Lindt EXCELLENCE Introduces New Lemon Bar, Enhancing Premium Dark Chocolate Collection

STRATHAM, N.H., June 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium chocolatier Lindt USA introduces EXCELLENCE Lemon into its dark chocolate collection as the most recent innovation to join the brand's sophisticated offerings. The new bar, available nationwide beginning next week, will first be featured at the 2014 FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen from June 20-22, where Lindt EXCELLENCE will serve as the Official Chocolate Sponsor.

The Lindt EXCELLENCE collection is the world's most exceptionally crafted premium chocolate, and with the start of the summer season, EXCELLENCE Lemon is a timely addition. Created with passion by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers and made with the finest ingredients, its bright citrus flavor is pure and nostalgic of summertime year-round. EXCELLENCE Lemon masterfully combines silky dark chocolate with the refreshing taste of lemon and the delicate crunch of almond slivers. The thin, refined profile and harmonious duo of elegant contrasts offer consumers a unique sensory experience.

"EXCELLENCE Lemon tantalizes the five senses with its vibrant citrus flavor, smooth dark chocolate and crunch of almond slivers," said Lindt Master Chocolatier Ann Czaja. "We're excited to share this new fruit innovation, offering consumers a refreshing and palate-pleasing experience just in time for summer."

EXCELLENCE at the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen
During the three-day FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, Lindt will host a special seminar and tastings, showcasing its premium dark chocolate collection to culinary experts, tastemakers and consumers. In addition to formally introducing EXCELLENCE Lemon during Grand Tastings, Lindt will also offer attendees an exclusive first taste of EXCELLENCE Pineapple with Toasted Hazelnuts, developed with fine wine partner J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines to pair perfectly with J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay. The "Perfect Pairing" will be available to consumers nationwide in the fall.

The Perfect Chocolate and Wine Pairings
To celebrate the summer season and J. Lohr's 40^th year of family winemaking, Lindt Master Chocolatier Ann Czaja and J. Lohr Red Winemaker Steve Peck worked together to create the perfect dark chocolate and wine pairings, elevating the tasting experience. Exclusive pairings will be highlighted at the Classic, including the newest Lindt EXCELLENCE offerings and limited-edition J. Lohr anniversary varietals:

• Lindt EXCELLENCE Lemon paired with limited-edition J. Lohr 40^th Anniversary Pinot Blanc from Arroyo Seco in Monterey County
• Lindt EXCELLENCE 70% Cocoa paired with limited-edition J. Lohr 40^th Anniversary Red Wine from Paso Robles
• Lindt EXCELLENCE Chili paired with 2012 J. Lohr Estates Falcon's Perch Pinot Noir from Monterey County

The 3.5 oz. Lindt EXCELLENCE Lemon bar will be available at retail locations nationwide including Target, Lindt Chocolate Shops and www.Lindt.com. To learn more about the Lindt EXCELLENCE collection and perfect wine pairings, visit www.Lindt.com. For additional Lindt news and images from the Classic, "like" the company's Facebook page or follow Lindt on Twitter.

About Lindt & Sprungli
With nearly 170 years of history and Swiss tradition, Lindt & Sprungli is a global leader in the premium chocolate category, offering high quality products in more than 120 countries. Lindt & Sprungli operates eight production facilities in Europe and the United States and employs more than 9,000 worldwide.  Lindt USA operates more than 50 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.

About J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
Founded four decades ago by Jerry Lohr and still family-owned and operated today, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines crafts a full line of internationally recognized wines from its 3,700 acres of sustainably certified, estate vineyards in Paso Robles, Monterey County's Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands appellations, and St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Offering an expressive range of styles, J. Lohr produces four tiers of signature wines showcasing its estate grapes – J. Lohr Estates, J. Lohr Vineyard Series, J. Lohr Cuvee Series and J. Lohr Gesture. J. Lohr also produces an array of flavorful wines under its Cypress Vineyards, ARIEL (non-alcoholic) and Painter Bridge labels. For more information, please visit www.jlohr.com.

SOURCE Lindt USA