Diamond Foods Launches New Emerald Cocoa Roast Dark Chocolate Almonds

05/12/07 Diamond Foods, Inc., a leading branded food company specializing in processing, marketing and distributing culinary nuts and snack products, announced that it will be adding Emerald Cocoa Roast Dark Chocolate Almonds to its Emerald product line in early 2008. The new offering marks an industry first among the national snack brands and compliments Diamond’s campaign as promoting nuts as a healthy source of natural energy.

Emerald Cocoa Roast Dark Chocolate Almonds combine special dry roasted almonds with a rich dark chocolate flavoring, resulting in a crisp, flavorful snack. This product can be shipped in a shelf stable environment and does not require refrigerated shipping or warehouse storage like traditional chocolate covered items. The product will be offered in Emerald’s convenient and ergonomically designed on-the-go canister. Emerald Cocoa Roast Dark Chocolate Almonds have the great taste of chocolate without the added calories and fat found in chocolate dipped nuts. One serving, which can be served by using the lid of the container is only 150 calories (the same number of calories as a handful of regular almonds) and is a low-sodium snack while also providing a great source of Vitamin E and protein.

"Research reflects that consumers desire chocolate-flavored products that are less indulgent than traditional chocolate items, but are as equally tasty,” said Andrew Burke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Diamond Foods. “Emerald Cocoa Roast Dark Chocolate Almonds addresses the demand by combining the health benefits of dry roasted almonds with a delectable chocolate coating that boasts the flavor without the guilt.”

The Emerald snack line, which has expanded from 14 to 23 products since its national introduction in August 2004, has distribution in approximately 84% of the nation's grocery stores with 77% of Emerald’s Sales Dollar growth over the past year being incremental to the category. The brand is quickly gaining additional distribution in drug stores, convenience stores, club stores and mass merchandising outlets, with Emerald Cocoa Roast Dark Chocolate Almonds already accepted by one of the largest U.S. retailers.