LIMA survey shows gains in niche categories

According to an annual survey conducted by licensing trade body LIMA, revenue for character/entertainment licenses in North America increased by 2.4% last year to hit US$2.56 billion, compared to an overall industry growth of 0.7% to US$5.85 billion.

The biggest gains were made in non-traditional corners, with houseware sales up by 22% (to US$76 million), home décor by 18% (to US$89.7 million) and health & beauty by a whopping 52% (to US$38 million). Toy and game revenue dropped by US$32 million to US$718 million, while software and video games were down US$6 million to US$359 million.

Contender splits in two

Contender Entertainment Group has divided into two separate units – Contender Home Entertainment and Rubber Duck Entertainment. The latter will handle production and rights management (both TV and merchandise) for CEG properties such as Tractor Tom and Peppa Pig, while CHE will distribute these homegrowns on video and DVD and scout for more third-party properties to pick up.