WildBrain Has Expanded Strawberry Shortcake Partnerships
The company added new licensing deals and a digital series ahead of the brand's 50th anniversary in 2028.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Baking
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WildBrain announced a suite of new content and product licensing partnerships for the Strawberry Shortcake franchise. These deals aim to build global momentum as the brand approaches its 50th anniversary in 2028.
Why it matters
The company is strategically expanding the brand's presence across entertainment and retail markets to capture consumer interest ahead of the upcoming multi-year anniversary celebrations.
The new series Strawberry Shortcake's Bake Shop features 26 episodes with a 3-minute runtime each. The brand will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2028.
The players
WildBrain
This is a global media and entertainment company that specializes in children's content and brand management.
WildBrain CPLG
This is a global licensing agency that manages brand representation and commercial partnerships.
The details
Licensing deals brokered through WildBrain CPLG include new product lines from Glisten Cosmetics, Happy Brands, and Poppy & Pout. Additionally, the company launched the Purrfect Pets campaign and scheduled a series of product rollouts over the coming year.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: The animated series Strawberry Shortcake's Bake Shop premieres on YouTube.
October 2026: Makeup Junkie Bags will launch a new cosmetic collection.
Winter 2026: Bull Airs will offer a limited-edition capsule collection for pre-sale.
Spring 2027: Zara will conduct a global launch of a new body mist.
2028: The Strawberry Shortcake brand will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Culture Shift
This licensing expansion mirrors a broader shift toward extended multi-year brand celebrations in the children's entertainment sector. By anchoring product launches to the upcoming 50th anniversary, WildBrain is leveraging long-term nostalgia cycles to build sustained consumer demand.
Consumers can expect new Strawberry Shortcake-themed products including cosmetics and stationery to hit retail shelves in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Singapore by late 2026. Fans will also gain access to the new short-form animated series on YouTube starting in October 2026.
The takeaway
The expansion demonstrates how legacy franchises utilize digital content distribution to maintain relevance with modern audiences. These partnerships ensure that the brand remains visible through various retail categories as it approaches its major milestone.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Animation Magazine.
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