Three-year deal sees recognisable illustrations brightening up children’s food storage
There’s a new licence in store for stationery and greeting card firm Rachel Ellen Designs as it has signed an exclusive three-year agreement with Thermos UK.
Founded by former professional ballet dancer Rachel Church 25 years ago, the Nottingham-based publisher’s latest licensing deal is for a unique FUNtainer range of children’s food storage – bottles, food flasks and lunch bags – featuring illustrations instantly recognisable as Rachel Ellen creations.
The Thermos brand will initially launch four themed children’s collections, all BPA free, with the cute, brightly-coloured Dinosaur, Pirate, Mermaid and Unicorn sets featuring a FUNtainer Bottle to keep drinks cool for up to 12 hours, a FUNtainer Food Flask to keep foods hot or cold, and a Lunch Kit for transporting packed lunches.
Rachel commented: “I’ve grown up using Thermos products, as my parents and grandparents did before me. I was therefore delighted to collaborate with such an iconic brand and use some of my best-loved designs to bring a children’s range to life. Everyone loves a fun food and drink container – kids and adults alike!”
Nick Kime, managing director at Thermos UK, said: “Thermos has been around for over 100 years and we actually launched our first children’s lunchbox way back in 1957 in the US when two million of our Roy Rogers design were sold.
“We have since remained at the forefront of innovation in the sector, continuing to develop the hottest and coolest products for people on the go and our FUNtainer products have been a best-seller in the UK since they were introduced almost 20 years ago. Partnering with Rachel Ellen is a natural fit for our brand, her instantly recognisable designs will resonate with children and their parents alike.”
Rachel Ellen Designs was founded in 1997 when Rachel retired as a dancer and began hand painting cards at her kitchen table. The company is now a leading UK publisher in the children’s greetings, stationery and gift sector, and distributes to more than 40 countries.
Top: Food fun – Rachel Ellen’s new designs on Thermos products
