The Ferrero Company Ignites Consumers' Love of Premium Chocolates with Launch of its Premier Dark Chocolates

10/09/07 The Ferrero Company, one of the world's largest confectionery companies and a leader in the premium chocolates category, has announced the launch of Ferrero Rondnoir dark chocolates. These delectable premium chocolates are the first dark chocolate product for the Italian-based company. Ferrero strives to produce only original creations that are unparalleled in appearance, quality and taste. For more than seven years, the company perfected the dark chocolate recipe for Ferrero Rondnoir dark chocolates using only the finest ingredients and honing the perfect multi-sensory taste experience that is a company trademark. The result is a unique premium dark chocolate product that has the perfect blend of textures with a rich, balanced flavor. Ferrero Rondnoir dark chocolates are a unique combination of a dark chocolate cream surrounding a "black pearl" of fine dark chocolate, within a delicate, crisp wafer ... topped with crunchy dark chocolate morsels.

"As American consumers continue to upgrade in their quality and taste expectations across many food categories, the chocolate category has been no different. It began with Ferrero Rocher chocolates 10 years ago, bringing 'premium' to milk chocolate. And true to Ferrero's philosophy of innovation and uniqueness, we wanted to introduce a premium dark chocolate brand that is just as irresistible as Ferrero Rocher chocolates," said Don Stohrer, Category Manager, Premium Chocolates for Ferrero USA.

"Our goal was to develop a unique dark chocolate with the multi-sensory taste experience that is a Ferrero trademark," continues Stohrer. "The result was Ferrero Rondnoir dark chocolates. Everything about the product, from the premium packaging and dazzling bronze foil, to the creamy, crunchy taste sensation, is a uniquely indulgent experience unlike anything currently on the market."

To support this monumental launch, Ferrero is pleased to announce a partnership with Share Our Strength, one of the nation's leading organizations in working to end childhood hunger in America, and iVillage, the leading online destination for women. These campaigns will begin in the early fall and continue throughout 2008. Ferrero will simultaneously have an advertising campaign to support these programs and the launch of Rondnoir dark chocolates. The launch will be supported by heavy in-store retail promotions, online word of mouth components, national public relations campaigns and national television advertising.

Ferrero Rondnoir dark chocolates are perfect for those everyday indulgences, and are an affordable luxury. Rondnoir dark chocolates suggested retail price ranges from $1.09 for a 1.0 oz pack (3 count) to $3.29 for a 4.2 oz pack (12 count) and now can be found at Wal-mart, Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS, as well as select grocery stores beginning in November 2007.