Hickory Farms And Brand Licensing Team Enter Licensing Partnership

TOLEDO, Ohio, Jan. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Hickory Farms, the specialty food and gift retailer, and Brand Licensing Team, a top brand licensing agency based in Atlanta, GA, have entered into an exclusive agreement to develop and commercialize a range of new products across categories.

Hickory Farms intends to expand its distribution reach through the partnership as well as create new purchase occasions for its loyal fans by offering new, innovative products.  According to Mark S. Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer for Hickory Farms, Inc., "We selected BLT for their expertise in helping iconic brands build upon brand equity to grow strategically."

John Shero, Managing Partner of Brand Licensing Team, comments, "We will focus on creating relationships with best-in-class licensees known for innovation and quality to assist Hickory Farms, Inc. in realizing its growth objectives." 

About Hickory Farms
Hickory Farms, Inc. is a leading provider of specialty foods and holiday food gifts. Since 1951, North American families have chosen Hickory Farms' savory sausages, cheeses and other gourmet foods for their loved ones each holiday season. The company's award-winning signature products and eco-friendly gift boxes can be found online, in catalogs, at leading supermarkets year round and in shopping malls throughout the Christmas holiday season. For more information, please visit www.hickoryfarms.com.

About Brand Licensing Team
Brand Licensing Team (BLT) is a leading agency specializing in food, beverage and merchandise licensing.  The agency was founded by Cindy Birdsong and John Shero who are credited with transforming the Coca-Cola licensing program into a strategic marketing asset. Current clients include Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Chick-fil-A, The Coca-Cola Company, Hasbro, Hickory Farms, Inc., and Fender Musical Instruments Company. For more information, please visit www.blteam.com.

SOURCE Hickory Farms