Ahead of France Licensing Day on 27 June, LicensingSource.net catches up with Patrick Tamburlin, business unit manager at Bel Licensing, to find out more on the company’s plans.
Why is France Licensing Day such an important date in your business calendar?
This is our second participation to France Licensing Day with Bel Licensing and a major opportunity to meet the profession, discuss, network and initiate and/or conclude new deals. And when the evening comes, it’s time to celebrate the excellence of the licensing industry in France – we are hoping to win the Softline Product of the Year awards thanks to our Freegun x La Vache qui rit underwear collection.
How important is the French licensing market to your brand/business?
The Laughing cow is our flagship brand at BEL SA and with it being an iconic, +100 years old French brand, France is still a huge market for Bel Licensing even if we tend to internationalise our actions more and more thanks to the help of our licensing agents and we are now active at worldwide level.
What is the biggest trend driving licensing in France right now?
For us, at BEL SA, the most crucial trend is CSR. We deeply believe that licensing, as any other industry, won’t last if not sustainable and responsible.
What brands will you be bringing to the event?
The brands we will present at the event are obviously The Laughing cow, but also Babybel, Boursin and GoGo squeez. We could also present Kiri or Belcube.
What’s new? What will FLD attendees find out about your brands they may not already know.
With iconic brands as ours, there is always something new to learn. We will also focus on food licensing possibilities and share international news to fuel the pipe as food for thought.
What’s your favourite French brand?
Apart The Laughing cow? Babybel for sure, but but I appreciate brands with a history, values and roots that have succeeded to renew themselves over time to remain timeless.
Will we see you at Brand Licensing Europe in September?
Our brands should be present through Pink Key Licensing, our licensing agent in the UK and I will visit for sure; it is an event that can’t be missed.
Registration for both France Licensing Day and the Licensing International France Awards (which takes place in the evening on 27 June) is open at https://www.francelicensingday.com/. A France Licensing Day pass is free for all to attend. A day pass plus a ticket to the prestigious Licensing International France Awards, including drinks and canapés, is priced at €64 (€56 for Licensing International members).
