Lindt Celebrates 60th Birthday of Iconic LINDT GOLD BUNNY With Giveaway of Thousands of Free Premium Chocolate LINDT GOLD BUNNY Products

STRATHAM, N.H., March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium Swiss chocolatier, Lindt, plans to celebrate the 60th birthday of LINDT GOLD BUNNY by hosting the company's first-ever LINDT GOLD BUNNY Day.  On March 8, 2012, one month before Easter, Lindt will be inviting chocolate lovers across the country to join in the celebration of the iconic figure's milestone birthday by visiting a Lindt Chocolate Shop or shopping online at Lindt.com.  During the event, Lindt will be giving away more than 30,000 milk chocolate LINDT GOLD BUNNY products as a way to celebrate 60 sweet years and showcase the company's rich history of passion, tradition, and premium excellence.

A Birthday To Remember
On March 8, LINDT GOLD BUNNY fans can join in the celebration by visiting a Lindt Chocolate Shop where the first 500 customers at each store will receive a free 3.5 oz milk chocolate LINDT GOLD BUNNY.  Additionally, the first 500 Lindt.com visitors who purchase product will receive a free 3.5 oz LINDT GOLD BUNNY.  Lindt will also be giving away free LINDT GOLD BUNNY products to consumers who are attending a Lindt Chocolate R.S.V.P. party on LINDT GOLD BUNNY Day. 

"The LINDT GOLD BUNNY was crafted with a dedication to excellence by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers 60 years ago, and today it is cherished in Easter celebrations around the globe," said Thomas Linemayr, chief executive officer and president of Lindt USA.  "We are proud to celebrate this special milestone and share the celebration of LINDT GOLD BUNNY with thousands of Americans who will enjoy a sweet surprise on LINDT GOLD BUNNY Day."  

Over the past 60 years, families have opened their hearts and homes to LINDT GOLD BUNNY as the friend that joyfully stirs Easter emotions.  Today, LINDT GOLD BUNNY is the #1 selling chocolate bunny in the United States*, and it adorns Easter baskets in more than 60 countries as the centerpiece for celebrating of the Easter season.

Today, the LINDT GOLD BUNNY collection includes five sizes and three chocolate varieties: milk, dark and white chocolate.  It takes 45 minutes to carefully craft just one LINDT GOLD BUNNY from the start to the finishing touches of signature gold foil and red ribbon delicately placed on the bunny's neck.  This unique and elaborate process has earned the Swiss premium chocolate bunny a global following.

The Bunny That Gives Back
In addition to celebrating 60 years, LINDT GOLD BUNNY is the also the bunny that gives back.  Since 2008, Lindt has partnered with Autism Speaks during the Easter season and has raised more than $325,000 for the autism cause.  This year, Lindt plans to donate an additional $125,000 to the organization through donations from sales of the iconic LINDT GOLD BUNNY, as well as Easter Baskets sold through Lindt Chocolate Shops, Lindt.com and Lindt Chocolate R.S.V.P.  In addition, kicking off March 8 – LINDT GOLD BUNNY Day – Lindt is again hosting the Lindt Gold Bunny Celebrity Auction.  Porcelain versions of LINDT GOLD BUNNY adorned with celebrity signatures will be auctioned off at LindtGoldBunnyAuction.com, with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to Autism Speaks.

For Lindt Chocolate Shop locations or to shop online, please visit Lindt.com.  For more information about LINDT GOLD BUNNY or Lindt's partnership with Autism Speaks, please visit www.LindtGoldBunny.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., Lindt Chocolate R.S.V.P., the company's premium direct selling program, and maintains wide distribution through extensive retail and wholesale channels.  For more information on Lindt, visit www.lindt.com.

* Source: Nielsen ScanTrack Total U.S. Food/Drug/Rem Mass 12 W.E. 4.23.11 vs. 12 W.E. 4.3.10

SOURCE Lindt & Sprungli