TOMY, Aykroyds & TDP Textiles sign deals for Molang

BRANDORA Editorial Staff - November 2016

Licensing Link brokers toy and apparel deals for International EMMY nominated brand.

Brand extension and licensing agency, Licensing Link has brokered two key agreements for the fast growing Kawaii brand from Millimages, Molang.

TOMY UK has signed a Pan-European and Australian master toy licence. First products to market will be a range of plush and collectable characters in spring/summer 2017, followed by figures and play-sets in autumn/winter 2017. In addition, Aykroyds and TDP Textiles is on board for nightwear and underwear for children and adults with products launching from spring 2017.

Mark Foster, executive vice president at TOMY Europe, commented: “We at TOMY are delighted to be European and Australian master toy partner for Molang."

“When Millimages first shared Molang with us, we immediately fell in love with the property’s loveable characters and core values of happiness and friendship. This inspiring collaboration has sparked a fantastic toy collection ranging from plush to play-sets designed to bring the magic of Molang to life for children across Europe.”

Mark continued: “With TOMY’s strength in the preschool category and commitment to similar values, Molang is a perfect addition to our licensed portfolio. We look forward to unveiling the range at both London and Nuremberg Toy Fair in the New Year, and bringing the toys to market in June 2017.”

Dean Greasley, head of licensing at TDP Textiles, added: “We're delighted to have Molang and Piu Piu on board, as they give us something very different and add considerably to our range. A range of super cute products are due to launch in 2017.”

Ian Wickham, director at Licensing Link, continued: “Molang really is gathering momentum at pace and we are delighted to have TOMY and Aykroyds TDP on board for key launch categories."

“The initial TV series goes from strength to strength having now been sold into over 150 territories, with a second currently in production on the back of pressing broadcaster demand based on viewership. Additionally, content engagement on the social space has exploded with millions now watching on YouTube alone. The future really does look very exciting indeed.”

Born from a Korean emoji, Molang – which means ‘super soft’ in Korean – is a happy, curious rabbit who lives with his friend, Piu Piu, a sensitive and shy little chick. The TV show – which is produced by French animation house, Millimages – airs on Cartoonito three times a day and has six social media platforms.

Molang also has a range of iMessage emojis which are available from the App Store for iOS 10, with Android due to launch later this year.

At this year’s MIP, Molang was nominated for an International Emmy Award in the Preschool category.