MUMBAI: For a child, there are no limits to imagination. Their favourite animated characters live with them beyond the television screens or books. And following this insight, Viacom18 is strengthening its consumer products segment with two new flagship partnerships with FCBM and Rainbow International apart from its already popular merchandise. As part of these partnerships, Viacom18 consumer products has acquired the master licensing rights in India for FC Barcelona and Italian fashion brand Winx Club.
Says Viacom18 Media consumer products senior VP Saugato Bhowmik, “It is an exciting period for us as we are expanding our brand portfolio and all these acquisitions are in line with our growth strategy.” The network had recently inked an exclusive deal with animation and gaming firm DQ Entertainment to get the rights as a master franchise to launch the Jungle Book merchandise in India.
The deal enables the business to design, produce and market the iconic FC Barcelona in India. Apart from this, aiming at young girls, the merchandise for Winx Club will include toys and a contemporary apparel line. Products of both will be available offline and online in the next three to four months.
Engulfing the whole ecosystem, the consumer products segment of the network aims to contribute in double digits to the Nick’s overall revenue in India in the next three years. “Currently, I would say we are doing well and in the next couple of years we want to get in revenues in double digits by leveraging on opportunities available to us. We want to contribute significantly to network’s revenue,” says Bhowmik.
Working with the best in the particular field of products, says Bhowmik is what has led the company to reach higher goals. “We work with over 15 licensees for different brands and have over 2000 SKUs and for each we have brought on board the best in the category. For instance, we have chosen Ballarpur Industries to present us in paper stationery partner because they are the best in that field. Similarly, we have Simba Toys, Funskool, TI Cycles etc.”
To market the existing and upcoming merchandise, the team will leverage on the network’s offerings, both channels and digital platforms as well as create unique on-ground activities. “We will take a fashion route for Winx Club wherein you will see a fashion show which might be aired on television as well. The blueprint is almost in place but we will create innovative methods to keep the buzz regarding our products,” he says while adding that products will be available in retails shops as well as e-commerce platforms.
As for the future plans, the segment wants to focus on strengthening its retail space as well as market the products as it feels that it has a strong product line in the market. “We aim to double our business by next year,” he concludes.
