Preschool TV series The Hive will be accompanied by a new North American licensing program, as Space Enterprises has named marketing agency The Joester Loria Group as the exclusive North American licensing agent for the property.

Joester Loria will develop a retail-driven licensing program aimed at young fans of the show, which is now airing on Disney Junior in the US.

Key merchandising categories already planned include toys, games, publishing, apparel and confectionary.

Meanwhile, The Hive’s UK licensing program is gaining momentum. Mookie Toys has been announced as master toy partner and has released an extensive range of plush. LeapFrog has released video packages on the LeapPad learning tablet and Leapster Explorer learning console , while other UK licensees include Jupiter Toys (wooden toys and furniture), Blues Clothing (children’s apparel), Aykroyds TDP (children’s sleepwear), and a recently announced deal with Ravensburger (Jigsaws & Puzzles).  In addition, Space and Avanquest are set to launch iOS games apps on iTunes.

Produced by Monumental Productions, Lupus Films and DQ Entertainment, The Hive is a 26 x half hour series that made its US debut in October in a deal secured by distributor Bejuba!