The countdown to The Licensing Awards 2026 in September is officially on, with the finalists across all categories having been announced.

Once again, The Licensing Awards attracted a phenomenal number of entries and nominations this year across all the categories.

Products of Change has seen another year of its members appearing in almost every category – often multiple times. So a huge congratulations to:

SEGA, Disney, McLaren, BBC Studios, Character.com, Tesco, Dunelm, The Works, Netflix, Natural History Museum, Paramount, Magic Light, StudioCanal, Science Museum, Penguin Ventures, Hasbro, LEGO, Jazwares, Mattel, Rainbow Designs, Warner Bros, Blues Group, Fashion UK, Poetic Brands, Rubies, Smiley, UK Greetings, Danilo, Dreamtex, Character World, TDP Textiles, Teemill, Fabacus, Tottenham Hotspur FC, and Liverpool FC.

Over 5,000 products were entered across the 12 Product awards categories, with the finalists being arrived at by retail buyers across the whole gamut of licensed and consumer products.

The judges included buyers from retailers such as Asda, Calendar Club, Cardfactory, Character.com, FatFace, Iceland, John Lewis, Longleat, LPP, Lush, Matalan, Marks & Spencer, Moonpig, Next, Primark, Pull&Bear, Sainsbury’s, Selfridges, Skinnydip, Tesco, TruffleShuffle, Vanilla Underground, Voisins, Waterstones and The Works.

Various validation panels have also convened to discuss, debate and validate all the other categories to arrive at the worthy finalists.

“A huge congratulations to all of the 2026 finalists – from the 12 young professionals who have been nominated for UK Rising Star through to the evergreen properties in the running for the Classic Licensed Property award,” commented Ian Hyder, ceo at Max Publishing (which owns and organises The Licensing Awards). “The overwhelming amount of entries has lead to a shortlist which reflects the success, trends, innovation, joy, passion and creativity of the UK licensing business.

“Congratulations to all of the nominees; we can’t wait to celebrate with you all on Tuesday 8 September.”

The Licensing Awards 2026 are supported by a wide array of partners including Brand Licensing Europe as headline sponsor, and trade body Licensing International, a key support and sponsor of the UK Rising Star award.

The finalists in The Licensing Awards 2026 are (all categories are for licensing activity over the period between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026):

THE UK RISING STAR AWARD FINALISTS
This is a Licensing International UK award. The award is designed to recognise excellence among junior industry professionals in the United Kingdom under the age of 35.

• Lucy Arguile, licensing executive, Reemsborko
• Sam Billinghurst Brown, licensing and product development manager, Retail Monster
• Kathryn Brand, editor and content manager, Products of Change
• Josephine Hodges, product developer softlines, SEGA
• Lucy Lloyd, retail sales and marketing manager, Disney
• Brittany MacPhail, design manager, Banijay Rights
• Alberto Massaro, licensing executive, Born Licensing
• Mollie Moore, senior executive, McLaren
• Russell Mountford, senior product designer and developer, Fanattik
• Emma Ritchie, EMEA senior licensing executive, BBC Studios
• Laura Jane Rock, assistant buyer, Primark
• Byron Williamson, license and marketing manager, Spike Leisurewear

THE RETAIL CATEGORIES:

Best Retailer of Preschool Licensed Products (age group 0-5)

• Asda
• Boots
• Character.com
• The Entertainer
• Marks & Spencer
• Morrisons
• Next
• Sainsbury’s
• Smyths
• Tesco

Best Retailer of Kids’ Licensed Products (age group 5-16)

• Asda
• B&M
• Character.com
• The Entertainer
• Home Bargains
• Marks & Spencer
• Next
• Primark
• Sainsbury’s
• Smyths
• Tesco

Best Retailer of Adult Licensed Products

• Asda
• Forbidden Planet
• HMV
• Home Bargains
• Lush
• Next
• Primark
• Tesco
• TruffleShuffle
• Vanilla Underground

The Radar Award

• BargainMax
• Cardzone
• Dunelm
• Gettrend
• Monsoon Children
• My 1st Years
• Pop Mart
• The Range
• The Works

Best Overseas Retailer

• Aldi
• Bershka
• H&M
• Lidl
• MINISO
• Pop Mart
• Pull&Bear
• Smiggle
• Uniqlo
• Zara

Best Licensed Retail Marketing Initiative

• Bluey Summer Campaign with John Lewis
• Bridgerton Campaign with Liberty London
• Cars Roadshow with Smyths Toys Superstores
• NANA Collaboration with Vivienne Westwood
• Pokémon Experience with Natural History Museum
• Star Trek 60th Anniversary Campaign with the Science Museum
• Stranger Things: Season 5 Campaign with Primark
• Superman Campaign with HMV
• Wicked: For Good Campaign with Asda

Best Licensed Promotions Campaign

• BFG The Unexpected Guest Campaign for Sainsbury’s from Born Licensing and The Roald Dahl Story Company
• The Christmasaurus Trail at Cribbs Causeway from Bakehouse Factory
• Cluedo at Slim Chickens’ Restaurants Campaign from Hasbro
• Crayola Play with Colour Campaign with Clinique
• The Grinch Adult Meal Promotion from McDonald’s
• Love Actually It’s Pixel, Actually Promotion from Born Licensing
• Mog’s Christmas Trail at Victoria Centre from Bakehouse Factory
• Paddington’s Postcards Campaign with UNICEF
• Trivial Pursuit Win a Wedge Promotion with Marston’s Pubs
• Wallace & Gromit Cracking Christmas Campaign with Barbour

Best Licensed Live Event

• Beano Mischief at the Tower of London from Historic Royal Palaces
• Beatrix Potter Afternoon Tea at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London
• Bluey The Ride: Here Come the Grannies! at CBeebies Land at Alton Towers Resort from Merlin Entertainments
• Care Bears Spring Celebration at Drayton Manor
• Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical from Secret Cinema and TodayTix
• The Gruffalo at Lanterns of the Wild with Twycross Zoo
• Horrible Histories: Vile Victorian Halloween at Milestones Museum
• Paddington: The Musical from Sonia Friedman Productions/STUDIOCANAL/Eliza Lumley Productions
• PAW Patrol at Chessington World of Adventures from Merlin Entertainments
• Peppa Pig’s Space Adventure at NEC Birmingham from The Path Entertainment Group
• Pokémon and JimmyPaul ROAM Fashion Show by Difuzed
• The Traitors Live Experience from Immersive Everywher

THE PRODUCT CATEGORIES:

Best Licensed Toys or Games Range

• Bluey Range from LEGO
• Care Bears and Wicked Plush Range from Basic Fun!
• FIFA World Cup 2026 Plush Toy Range from Jazwares
• Gabby’s Dollhouse Movie Range from Spin Master
• Hot Wheels Formula 1 Range from Mattel
• How To Train Your Dragon Range from Spin Master
• KPop Demon Hunters POP! Range from Funko
• Minecraft Tabletop Arcade Games by Merchant Ambassador
• Mr. Men Little Miss Range from Rainbow Designs
• One Piece Live Action Range from LEGO
• Peppa Pig Whizz-Around Range from Character Options
• Pikachu Puppetronic by RealFX from WOW! Stuff
• Stranger Things 5 Range from LEGO
• Super Mario Galaxy Movie Master Toy Range from Jakks Pacific
• Taskmaster Games Range from Ginger Fox Games

Best Licensed Health and Beauty Range

• Bluey Suncare Range from Childs Farm
• Bridgerton Bath & Body Collection from Dove
• Care Bears Health and Beauty Range from International Stock
• Miffy and Cath Kidston Range from Heathcote & Ivory
• Miffy Personal Care Collection from Wild Cosmetics
• Mr. Men Little Miss Haircare Range from Matrix
• Ozzy Osbourne Collection from Jolie Beauty
• PAW Patrol Oral Care Range from Aquafresh
• Peppa Pig Pampers Premium Protection Pants from Procter & Gamble
• Pokémon Health and Beauty Range for Boots from H&A
• SpongeBob SquarePants Cosmetics Range from Made by Mitchell
• Squishmallows Sonic Kids Electric & Battery Toothbrush Range from Ordo
• Wicked: For Good Bath & Beauty Collection from Lush
• Wicked Health and Beauty Range for Sainsburys from H&A
• Winnie the Pooh Festive Collection from Mad Beauty

Best Licensed Preschool Apparel or Accessories Range (0-5)

• Bluey Collection from Converse
• England National Football Team Babywear Collection from Blues Group
• Flower Fairies Collection from Posh Peanut
• Gabby’s Dollhouse Movie Collection from Primark
• The Gruffalo AW25 Range from JoJo Maman Bébé
• Harry Potter Hedwig Collection from Blade & Rose
• Hello Kitty and Friends Collection from Du Pareil Au Même
• Miffy Babywear Collection for M&S from Blues Group
• Miffy Girls Footwear Collection for Next from Brand International Group
• PAW Patrol and NSPCC Range for Matalan from Fashion UK
• Peter Rabbit Hosiery Range for Sainsbury’s from Misirli
• Peter Rabbit Spring Collection from Vanilla Underground
• Shaun the Sheep Footwear Collection from Vivobarefoot
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Babywear Range for Boots from Poetic Brands
• Toy Story 5 Collection for Character.com from Fashion UK
• Toy Story Jessie Footwear Collection from William Lamb Group

Best Licensed Children’s Apparel or Accessories Range

• Blondie Apparel Range from Somerbond
• Care Bears Colours of Caring Collection from United Colors of Benetton
• KPop Demon Hunters Collection from Primark
• KPop Demon Hunters Collection for Tesco from Brand Alliance
• KPop Demon Hunters Collection from ZARA
• McLaren Racing Collection for M&S from Outerstuff
• Minecraft Collection for Next from Fashion UK
• My Little Pony Collection from Monsoon
• PlayStation Accessories & Footwear Collection for Zara Kids from Fashion UK
• Pusheen Tropical Vacation Girls Apparel & Accessories Collection from Reserved
• Squishmallows Kidswear Collection from M&S
• Stitch Nightwear Collection for Next from Cooneen by Design
• Toy Story 5 Collection for George from Blues Group
• Toy Story Rags & Rascals Collection for Next from Brands In
• Wallace and Gromit 50 Years of Aardman Collection for M&S from Aykroyds
• Wicked: For Good Collection for Character.com from TDP Textiles

Best Licensed Adult Apparel or Accessories Range

• Arsenal FC Collection from Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister
• Barbie and Red Roses England Women’s Rugby Union Team Collection from Castore
• Bridgerton Collection from Liberty
• Chelsea FC Collection from October’s Very Own (OVO)
• Minecraft Collection from AntiSocialSocialClub
• Moomin Womenswear Collection from Cath Kidston
• NFL Underwear Collection from OddBalls Apparel
• Oasis Apparel Collection from Levi Strauss & Co
• One Piece Men’s Collection from Quiksilver
• Paddington Classic Collection from Skinnydip London
• Pingu Adults Apparel Collection from Vanilla Underground
• Stranger Things Apparel and Accessories Collection for George from Brand Alliance
• Stranger Things 5 Collection from Pull&Bear
• Stranger Things 5 Reclaimed Vintage Collection from ASOS
• Wicked: For Good Collection from Cambridge Satchel
• Winnie the Pooh 100th Anniversary Collection from Primark

Best Licensed Dress-up or Partyware Range

• Bullseye Dress-up Range from Blues Group
• The Gruffalo & Friends Dress-up Collection from Blues Group
• KPop Demon Hunters Dress-up Collection from Rubies
• KPop Demon Hunters Party Collection from PROCOS
• Minecraft Collection from OppoSuits
• Minecraft Party Collection from PROCOS
• My Little Pony Collection from OppoSuits
• PAW Patrol Dress-up Collection from Rubies
• Peter Rabbit & Flopsy Collection for George from Blues Group
• Rocky Horror Costume Collection from Smiffys
• SmileyWorld Party Range from UK Greetings
• Superman and Krypto Dog Costumes from Rubies
• Toy Story Jessie Dress-up from Disguise
• The Traitors Dress-up Collection from Blues Group

Best Licensed Written, Listening or Learning Range

• Black Mirror Graphic Novels from TPub (Twisted Comics)
• Crayola Homework Helpers Range from Centum Books
• Disney Mini Books from Hachette Partworks
• Disney Stitch Publishing Programme from Bonnier Books UK
• FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Sticker Collection from Panini UK
• Fun with Spot Collection from Phidal
• Harry Potter: Diagon Alley: A Book of Magical Surprises from Insight Editions
• KPop Demon Hunters Publishing Range from Puffin
• Moomin Publishing Range from Macmillan Children’s Books
• Mr. Men Little Miss Agatha Christie Mysteries from Farshore, HarperCollins
• Numberblocks Countdown to Bed: Symbolised Storybook from Every Cherry Publishing
• Peppa Pig Publishing Programme from Ladybird Books
• Sonic the Hedgehog Publishing Range from Farshore, HarperCollins
• Squishmallows Magazine from Egmont
• The Traitors Search and Find Book from Walker Books
• Winnie the Pooh Publishing Programme from Farshore, HarperCollins

Best Licensed Paper Products or Stationery Range

• Care Bears Stationery Collection from Smiggle
• Flower Fairies Stationery Collection from Paperblanks
• Fourth Wing, Shadows of Navarre Range (Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean Collection) from Paperblanks
• Fuggler Stationery Collection from Hunter Price International
• KPop Demon Hunters Calendar, Card & Gift Wrap Range from Danilo Promotions
• KPop Demon Hunters Huntrix Stationery Range from Pyramid International
• KPop Demon Hunters Stationery Range from Blue Sky Studios
• Miffy Buttercup Stationery Range from Blueprint Collections
• Moomin Stationery Collection for Waterstones from Flame Tree Publishing
• Moomin Father’s Day Range from Thortful
• Mr Bean Greeting Card Collection from UK Greetings
• Original Stormtrooper Pop Art Stationery from Puckator
• Peanuts Greeting Cards Collection from Hallmark Cards
• Peanuts Stamps & Gifting Collection from Royal Mail
• Stitch Christmas Activity Range from IG Design Group
• Toy Story Adult Greeting Card Range from Moonpig

Best Licensed Giftware, Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares Range

• Bridgerton Home Collection for George from Brand Alliance
• England FA Homewares Collection from Dreamtex
• Formula 1 Homeware Collection from Pottery Barn
• Gilmore Girls Homeware Collection from Home Bargains
• The Grinch Small Domestic Appliances Range from Eurosonic Group
• Hello Kitty Home Collection from H&M
• Hello Kitty and Friends Seasons Collection from Dalian Talent Group
• KPop Demon Hunters Home Collection for Amazon from Character World Brands
• Marilyn Monroe Collection for Next from Rockett St George
• Minecraft Lighting Range from Paladone
• Monopoly 90th Anniversary Coin Collection from The Royal Mint
• Oasis Collection from Casetify
• Paddington Homeware and Accessories Range from Half Moon Bay
• Peanuts Lifestyle Range from Bioworld International
• Pembe the Pink Cat Collectable Range from Rainbow Designs
• Peter Rabbit Vegetable Thief Collection from Toasted Crumpet

Best Licensed Food or Drink Range

• Bing Dairy Free Seasonal Confectionery Range from Moo Free
• Bluey Multigrain Shapes Breakfast Cereal from Kellogg’s
• Disney Classics Patisserie Range from EL&N
• Emily in Paris Limited Edition Range from Boursin
• The Gruffalo Snack Bar Range from Organix
• Harry Potter Butterbeer Maryland Cookies from Fox’s Burtons Biscuit Company
• The Mandalorian and Grogu Robinsons Drinks Range from Britvic
• Minecraft Celebration Cake and Cupcakes from Finsbury Foods
• Mr. Men Little Miss Mr. Ridiculously Good’s Smooth Tomato Bolognese from Heinz
• Peppa Pig Apples for Tesco from Little Joya
• Peter Rabbit Easter 2026 Collection from Montezuma’s Chocolates
• R.Whites Freeze Pops from Rose Marketing UK
• Stranger Things 5 Chupa Chups Range from Perfetti Van Melle
• Toy Story Horseshoe Cereal from Weetabix
• Wicked: For Good Poppets from Valeo Foods UK
• Winnie the Pooh Collection from Lola’s Cakes

The Innovation Award

• 2000 AD Guitar Pedals from ThorpyFx
• The Adventures of Paddington Create & Play + from Crayola
• Blippi and Natural History Museum Collaboration for Character.com from TDP Textiles
• Care Bears Digital Pets from You Tec
• Harry Potter Diagon Alley Advent Calendar from The Carat Shop
• Jurassic World Primal Hatch T. Rex Specimen TR-1.0 from Spin Master
• KISS Culinary Collection from Dalstrong
• Minions Palm Puppetronics from WOW! Stuff
• Peppa Pig Hear The Fun Collection for Character.com from Aykroyd & Sons
• Peppa Pig Symbolised Stories Collection from Every Cherry Publishing
• Star Wars Collection from Target Darts
• Sonic the Hedgehog Limited Edition Poster from McLaren Racing
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Sewer Oil Diffuser and Humidifier from Rubber Road
• Toy Story 3D Hat Backpacks for Character.com from Fashion UK
• Wallace & Gromit Cheese Making Kits from The Big Cheese Making Kit
• Wicked Sonic Lite Toothbrush Range from Ordo

Best Sustainable Licensed Product

• Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Compostable Dog Poo Bags from Adios Plastic
• Disney Christmas Range for Sainsbury’s from IG Design Group
• The Gruffalo Play-sets from Playpress Toys
• The Gruffalo and Zog Epic BOTL Collection from One Green Bottle
• Haynes Apparel & Gifting from Shirtbox.com powered by Teemill
• Marvel Eco Nature Range for Tesco from IG Design Group
• Miffy Fashion Collection from Chinti & Parker and Fabacus
• Paddington Bath & Body Collection from Lush
• Pokémon and Natural History Museum Collection from A2V
• SmileyWorld Party Range from UK Greetings

THE PROPERTY CATEGORIES:

Best Preschool Licensed Property (0-5)

• Bing
• Blippi
• Bluey
• Gabby’s Dollhouse
• The Gruffalo
• Mr. Men Little Miss
• Numberblocks
• Paddington
• PAW Patrol
• Peppa Pig
• Peter Rabbit
• Winnie the Pooh
• Zog

Best Children’s or Tween Licensed Property (5-12)

• Barbie
• Beano
• Care Bears
• The Grinch
• Harry Potter
• Hello Kitty
• Hot Wheels
• Lilo & Stitch
• Mr Bean
• My Little Pony
• Paddington
• Pusheen
• SpongeBob SquarePants
• Squishmallows

Best Teen or Adult Licensed Property

• Bridgerton
• Care Bears
• Fuggler
• Gilmore Girls
• The Grinch
• Harry Potter
• Hello Kitty
• Lord of the Rings
• One Piece
• Peanuts
• Star Trek
• Stranger Things
• The Traitors
• Transformers
• Wednesday

Best Gaming Licensed Property

• Angry Birds
• Astro Bot
• Call of Duty
• Fortnite
• League of Legends
• Minecraft
• Pokémon
• Roblox
• The Sims
• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Stumble Guys
• Super Mario
• Warhammer

Best Film Licensed Property

• The Devil Wears Prada 2
• Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie
• How To Train Your Dragon
• Jurassic World Rebirth
• KPop Demon Hunters
• Masters of the Universe
• Superman (2025)
• The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
• Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
• Wicked: For Good
• Zootopia 2

Best Music or Celebrity Licensed Property

• The Beatles
• Gorillaz
• Grateful Dead
• Iron Maiden
• KISS
• Oasis
• Ozzy Osbourne
• The Rolling Stones

Best Sports Licensed Property

• Arsenal Football Club
• Chelsea Football Club
• Formula 1
• The Football Association
• Liverpool Football Club
• Manchester City Football Club
• McLaren Racing
• Newcastle United Football Club
• Scottish Football Association
• Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

The Classic Licensed Property Award

• Bullseye
• Care Bears
• The Grinch
• The Gruffalo
• Jurassic World
• Me To You
• Moomin
• Mr Bean
• Mr. Men Little Miss
• Sesame Street
• Sonic The Hedgehog
• SpongeBob SquarePants
• The Polar Express
• Wallace & Gromit

WHAT KIDS LOVE AWARD 2026:

• Batman
• Bluey
• CoComelon
• Harry Potter
• Minecraft
• Mr Bean
• PAW Patrol
• Peppa Pig
• Pokémon
• Spider-Man
• SpongeBob SquarePants
• Superman
• Super Mario
• Wicked

HONORARY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
There are no finalists announced for this prestigious award. It will be given to someone in recognition of their contribution to the industry.

The Licensing Awards 2026 takes place on Tuesday 8 September at Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

Tickets and tables can be reserved quickly and securely online by visiting Max-Tickets.net or by contacting Clare Hollick at Create Events: clare@createvents.co.uk or phone +44 (0)1183 340085.

For sponsorship or general questions regarding The Licensing Awards, please contact Ian Hyder, Jakki Brown, Rob Willis or Samantha Loveday.