New promotional and licensing agreements secured for award-winning property

Leading family entertainment producer and distributor Chorion has signed a raft of new licensing and promotional deals for The World of Eric Carle in the US, Canada and Japan, showcasing the worldwide evergreen appeal of the brand.

In an exclusive promotional campaign with PictureMe Portrait Studios®, parents will be able to have their children’s portraits framed in a range of exclusive new designs featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The PictureMe Portrait Studios® promotion runs across 1,800 Walmart stores in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico from 7th April – 22nd June and is supported by promotional flyers, counter-top displays, email marketing and coupons in portrait envelopes. The new designs can be seen at www.pictureme.com. Prior to joining Chorion, Lauren has worked in retail development roles for companies including VIZ Media, Signatures Network, and 4Kids Entertainment. In a separate deal, Stride Rite Children’s Group, LLC, the leading premium children’s footwear company in the US, is collaborating with Chorion to bring the beloved artwork of Eric Carle to little feet. Featuring characters from Brown Bear, Brown Bear and The Very Hungry Caterpillar in classic silhouettes, ‘The World of Eric Carle collection by Stride Rite’ is perfect for children ages 9-months up to 2-years (US sizes 4-8). The shoes, launching in US Stride Rite and specialty store locations this Fall 2010, will retail for approximately $35.

Elsewhere, Google is now making its Google Doodle T-shirt, featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar, available for purchase at www.googlestore.com. Available for a limited time in infant to adult sizes, the T-shirts are priced starting at $9.20 plus postage/shipping.

In a big promotional deal for the Japanese market, licensees Kreo Co. Ltd, Circle K and Sunkus joined forces on a Wonderful Bread Life baked goods promotion. Customers buying the baked goods at any of the 6,100 Sankus and Circle K stores, simply entered a code found on the product online at http://www.circleksunkus.jp/campaign/harapeko/ to win a branded product. Premiums include stainless thermo tumblers, Eco-friendly bags and sticker books.

Anietra Guzmán, Director, Global Brand Management at Chorion says: “The World of Eric Carle is a much-loved property which maintains a contemporary feel and continues to delight children around the world. We are excited to be partnering with all of these top companies - PictureMe, Stride Rite, Google and Kreo.”

Chorion represents the worldwide rights to The World of Eric Carle brand and has licensed products in place across the globe in key markets: the US, UK, Germany, Japan and Australia. The Very Hungry Caterpillar celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009 with a program of activity and promotions worldwide.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, written by Eric Carle sells one copy every 30 seconds somewhere in the world and has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children around the globe. The beloved picture book has been translated into more than 45 languages and has sold over 30 million copies. New licensing programs are launching imminently in Benelux, Korea and France.