The Licensing ANZ Awards has unveiled its finalists for 2023, following an unprecedented number of entries from the industry. Over 120 submissions were received, showcasing exceptional work across various sectors, including apparel, FMCG, hardlines, live experiences, retail marketing, and brand excellence. The announcement comes as the global licensing industry, valued at $356 billion, continues to thrive, with Australia contributing $13.4 billion in 2023.
Sales in the licensing sector are growing at an impressive annual rate of 4.59%, outpacing non-licensed sales, which grow at 3.7%. Despite the lack of formal education pathways for newcomers to the industry in both Australia and overseas, the sector continues to innovate and expand.
Finalists and Industry Highlights
The quality of entries this year made judging highly competitive. An international, independent panel praised the innovation and execution demonstrated across the board. Notable collaborations include Wicked x Camilla, The White Lotus x Camilla, and Bluey in apparel. In the corporate and FMCG category, Violet Crumble stood out, while dynamic live experiences featured Harry Potter, LEGO Star Wars, and Sesame Street with Bromley.
Retail excellence was exemplified by brands such as Peter Alexander, EB Games and Zing Pop Culture, Allkinds, Culture Kings, and Smiggle. Additionally, the Hall of Fame will honor Paul Cannon and Alan Schauder for their significant contributions to the industry. A full shortlist of finalists is available on the awards’ official website.
Industry Growth and Challenges
According to Lisa Sweeney, Managing Director of ANZ Licensing International,
“Submissions surged this year, not only in volume, but in the depth of creativity and commercial impact.”
Maura Regan added,
“The calibre set a new benchmark for the region, and the finalists demonstrate the strength of licensing as a driver of growth, culture, and retail innovation.”
Despite a challenging trading period for retailers over the past year, licenses have continued to drive customer traffic and engagement significantly above normal shopping levels. Live entertainment-based activations, in particular, have seen substantial growth. Examples include Chadstone’s Hello Kitty celebration, the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest experience at the Botanical Gardens, and the LEGO Star Wars attraction at the Melbourne Museum.
Background and Future Outlook
The Licensing ANZ Awards celebrate excellence across the licensing ecosystem, recognizing brands, retailers, manufacturers, agencies, and talent delivering outstanding results. The awards highlight the critical role of licensing in driving innovation and economic growth within the retail sector.
The move represents a broader trend in the industry where live experiences and brand collaborations are becoming increasingly vital in engaging consumers. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus on creativity and commercial impact will likely become even more pronounced.
Looking forward, the licensing industry is poised for further growth, driven by the increasing demand for unique consumer experiences and the continued expansion of global brands into new markets. The success of this year’s Licensing ANZ Awards finalists underscores the potential for licensing to shape the future of retail and consumer engagement.
For a complete list of finalists, visit the official Licensing ANZ Awards website.
