Mumbai: The grand corporate event ‘The India Brand Licensing summit’ 2018 ended on a high note with more than 100 attendees attending the conference at Mumbai’s Grand Hyatt on December 5.
The event featured who’s who from the brand and retail space exploring the driving factors and changing dynamics of the India brand licensing sector such as Celebrity Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, Renowned designer Krsna Mehta, Ms. Smita Maroo (Sr.VP- Shemaroo Entertainment )Samir Jain (Executive Director and COO – Green Gold Animation), Sanjay Dhar (ACK Media President), Prasad Kapre (CEO and Director of Style Quotient Jewellery which manages ‘Being Human Jewellery’, Permendra Singh (Head – Consumer Products at Mattel India), Manish Mandhana (CEO of Mandhana Industries which handles Being Human) among others.
On TIBLS, unveiling the logo of his new initiative, chef Harpal Singh Sokhi launched his licensing programme comprising of home décor and kitchenware appliances.
During the entertainment segment, favourite animated character mascots such as Chhota Bheem and friends – Mighty Raju and Chutki, Garfield, and Sinchan enthralled their moves.
Founder and CEO of Licensing Corner Rutika Malaviya and Vishal Sinha (thought leader from the brand licensing sector) launched the ‘BAIL’ logo to foster the growth of licensing in India.
BAIL is an association created by the industry stalwarts and thought leaders, who has relevant experience and understanding about the brand licensing industry in the Indian market.
Commenting on the newly formed association, Rutika said, “We are trying to educate the people about licensing. The association will help with the IP solutions. The industry grows together when everybody worked together, it’s a teamwork. Licensing is still growing in India.”
Shemaroo had recently launched its Bollywood merchandise initiative — Yedaz. Sharing more details on the sidelines of the event, Smita Maroo (Senior VP – Animation, Kids Digital, Licensing, and Merchandising — Shemaroo Entertainment) said, "Shemaroo has been in the entertainment industry from plus 50 years and recently we have launched Bollywood based merchandise called Yedaz. It is essential anything about Bollywood to hold a piece of it in favorite characters or dialogues our daily life either it's your favorite movie or favorite characters, you can buy a merchandise of it and can use in your daily life.”
Commenting on how Chhota Bheem becomes India’s favourite animated character, Samir Jain (Executive Director and COO of Green Gold Animation — Chhota Bheem) said, “Chhota Bheem is India’s favourite toon character. It’s been on the air for the last 10 years. I would attribute Chhota Bheem’s popularity to the connection, storytelling, and kids’ entertainment content.”
National Basketball Association (NBA’s) Siddharth Chury said exclusively to Licensing Corner that NBA cafes are coming soon in India. Siddharth is the Senior Director, Global Merchandising and Licensing – NBA India. He said to Licensing Corner, “Sports licensing scenario in India is extremely phenomenal. There are lots of sports properties which are coming up at the foray and are trying licensing and merchandising.”
Tinkle had recently collaborated with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma’s Nush to leverage its character – Suppandi. Commenting of more associations, Sanjay Dhar (ACK Media President) said to LC, “We are relatively new to licensing and merchandising business. We realize that there is a very strong nostalgia and feeling of love and affection from older generations as well. Keeping in mind both the generations, we are launching new initiatives.”
Being Human – The Salman Khan Foundation had recently partnered with Mumbai-based Style Quotient Jewellery Private Ltd. to introduce Being Human Jewellery’s first exclusive franchise store in Chandigarh.
Salman Khan’s original signature bracelet to be out soon in India, said, Prasad Kapre (CEO and Director of Style Quotient Jewellery) exclusively to Licensing Corner. Kapre said, “We are planning to release the product on Salman Khan’s birthday, which is on December 27.”
The event was powered by Shemaroo Entertainment in association with Green Gold Animation.
The event was conceptualized by Licensing Corner and executed by Rooh entertainment, CEO Editor-in-chief, Rutika Malaviya, who was also a former LIMA (The International Licensing Industry Merchandiser’s Association) Official Representative in India.
The India Brand Licensing Summit was founded in September 2017 with a vision to bring together thought leaders and executives from all segments of brand licensing and retail to discuss the trends that will shape the future of our industry.
