First 'Christmas Lighting of the Lindt Chocolate Factory', 16 November 2010

KILCHBERG, Switzerland, October 27, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- On 16 November 2010, brand ambassador Roger Federer together with the Lindt Maitres Chocolatiers will be turning on the Christmas lights at Lindt & Sprungli's headquarters in Kilchberg near Zurich. A spectacular lighting projection, created by internationally renowned artist Gerry Hofstetter, will guarantee a magnificent atmosphere. And much more besides: the area around the chocolate factory will then be transformed into an enchanting Christmas landscape with surprises for the whole family.

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At the first Lindt Christmas Lighting event, lovers of chocolate can expect seasonal decorations with reindeer and fairy lights, welcoming market stalls and a gospel choir. Swiss tennis star Roger Federer, and Ernst Tanner, Chairman and CEO of Lindt & Sprungli, as well as the Lindt Maitres Chocolatiers will be switching on the Christmas lights. Together they will give the chocolate factory a festive glow.

A childhood dream

Roger Federer is also caught up in the magic of the occasion. He has been a Lindt brand ambassador since October 2009. "I've always loved chocolate, ever since I was a young boy", he enthuses. "It's great fun being an ambassador to Lindt and also to some extent the fulfilment of a childhood dream". Ernst Tanner enjoyed making that dream come true: "We're delighted to have such an excellent and well-known Swiss personality as Roger Federer as part of our corporate culture". The Lindt Maitres Chocolatiers will be there every step of the way to assist Roger Federer. After all, the Christmas Lighting Event is all about their passion for chocolate-making and the art of repeatedly conjuring up new, delicious creations.

An experience for all ages

In addition to the light projections, there will be much more for visitors to see. For example the Lindt Maitres Chocolatiers' Christmas Houses are equipped with large windows so you can watch the experts live as they create their fine chocolates. It is also a special opportunity for the Maitres Chocolatiers to display their craftsmanship to fans. "This event allows us to give people an insight into the fascinating world of chocolate-making", comments Ernst Tanner. "The Lindt Christmas Lighting event is our gift to everyone who loves chocolate and the festive season. We're looking forward to an unforgettable experience". After the event, the splendid projections can be seen every morning and evening until 24 December.

About Lindt & Sprungli

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli AG is the worldwide leader in the premium chocolate segment and was founded 165 years ago in Zurich. In 1879, Rodolphe Lindt invented the 'conch', a revolutionary method of producing Lindt Surfin, the world's first smooth-melting chocolate. This makes Lindt one of the oldest traditional Swiss brands. Firmly anchored into this pioneering spirit, Lindt & Sprungli is continuously perfecting the expertise of its Maitres Chocolatiers.

Lindt & Sprungli quality chocolate is manufactured in eight production facilities in Europe and the US - from the cocoa bean, right up to the finished product. Lindt Chocolate is sold by 17 of its own subsidiaries and the company has a widespread network of independent distributors the world over. As part of its geographical expansion, in 1997 and 1998 the Group took over the two traditional brands Caffarel, a well-known Italian chocolate maker and Ghirardelli, the oldest producers of premium chocolate in the United States.

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli AG became a listed company on the Swiss stock market in 1986 and a holding company in 1994. The Lindt & Sprungli Group employs around 7,500 people and achieved sales of 2.5 billion Swiss francs in 2009.

    Media contact:

    Questions about the event:

    Haslimann Taylor
    Bron Eames
    1 Wrens Court, Lower Queen Street
    Sutton Coldfield, B72 1RT
    Phone: +44(0)121-355-3446
    E-mail: [email protected]

    Questions about the company:

    Lindt & Sprungli (International) AG
    Sylvia Kalin / Nina Keller
    Seestrasse 204
    8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland
    Phone: +41(0)44-716-2456 or +41(0)44-716-2457
    E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Lindt & Sprungli