Winnie turns 80

One cuddly bear first appeared in books Winnie-the-Pooh, published in 1928, and The House at Pooh Corner (1928). Years later, Winnie-the-Pooh, first created by A. A. Milne, was picked up by Walt Disney Productions and became the bear we know today, or Winnie the Pooh (sans the hyphens). This year, Disney is marking Pooh's 80th Anniversary with an 18-month celebration with entertainment and special edition product.

This April, Pooh's Grand Adventure is on DVD for the first time. A new, original Pooh song, “My Friend Pooh,” will be out this spring, and an 80th Edition Winnie the Pooh Storybook and Coloring Book will also be available this fall.

The focus for the property in the next year or two will be on retail expansion within developing regions as well as category expansion within existing retailers, plus product development in support of the new TV series, My Friends Tigger and Pooh. “The TV series is the primary focus for Pooh worldwide for the next few years, with all divisions on board to support it with strong plans,” says Preston Kevin Lewis, global director, Winnie the Pooh franchise, Disney Consumer Products. “The 80th is a global initiative reaching Pooh fans around the world,” says Lewis.

And even after 80 years, Pooh's popularity has not waned. “Winnie the Pooh is undoubtedly the most recognized and most beloved bear of all time, and he means so many different things to people across the globe,” says Lewis. “He also sees his world through wide, wondering eyes. It's the way a child sees the world, and the way adults fondly remember seeing the world. Everyone is included in Pooh's point of view.”