Lindt Celebrates Arrival of Lindt Bear, Just in Time for Christmas

STRATHAM, N.H., Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium Swiss chocolatier Lindt today announces the worldwide launch of Lindt Bear, an endearing new chocolate figure that will surely liven seasonal festivities in a "beary" special way.  Lindt Bear is part of the Lindt Bear collection, which includes four premium milk chocolate specialties ideal for any holiday occasion.  To celebrate the arrival of Lindt Bear, consumers can get to know and interact with Lindt Bear with the introduction of a digital Lindt Bear app and website.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111116/NE08076 )

The new, heartwarming Lindt Bear collection is comprised of Lindt Bear, Mini Lindt Bears, Lindt Bear & Friends, and the Lindt Beary Sweet Bag.  Lindt Bear joins the Lindt family of iconic seasonal figures including Santa, Snowman and Gold Reindeer.  The Lindt Bear collection includes:

• Lindt Bear (3.5 oz) - Made with premium Lindt milk chocolate, dressed in gold foil, and finished with a red ribbon, the Lindt Bear is the foundation of Lindt's holiday collection  

• Mini Lindt Bears (1.7 oz each) - Five premium milk chocolate Mini Lindt Bears available in one sweet package

• Lindt Bear & Friends (1.7 oz each) - Five premium milk chocolate bear figures with creamy, sweet milk fillings, each with its own unique, holiday-themed foil

• Lindt Beary Sweet Bag (7.2 oz) - The Lindt Beary Sweet Bag features 17 premium milk chocolates with a creamy sweet milk filling

"The launch of Lindt Bear builds on the popularity of Lindt's iconic seasonal figures and introduces a new loveable figure for all to enjoy this holiday season," said Thomas Linemayr, President and CEO of Lindt USA.  "Made with Lindt's premium chocolate, dressed in a golden coat, and crowned with a red ribbon, Lindt Bear brings consumers a delightful chocolate experience."

The worldwide launch of the Lindt Bear collection offers consumers a wide array of festive gifts and indulgent treats to satisfy every holiday need.  The Lindt Bear collection is available at retail locations nationwide, Lindt Chocolate Shops and www.Lindt.com.  

Now through December 31, 2011, Lindt is bringing Lindt Bear to life with the launch of the "Say it With the Lindt Bear" app and website, LindtBear.com.  The program allows consumers to create customized holiday greetings for loved ones by selecting from a variety of holiday scenes, choosing fun, holiday-related actions for Lindt Bear, and recording a custom message for Lindt Bear to recite.  The digital holiday greeting can be saved and shared with friends through MMS, social networking sites, and email.  The free digital Lindt Bear iPhone app is available through iTunes, and Droid users can access the app through LindtBear.com.  In addition, starting November 16, 2011, Lindt will be spreading holiday cheer by offering consumer giveaways on the company's Facebook page and Twitter handle.  Winners will receive gift baskets filled with Lindt Bear and other holiday products. Full details will be available starting November 16, 2011 at the Lindt Chocolate Unwrapped blog at blog.lindtusa.com.

For more information about Lindt or the Lindt Bear collection, visit www.Lindt.com or www.LindtBear.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 & Sprungli