Prue Leith CBE has been revered in the culinary world for decades, is a beloved judge of Great British Bake Off TV series and now, having recently released her first cookery book in 25 years is to further please her millions of fans with a range of licensed products – kicking off with calendar and diary products from Portico Designs and confectionery from House of Sarunds.
“There is no denying the popularity and strong following that Prue Leith has built up over the years. The wonderful recipes and illustrations from the recently published Prue cookery book were perfect to be translated onto calendars and diaries,” said Charlie Czul, sales director of Portico Designs.
Not only will the Portico Designs’ stand at the Spring Fair (Feb 3-7, NEC, Hall 6-7 Stand J60-K61) feature the brand new capsule collection of Prue calendars and diaries, but Prue Leith will be there in person on the Tuesday of the show (around 10.45am) to bring her own enthusiastic character to the launch.
Playing a pivotal role in the whole licensing programme has been industry stalwart Riou Baxter, who together with his business partner Mike Broad runs Why Management, working with companies including Museums & Galleries and Paper Salad on the sales side.
Explaining more, Riou told PG Buzz: “Prue’s husband and I have a close mutual friend. We all agreed that given her huge popularity and standing that it was strange that she did not a licensing programme. I offered to look after the licensing in the product areas that I know a bit about!” As for knowing a ‘bit about’, this year will be Riou’s 41st Spring Fair!
The House of Sarunds confectionery collection will echo the similar look and feel to the four inaugural products from Portico Designs.
Riou anticipates Prue’s licensing programme expanding to encompass 10-12 licensees, covering giftware to kitchenware, greeting cards to eyewear.
The inspiration behind this licensing development was the publication of the Prue cookery book, Prue Leith’s first for a quarter of a century, which draws on her life-long passion for food with 100 recipes from her own kitchen table.
“I have cooked and been around food every day for most of my life and there are almost too many recipes to choose from, which is the reason why there is no theme to the book. It is quite simply a delicious romp through my recipe folder with a few stories along the way,” said Prue summing up the book.
