Winners of the awards, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, will be announced at a ceremony in London next month
The finalists for the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2026 have been announced, ahead of the awards ceremony in central London next month.
Over 3,000 products were entered for the 12 prestigious product categories from companies large and small.
The full shortlist for each category can be found here.
All of the main product categories were judged by a panel comprising retail buyers from right across the spectrum, from Tesco and The Very Group, to Dobbies, Asda, HMV, Marks & Spencer, TG Jones, Pull & Bear, Calendar Club, Next and Scribbler, among others.
The finalists in the five retail categories were reached by a dedicated Retail Validation Panel, made up of licensing industry executives from both licensors and licensees, and chaired by Richard Pink, MD of Pink Key Licensing. The Best Brand Licensed Retail Marketing Initiative – which was introduced for the first time this year – was also chaired by Richard and judged by a panel of marketing and promotion experts from the industry.
Ian Hyder, CEO at award organiser Max Publishing, said: “It feels like yesterday that we launched the B&LLAs, so for it to be marking its 10th anniversary this year is extraordinary. This year’s shortlist of finalists underlines the brilliance, strength, innovation and creativity of heritage, museum, FMCG, corporate, lifestyle and other categories outside of character and entertainment. Congratulations to all and we are looking forward to celebrating with you on 23 April.”
“A huge congratulations to all the finalists of this year’s B&LLAs from everyone at Brand Licensing Europe. It’s such an inspirational afternoon in the licensing calendar with so many wonderfully creative people, brands and collaborations to celebrate,” added Ella Haynes, Event Director of Brand Licensing Europe, which returns as headline sponsor. “Good luck to everyone – here’s to a fabulous event in April.”
