Lindt Announces Sponsorship of Sony Ericsson Open

STRATHAM, N.H., March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium Swiss chocolatier, Lindt USA, is proud to announce the company's host sponsorship of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.  The top talent entered in the tournament includes Lindt Global Brand Ambassador and Swiss tennis star Roger Federer.  As a host sponsor, Lindt will have heightened visibility throughout the tournament on Premier Display Island, tournament signage and through a variety of in-park promotions.

During the tournament, March 21 - April 3, 2011, a Lindt Lindor Dream Center inside the main gate will offer fans the opportunity to sample Lindt's iconic smooth melting Lindor Truffles, learn about the art of premium chocolate from a virtual Lindt Master Chocolatier, and have their picture taken with a life-size replica of Federer.  Lindt will also offer samples of the iconic Lindor Truffles throughout the grounds, at the players' party, in media booths, stadium suites, and at four tournament partner hotels.  

To sweeten the sponsorship, Lindt will provide a number of fans with courtside seat upgrades through an in-stadium "Sweet Seats" text promotion.  Throughout the tournament, a variety of Lindt commercials and premium chocolate trivia will be broadcast on jumbo screens.  Lindt is also sponsoring the "Lindt Smooth Skills Zone" at the annual "Kids Day" on March 22, 2011, where they will provide complimentary Lindt wristbands and Lindor Truffles to attendees.

"This sponsorship gives us a great opportunity to showcase our brand and share the premium chocolate experience with the more than 300,000 attendees at the Open," said Thomas Linemayr, chief executive officer and president of Lindt USA.  "We are excited to have a presence at the tournament, to engage with fans and help cheer on our brand ambassador, Roger Federer."

In celebration of perfect matches on and off the court, Lindt is again hosting "The Perfect Match" sweepstakes.  Now through April 8, 2011, consumers are invited to visit LindtPerfectMatch.com for the chance to win the ultimate Swiss vacation – a three-day trip for two to Zurich, Switzerland to visit Lindt's global headquarters.  Participants can also win a variety of sweet prizes including Lindt Chocolate gift cards ($25-$100 value), gift baskets of premium Lindt products, and Lindor Truffle gift towers.  Chocolate lovers will also have the chance to get in on the action by following Lindt on Twitter (@Lindt_Chocolate) during the tournament.  Consumers who follow Lindt on Twitter and retweet a special Lindt giveaway message will have the chance to win Nike duffle bags autographed by Federer that are filled with iconic Lindor Truffles.

For more information about Sony Ericsson Open sponsorship, Global Brand Ambassador Roger Federer, "The Perfect Match" sweepstakes, or for official sweepstakes rules, visit Lindt.com.

About Lindt & Sprungli
Founded in 1845, Lindt & Sprungli is a global leader in the premium chocolate category, offering high-quality products in more than 100 countries.  Lindt & Sprungli operates eight production facilities in Europe and the United States and employs 7,400 worldwide.  Lindt USA operates more than 40 retail stores in the U.S. and maintains wide distribution through extensive retail and wholesale channels.  For more information on Lindt, visit www.lindt.com.

SOURCE Lindt USA