By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief When it comes to restaurant brand licensing, Ari Freedman, CEO of Surge Brands, believes the opportunity is sizzling hot. Freedman isn’t just another brand exec talking up the latest food trend. As the son of licensing legend Mark Freedman, who famously launched the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles empire through Surge Licensing, … [Read more...] about Surge Brands: Why Licensing Is The Secret Sauce for Restaurant Brands
Food and Beverages
Kendall-Jackson Winery and NBA Toast a Slam-Dunk Collaboration
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Kendall-Jackson is popping the cork on its first-ever co-branded wine collection with the National Basketball Association. Kendall-Jackson is the family-owned winery behind America’s top-selling Chardonnay, and has partnered with the NBA on the release of three branded releases. First unveiled during NBA All-Star 2025 in San Francisco, the … [Read more...] about Kendall-Jackson Winery and NBA Toast a Slam-Dunk Collaboration
Absolut Performs Magic With “Wicked: For Good” Cocktails
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Absolut's potion masters have been hard at work, putting out a new line of cocktails to celebrate the release of Wicked: For Good. The highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster musical Wicked flies like a winged monkey into theaters on November 21. To mark the occasion, Absolut is teaming up with Universal Pictures for some spellbinding … [Read more...] about Absolut Performs Magic With “Wicked: For Good” Cocktails
Kellanova Expands Ongoing Partnership With Beanstalk
TLL Staff Beanstalk has expanded its ongoing partnership with food giant Kellanova, to manage and grow the firm’s non-food lifestyle licensing program across Europe. The move marks a new phase in the ongoing collaboration between the two companies and builds on Beanstalk’s long-standing representation of Kellanova across multiple global markets, including the United States, … [Read more...] about Kellanova Expands Ongoing Partnership With Beanstalk
Ortega Teams With Cheez-It for New Flavored Taco Shells
TLL Staff Ortega, a leading brand of Mexican food products, has partnered with Cheez-It to launch a new crossover snack: Ortega Cheez-It Flavored Taco Shells. The shells, which hit shelves nationwide September 28, combine the tangy cheese flavor of Cheez-It crackers with the signature crunch of Ortega’s hard taco shell. Ortega says the collaboration is designed to make taco … [Read more...] about Ortega Teams With Cheez-It for New Flavored Taco Shells
Sweet Nostalgia Meets ‘Wild’ Sustainability in New Swizzels Collaboration
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Blonde Sheep Licensing just announced the launch of a new collaboration between Swizzels and Wild, the sustainable personal care company. Swizzels, of course, is the British confectionery brand that came up with Squashies, Drumstick, Refreshers, and Love Hearts. The latter was a big favorite in my childhood; the candy you gave to … [Read more...] about Sweet Nostalgia Meets ‘Wild’ Sustainability in New Swizzels Collaboration
Tapatío and Chipoys Create Spicy Snack Food
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Tapatío Foods has partnered with Chipoys to create new licensed snacks flavored with Tapatío’s signature hot sauce. The collaborative partnership will bring the spice and flavor of Tapatío's hot sauce to Chipoys existing range of thick-cut, Mexican-style potato chips. “Tapatío has always been about bringing people together through flavor,” … [Read more...] about Tapatío and Chipoys Create Spicy Snack Food
Eggo Turns Breakfast Upside Down With New Stranger Things Waffles
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief One of the stranger things about Stranger Things is the super-powered character Eleven's obsession with Eggo Waffles. Now, Eggo and Netflix are collaborating on a new waffle that Eleven can dig into, celebrating the acclaimed series' fifth and final series. Kellanova's Eggo brand has just launched Eggo Stranger Things Strawberry Waffles, … [Read more...] about Eggo Turns Breakfast Upside Down With New Stranger Things Waffles
Wall’s Levels Up the Freezer Aisle with Minecraft Ice Cream
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Wall’s has teamed up with Minecraft, the world’s bestselling video game, to launch a limited-edition ice cream aimed squarely at gaming enthusiasts. The partnership taps into a vast and highly engaged audience, with more than three billion people worldwide playing online games and 80% of them regularly snacking or drinking while … [Read more...] about Wall’s Levels Up the Freezer Aisle with Minecraft Ice Cream
M&M’S and Crocs Team Up for a ‘Sweet Feet’ Collection
TLL Staff Mars and Crocs are stepping into new territory together with a new footwear collection inspired by M&M’S. The candy brand, part of the Mars portfolio of confections, has announced its first collaboration with footwear company Crocs. The partners are now unveiling a playful collection that combines the candy brand’s iconic colors with Crocs’ unmistakable comfort … [Read more...] about M&M’S and Crocs Team Up for a ‘Sweet Feet’ Collection