Greeting card publisher lifts trophy for its Peter Rabbit creations
Peter Rabbit has proven a winner for Cardology as the character that kicked off the whole licensing industry earned the greeting card publisher a top award last night.
At last night’s 2023 Licensing Awards’ glittering ceremony, attended by over 1,200 people, Cardology director David Falkner went on stage to collect the Best Licensed Paper Products Or Stationery Range trophy for its Peter Rabbit Pop Up cards.
“Our goal at Cardology has always been to produce the special card that lives longest in the memory, so we’re made up that the Peter Rabbit cards our customers are giving for first arrivals, birthdays and Christmases have been recognised in this way,” David, who co-owns the business with wife Kripa and sister-in-law Dipa, told PG Buzz.
“It was particularly fitting that we got to share the evening with talented industry friends who always push us to go further and, specifically, with the fantastic team at Penguin Ventures who’ve supported us throughout.
“Most of all, however, this win is validation for the savvy independent buyers who first spotted what we were looking to achieve within the industry and who’ve been with us on that journey ever since.”
Tom Allen stepped in at the last minute to do the honours as host as fellow comedian Joel Dommett had to call off his appearance as his model wife Hannah Cooper had gone into labour just hours before the event yesterday, 12 September, in the Great Room at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.
And that was perfect for the Cardology team as the latest designs just launched in the Peter Rabbit range are the adorable handmade new baby cards – although they were definitely in non-parent mode last night, celebrating well into the early hours!
The licensing industry actually began back in 1890 when Beatrix Potter signed her first deal for greeting cards and then for a Peter Rabbit soft toy a few years later, with the Cardology 3D card range bringing it right up to date.
Other greeting cardies who attended the awards included Abacus, Card Factory, Carte Blanche Greetings, Danilo, Hallmark, Ohh Deer, Moonpig, Tache and UK Greetings, and the full list of winners can be seen here.
PG’s editor Jakki Brown, who is also md of Max Publishing which owns and organises The Licensing Awards, officially welcomed everyone, saying: “It is incredible seeing everyone here at what is the largest Licensing Awards event for many, many years.
Above: All the Licensing Awards winners, joined by host Tom Allen (centre front) and Max Publishing team members (right-left) Jakki Brown, Ian Hyder, Rob Willis and Sam Loveday
Before Tom took charge for the awards, there was a surprise performance by a troop of Original Stormtroopers – for which Cardology also has as a licence – who did a mind-blowing dance routine to Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Headline sponsor of the Licensing Awards was Brand Licensing Europe, which takes place over Wednesday-Friday, October 4-6 at London’s ExCel. To register, click here.
