After making its debut at last year’s event, hit design property Popcorn the Bear is set to appear again at BLE 2011.

Popcorn the Bear is a kind and gentle soul and everybody’s best friend - he is always ready to help and has a special ‘magic heart’ in his ear that he can press once a day to be granted a wish. He usually uses this wish to help one of his many friends, such as Candyfloss the Ragdoll, Soufflé the Duck, Biscuit the Dog, Fudge the Cat and Barley the Mouse. A large styleguide is in place for the brand that features all the characters and their home in the little country village of Berryville – the beautiful artwork is cute, sentimental and quintessentially English, with all the characters having that special ‘aah’ factor that means the property appeals to everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

European licensing agent for the property is KJG Ltd and an extensive programme is already in place across sectors such as greetings, apparel, calendars, plush, craft, jigsaws, rubber stamps, quilting and fabrics and baby accessories. Licensees include Danilo, Funky Pigeon, Xpressions Gifts, Bobo, Cranston and Dino Toys.

“Since launching at BLE 2010 we have been dealing with huge amounts of interest in Popcorn the Bear, which has led to a large and growing licensing presence,” says Kirsty Guthrie, from KJG Ltd, “we will be looking to capitalise on the property’s ongoing success at BLE 2011 and if the last twelve months are anything to go by that will make us very busy indeed!”