Hostess(R) to introduce limited-edition Banana Creme-Filled Twinkies

24/03/06 Hostess Twinkies will once again be filled with smooth banana-Creme, the original flavor of the iconic snack cake created 76 years ago this April -- but only for a limited time.

In connection with the DVD release on March 28 of the blockbuster film King Kong, Hostess is introducing limited-edition Banana Creme-Filled Twinkies, which will be available in over 30,000 retail locations nationwide beginning March 23, 2006.

This banana-themed promotion is a nostalgic nod to the classic treat, which was made with banana Creme filling until a World War II banana shortage prompted Twinkie bakers to switch to vanilla Creme.

"The DVD release of King Kong provided the perfect venue for the re- introduction of Banana Creme-Filled Twinkies as a nostalgic nod to one of America's most popular snacks," said Kevin Kaul marketing director at Hostess. "We are pleased to partner with Universal Studios Home Entertainment as part of this thrilling action and adventure film."

Directed by Peter Jackson and starring Naomi Watts, Jack Black and Andrien Brody, King Kong is the epic action-adventure about a film crew's discovery of mysterious Skull Island, where they encounter the legendary Kong, a giant creature of incredible physical power, leading to unforeseen and indelible events for all.

The King Kong partnership comes on the heels of the highly successful promotion of purple Creme-filled Hostess® "Chocolicious Wonka Cakes" in connection with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and green Creme-filled Hostess® Twinkies® in connection with the DVD release of Shrek 2.

Limited-edition Banana Creme-Filled Twinkies, as well as Hostess' Banana Walnut Mini Muffins will feature special King Kong themed packaging. The King Kong promotion is also supported by national print and Online advertising, free standing inserts, in-store displays and the "Go Bananas" online sweepstakes, where consumers can win Kong-sized prizes including a trip to Universal Studios and prize packs including a variety of King Kong and Hostess merchandise.

Interstate Bakeries Corporation, the maker of Hostess products, is one of the nation's largest wholesale bakers and distributors of fresh baked bread and sweet goods under various brand names including Wonder®, Hostess®, Dolly Madison®, Baker's Inn®, Home Pride®, Merita® and Drake's®.

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