Corus Entertainment-owned companies Nelvana and Kin Community Canada are partnering to launch consumer products programs for two of the YouTube consortium’s lifestyle-focused content creators. Nelvana will secure global distribution and licensing deals for home décor expert Alexandra Gater (pictured left) and vegan chef and cookbook author Lauren Toyota (pictured right).

Geared at a millennial audience, the consumer products program for Gater will feature home décor and accessories, with the first offerings set to launch online in fall/winter 2021. The program for Toyota, meanwhile, will focus on packaged vegan foods.

“We are looking to diversify our portfolio and work with new licensees that we don’t typically work with on kids products,” says Mellany Masterson, head of Nelvana Enterprises. “Kids content distribution and merchandise licensing will always be core to Nelvana. However, we see additional opportunities with our Corus sister companies to branch out and to utilize our consumer products and retail expertise in new areas, including this age demo.”

In addition to several upcoming announcements around kid-focused properties, Masterson says Nelvana is also seeking new opportunities with other lifestyle brands.

Recent announcements from Nelvana include a first-look deal with Indigenous writer and illustrator Kyle Charles to develop original film and television concepts, as well as the new 2D-animated production Super Wish.