Lindt USA Launches TV Ad with Global Brand Ambassador Roger Federer

STRATHAM, N.H., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium chocolate manufacturer Lindt USA today announces the launch of their new TV advertisement featuring Lindt Global Brand Ambassador and Swiss tennis star Roger Federer.  The new TV spot "Airport," created by agency of record Gotham Inc., is a humorous look into the life of Federer and the irresistible nature of Lindt's smooth melting Lindor Truffles.  Lindt is also unveiling a special partnership with the Roger Federer Foundation (RFF) that will help raise awareness and funds for the non-profit in conjunction with the Grand Slam tournament in New York.

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In the 30-second TV spot, Federer is followed through an airport security screening.  The commercial takes a comical turn when two female security agents find it nearly impossible to resist Federer and the Lindor Truffles he is traveling with.  The ad culminates with the security agents taste testing the Lindor Truffles and ultimately confiscating them for further "investigation."  The new creative, which is a supplement to Lindt's "Do You Dream in Chocolate" campaign featuring the Lindt Master Chocolatiers and signature Lindor Truffles, will air during a two-week national TV flight (Aug. 29 - Sept. 12, 2010) coinciding with the U.S. Open – a tournament Federer has won five times in the past six years.  

In addition to the ad, Lindt is celebrating perfect matches on the court.  For every match Federer wins during the Open, Lindt will donate $1,000 to the RFF.  The Foundation primarily focuses its efforts in Africa, offering charitable grant-making opportunities to address the critical challenges in education for disadvantaged children.  Chocolate lovers can also get in on the action by visiting the Lindt Facebook page and the Perfect Match Fan Giveaway for a chance to win a Nike duffle bag filled with Lindor Truffles (ARV: $225) every time Federer wins a round during the tournament.

"Our new television campaign allows us to showcase our signature smooth melting Lindor Truffles in a fun way, using Federer's likeability to further extend the Lindt message," said Thomas Linemayr, chief executive officer and president of Lindt USA.  "We are also happy our support of the Roger Federer Foundation encourages fans to rejoice in Roger's success not only because he is a great tennis player, but also because every win will help disadvantaged children."

"I am excited to continue to grow my partnership with the leader – and my top choice – in premium chocolate," said Federer.  "I am also thankful to Lindt for their support of the Roger Federer Foundation.  This is a cause I am very passionate about, and it is great to know my potential success on the court will have a positive effect on children in need."

Federer was named Lindt's Global Brand Ambassador in Oct. 2009 as part of a long-term deal with his favorite chocolate brand.  The new TV spot and donation offering are part of an ongoing partnership that coincides with "The Perfect Match" sweepstakes running through Sept. 12, 2010.  Consumers are invited to visit Lindt.com for daily chances to win a variety of premium chocolate prizes and an opportunity to meet Federer at the Lindt & Sprungli global headquarters in Switzerland.  

The new "Airport" TV spot, as well as the extended version and behind-the-scenes footage from the taping, can be seen on Lindt.com and YouTube.  For more information about the RFF or to make an individual donation please visit RogerFedererFoundation.org.  To stay up to date on the latest Lindt news, visit Lindt on Twitter (@Lindt_Chocolate) and Facebook (Facebook.com/LindtChocolate).

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.

About the Roger Federer Foundation

The Roger Federer Foundation (RFF) was founded in 2003 by Roger Federer and is a charitable grant-making foundation.  It supports innovative projects operated by local educational charities – projects that would otherwise lack sufficient funding.  Specific emphasis is placed on supporting projects dedicated to children's causes located in some of the poorest countries on the African continent.  The RFF focuses on sharing the responsibility of problem-solving with the local community (in terms of content, organization and finance).  In Switzerland, the RFF supports talented children who meet the requirements of the official sports federations but lack the necessary resources to realize their dreams.  For more information on the RFF, visit www.rogerfedererfoundation.org.

About Gotham

Gotham Inc., a unit of IPG, services the integrated communication needs of clients in fashion and beauty, retail, healthcare, financial services, hi tech and packaged goods categories.  Clients include: Best Western, Chobani, Lindt, Fresh Direct, Yellowbook.com, Waterford, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton (WWRD Holdings), Goody, Hitachi America, Maybelline, Remington, Time Warner Cable and Newman's Own.  For more information, visit www.gothaminc.com.

SOURCE Lindt