The winners of the 2023 Licensing International Excellence Awards were unveiled last night in a ceremony that brought together industry executives from around the world to celebrate the best of the global brand licensing industry.

The 30 award winners were selected from 201 finalists. More than 850 submissions were received, narrowed down by an expert global judging panel and voted on by members of the licensing industry at large. This year's Excellence Awards were hosted by George Leon, founder, chief executive officer, Cakewalk Entertainment, and Maca Rotter, president, chief executive officer, La Panadería. Alifish, Jazwares, Spaceport and Spirit presented the awards.

The Excellence Awards honor innovation and creativity in the licensing community. They spotlight the power of brands to connect with consumers and further a company's goals, celebrate how licensees develop and bring those products to market and applaud how retailers highlight licenses on their shelves. This year's Excellence Awards featured several new categories to reflect better the constantly evolving nature of the global brand licensing business. New categories included the Most Impactful Service Provider, awarded to Octane5, and Best Sustainability Initiative, taken home by Goodyear Brake Calipers – FDP Brakes by IMG.

"The Licensing International Excellence Awards are a testament to the power of brands and their ability to inspire products and programs with lasting appeal," says Maura Regan, president, Licensing International. "It was incredible to gather together with the global brand licensing community to celebrate the industry's incredible innovation."

Here are the 2023 Licensing International Excellence Awards winners:

BEST LICENSED PRODUCTS

Apparel, Footwear and Accessories for Corporate Brands –adidas AG – adidas Original Superstar LEGO Shoes Apparel, Footwear and Accessories for Entertainment Brands – UGG – UGG "Sesame Street" CollectionAppliances, Housewares and Electronics for Corporate Brands – Smeg – Coca-Cola Refrigerator Appliances, Housewares and Electronics for Entertainment Brands – Dalstrong – "Call of Duty" Performance Culinary Collection Digital: Apps, Software, Video Games and NFTs – Funko – Funko Digital Pop! NFT with Kellogg's by The Joester Loria Group Food or Beverage for Corporate Brands –Mentos/Perfetti Van Melle – Mentos with Fanta Food or Beverage for Entertainment Brands –Hello Fresh – Buddy the Elf Spaghetti Meal KitHealth and Beauty Aids – SheGlam – Willy Wonka CollectionHome Décor – Jay Franco and Sons – Hasbro Board Game Blanket Publishing, Social Expression, Back-to-School – Chronicle Books – LEGO in Focus Toys, Games, Novelties, Role Play (ages 0-8) – Jakks Pacific –Mario Kart Ride-on Racer Toys, Games, Novelties, Role Play (ages 8+) – The LEGO Group – LEGO Ideas "The Starry Night" with MoMA

BEST LICENSED BRANDS

Art, Design, Museum – Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam Celebrity, Influencer, Fashion – Dolly Parton – Speckled Bird by IMG Corporate – Kodak – Eastman Kodak Company Digitally Native, Gaming, NFT – "Minecraft" – |Microsoft by CAA Brand Management Entertainment Animated – "Naruto" Shueisha, TV Tokyo,VIZ Media Entertainment Live-Action – "Stranger Things" Netflix Food, Beverage, Restaurant – Coca-Cola – The Coca-Cola Company Publishing, Stationery, Social Expression – Crayola Sports, Esports, Collegiate – NFL Players Association Toy – Squishmallows – Jazwares

OTHER AWARDS Best Experiential or Location-Based Initiative – "Harry Potter:A Forbidden Forest Experience" – Ravenswood Experiences Best Collaboration: Fashion, Footwear and Accessories –Burberry x "Minecraft" by CAA Brand Management Best Collaboration: HBA, Food & Beverage, Other –Starbucks x "Emily in Paris" Best Licensed Promotion –Tiffany & Co. x Andy Warhol Holiday 2022 Best Retailer: Corporate, Lifestyle, Fashion, Sports –Vans x Crayola Best Retailer: Entertainment, Character – Bloomingdale's x "Bridgerton" Best Sustainability Initiative – Goodyear Brake Calipers –FDP Brakes by IMG Most Impactful Service Provider – Octane5

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