interest for the IP and loyalty to the retailers.

PROMOTION: BEST LICENSED KIOSK PRODUCT

Mondadori Media with the Peanuts 3D collection, together with CPLG WildBrain and Peanuts Worldwide.

Beautifully crafted, a collection of high-quality figurines that depict each character’s peculiarities.

BEST LICENSED SUSTAINABLE PROJECT

Studio 100 Media for the project Maya – License Factory in Natural Dye, in partnership with License Factory.

Innovating and pushing the industry forward to operate differently. An honest and inspiring approach showing that textile dying doesn’t have to be destructive to the environment.

BEST NEW LICENSING STARS 2023

Nerd Agency (FILM.UA Group) for Mavka. The Forest song.

A complete project with a diversified line up of licensees, and a beautiful story executed with finesse across the local market, and with the premises to become big at an international scale.

BEST PROPERTY OF THE YEAR

Mattel with Barbie.

A consistent brand voice from content and media through to product, excellently executed to drive such a positive narrative. Barbie was really everywhere in 2023.

The products of all the winner projects will be on display throughout the fair at the BLTF/K Awards showcases located in the BLTF/K zone of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Hall 29 – Mall 2.