Discovery Enterprises International has signed a deal with leading British giftware wholesaler, Widdop Bingham, to produce a 50 SKU Animal Planet gift range.
Widdop Bingham will officially launch the collection from its rainforest-themed stand at Autumn Fair (1st – 4th September, Hall 5 stand L2/M3).
This is the biggest licensing deal in the 130-year history of the Widdop Bingham business and the company is investing heavily in the collection that celebrates the animal kingdom and encourages children to learn about animals and the natural world around them. Phase 1 of the product roll-out will include ceramic mugs, figurines and wall plaques; Phase 2 will roll out in 2014 and will include children’s gifts, stationery and puzzles.
Animal expert, John Conlan will be on hand on Monday 2nd September for the entire day inviting retailers to come and meet some real life stars of the animal kingdom and view key items from the range.
Ian Woods, Regional Licensing Director – EMEA, Discovery Enterprises International said: “Widdop Bingham’s family values perfectly align with the ethos of the Animal Planet brand and its ambitions for the licensing programme match our own. We’re delighted to have them on board and look forward to seeing the impact its excellent products and retail contacts will have on the business.”
Stephen Illingworth, Business Development Manager, Widdop Bingham comments, “We’re excited to be partnering with Discovery Enterprises International on this Animal Planet range. This partnership is our biggest licensing commitment yet which we’re backing with major investment in a 50 SKU range. Animal Planet will add yet another dimension to our product portfolio and will help us to fulfill our mission to offer the widest possible choice of products to our retail partners and consumers.”
Animal Planet is the world’s only entertainment brand that immerses viewers in the full range of life in the animal kingdom with rich, deep content on multiple platforms. Programming highlights on Animal Planet include Whale Wars, River Monsters, Fatal Attractions, Finding Bigfoot, Pit Bulls and Parolees and Dogs 101. Launched in 1996, Animal Planet is available in 97 million U.S. households and to a further 275 million international subscribers.
