2025 was a big year for Erve. Not only did the company celebrate its 40th anniversary, it also proved once again that being fast, flexible, and innovative pays off in the ever-changing world of licensing.
Nick Dierickx, who has been part of the Erve team for 15 years, looks back at the past year and gives a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2026.
Looking Back: 2025, the year of online hypes
“The licensing environment became faster than ever before,” Nick starts. “Big movie releases still matter, and we continue to support them. What really changed are viral online trends, new IPs that explode in popularity almost overnight.”
And Erve has been quick to adapt. The company fine-tuned its processes to sign new licenses faster, right when the hype is actually happening.
Nick laughs as he brings up one of 2025’s biggest surprises: Italian Brainrot
“Suddenly, kids (including mine) were running around shouting ‘Tung Tung Tung Sahur’ and ‘Tralalero Tralala.’ And meanwhile Ballerina Cappuccina became the new idol. Parents had no idea what was going on! And once you look deeper, you find a huge online community behind it and before you know it, millions of fans are on board.”
Erve spotted the opportunity early, and it is paying off.
“Italian Brainrot products are flying off the shelves. The hype is real. Alongside other viral hits like Skibidi Toilet and Stumble Guys, we’ve managed to also be right where our consumers are. Online, fast, and on-trend.”
Despite this rapid pace, Erve has kept its foundation strong.
“Our license portfolio is stable and well-balanced. From gaming and anime to established brands and licensors, lifestyle brands and exciting new IPs. That healthy mix keeps us both reliable and innovative. We always keep our long-term partnerships in mind and nurture them as good as possible.”
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
While looking to 2026, Nick is clear:
“We want Erve to be the go-to partner for retailers. That means: focusing on what we do best, not chasing every opportunity, only choosing the right ones.”
Erve’s strategic, focused approach is already opening new doors.
“With hits likeabove mentioned Italian Brainrot and Skibidi Toilet (attracting nearly 50 million YouTube subscribers), the potential is massive. And with our renewed PlayStation partnership, stronger ties with long-term licensors, and and intensified lifestyle Brands focus, 2026 is looking bright.”
Nick adds,
“Erve has become a safe, reliable, and trusted partner, and also one that’s always ready to innovate and energize the market. We’re diverse, we’re strong, and we’re ready for more.”
Here’s to the Future
With 40 years behind and countless new opportunities ahead, Erve continues to prove that being supportive, positive, and innovative is the best way to stay ahead, even in a world where trends move at the speed of the internet.
Here’s to the bright future of Erve.
About Erve:
Erve is a European leader in character licences and brands. We produce branded fashion and apparel featuring TV, film, cartoon, and video game heroes. As part of Erve Group, we have eight offices across three continents, and we control the supply chain between raw materials and stores. Starting with our in-house design team and portfolio of licences – we source, produce, pack and transport collections at the request of major fashion retailers. With 4 decades in the industry, our dynamic team values growth, transparency, and customer focus. Our exceptional quality and sustainable practices have earned us a reputation for excellence.
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