This year’s Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition New York (CWCBExpo NY) welcomed a disparate crowd as businesses sought to stake a claim in an industry estimated to be worth $5.7 billion in the U.S. in 2015, according to ArcView Market Research and New Frontier. While TLL estimates place retail sales of licensed legal cannabis at less than 1% of all industry sales, … [Read more...] about Licensed Cannabis the Next Big Thing
Food and Beverages
Celebrities With Licensed Marijuana Products
At $2.7 billion, legal marijuana is the fastest growing industry in America; it’s also a potent social cause. So it’s not surprising that so many celebrities have jumped into the business. Here’s a rundown of leading celebrities who’ve been branded for marijuana products. For the latest, see TLL's feature on celebrity chefs who have signed for branded marijuana. Also see TLL's … [Read more...] about Celebrities With Licensed Marijuana Products
Are Celebrity Chefs the Next Wave in Marijuana Branding?
Celebrities have been quick to seize the branding opportunities offered by the $2.7 billion legal marijuana industry. But up to now, most of the celebrity branding deals have involved maverick musicians like Bob Marley, Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg and other rappers. (See TLL's live chart of celebrities that have lent their names to a marijuana brand.) But a new kind of celebrity … [Read more...] about Are Celebrity Chefs the Next Wave in Marijuana Branding?
Professional Bull Riders Take Licensing by the Horns
By Marcy Magiera This new wine really carries a kick. Two Horns red, a 2012 blend of California-grown Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet, is the official wine of Professional Bull Riders (PBR), the world's premier bull riding organization. Produced by Gold River, Calif.-based CORDELINA Wine Company and and distributed across the Midwest, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions … [Read more...] about Professional Bull Riders Take Licensing by the Horns
Toys/Games, Food/Beverage & Apparel Lead Growth on Products Side
For the second straight year, toys/games was the fastest growing product category, posting an 8.1% increase. Growth in toy and game merchandise has mirrored (and fed off of) the success of the entertainment/character property type over the past three years. As in 2013 and 2014, connection to “A-list” entertainment properties like Frozen, Star Wars and Minions drove growth in … [Read more...] about Toys/Games, Food/Beverage & Apparel Lead Growth on Products Side
Branded Bottles
Following in the footsteps of so many rock bands, Metallica has partnered with Budwieser to launch a limited edition line of branded beers in Canada. A run of over 91,000 black cans featuring the band's logo will be sold in cases of 15 and 24. Freebies were handed out to fans during Metallica's two shows in Qubec City on September 14–16. The retail edition has an additional … [Read more...] about Branded Bottles
Branded Bud
By Karina Masolova Following in the footsteps of so many rock bands, Metallica has partnered with Budweiser to launch a limited edition line of branded beers in Canada. A run of over 91,000 black cans featuring the band's logo will be sold in cases of 15 and 24. The beer is brewed in Canada by Labatt. Freebies were handed out to fans during Metallica's two shows in Qubec City … [Read more...] about Branded Bud
National Grocery Brands Rebound
By Marcy Magiera The recession and its aftermath in the past five years have helped increase the appeal of store brands for grocery shoppers, but now that the economy is building strength (the stock market turmoil of the past month notwithstanding), consumers are once again beginning to see store brands as less desirable, signaling a renewed opportunity for national brands, … [Read more...] about National Grocery Brands Rebound
From “Billy Beer” to “Duff’s”: Licensed Beer Branding Comes of Age
Sales of food and beverage products based on licensed properties in the U.S. and Canada grew 6.0% in 2014, third highest of any product category behind only toys/games (7.0%) and apparel (6.5%). At just over $10.1 billion in sales, the food and beverage category now constitutes 10% of the total market. Frozen foods still rule the licensed food roost but adult beverages are … [Read more...] about From “Billy Beer” to “Duff’s”: Licensed Beer Branding Comes of Age
Burger King Grows With A.1. Brand
By Marcy Magiera Restaurant Brands International reported this week that its Burger King restaurants posted a comp store sales increase of 6.7% and system-wide sales increase of 11.6% in the most recent quarter, due in large part to the popularity of its licensed A.1. Hearty Mozzarella Bacon Cheeseburger. BK has two burgers featuring Kraft Foods' savory A.1. Thick & Hearty … [Read more...] about Burger King Grows With A.1. Brand