By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Animal Adventure has entered a new licensing agreement for consumer products with the long-standing infant brand, Sophie la girafe.
The agreement was fostered with the help of Anjar & Becker Associates, an award-winning IP licensing and brand management agency.
“We’re very excited that we could bring Sophie la girafe and Dan Dee/Animal Adventure together for this expansive licensing deal,” said Patti Becker, CEO of Anjar & Becker Associates.
“Sophie is a very special brand, and we know it’s in good hands with Dan Dee and Animal Adventure. They make beautiful plush, and we’re excited to have them join the family of Sophie licensees.”
Sophie la girafe is a best-selling, global teether brand that was originally created in 1961 in Paris, France. Since its creation, Sophie la girafe has grown its marketing reach to more than 85 countries and currently generates over 100 million in annual retail sales.
“We’re pleased to be partnering with Sophie la girafe, one of the world’s most trusted infant brands and a great fit with our Animal Adventure business,” said Mark Matheny, Head of Licensing at Animal Adventure.
“Animal Adventure is known for creating wonderful baby products through a thoughtful, trend-driven approach, and we’re excited to build a Sophie la girafe line that looks beautiful and leverages the unique position which the brand holds for parents and infants,”
Animal Adventure plans to market an extensive line of infant consumer products in the U.S. under the Sophie la girafe brand. The products featured in the licensed collection will include plush, mobiles, activity mats, storage cubes, rockers, soft chairs, stroller toys, baby wedges, and seasonal products.
“DELISO is very pleased about this license with Animal Adventure,” said Maude-Sophie Guerret, Licensing Manager for Sophie la girafe.
“Animal Adventure’s patented range of antibacterial and hypoallergenic plush products, further enhances the desirability of the plush products Animal Adventure will make available to the trade.”
Jointly known as Animal Adventure, Dan Dee International LLC and Animal Adventure LLC are among the world’s largest designers and suppliers of plush, baby, home décor, pet, and seasonal products.
The company holds the licensing rights for more than 50,000 copyrighted patterns. It currently operates a 200,000 square foot product development facility staffed with more than 150 designers.
“As a parent, having confidence in the products that I give my child is so important,” added Andrew Hogan, Licensing Director at Animal Adventure.
“Sophie la girafe was the first brand that my child was introduced to and has been trusted by parents around the world for generations. This partnership via Anjar & Becker Associates will bring elevated and innovative new products to parents and gift-givers, allowing infants to experience the Sophie brand in new and exciting ways.”
Anjar & Becker Associates are known for providing international licensing, distribution opportunities and brand extensions for a wide variety of product categories. The agency has licensed more than 1,000 products since its inception.
The upcoming Sophie la girafe x Animal Adventure infant product line will be released during the summer of 2022.