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Lisa Henry
Baxter Group
415 497 7414
lhenry@baxtergroup.biz |
Higher
Cocoa Content Further Intensifies the Flavor of
Ghirardelli Dark Baking Chocolate
(SAN FRANCISCO,
Calif.—(October 10, 2005)—Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
today announced a formula improvement to its award-winning line
of premium dark baking chocolate. Savored by those who
appreciate the highest-quality baking chocolate, Ghirardelli now
boasts a more richly intense chocolate flavor than ever before.
With enhancements including increased cocoa content, Ghirardelli
is the first nationally available brand of baking chocolate to
provide consumers with cocoa percentage information on its
packaging of dark chocolate products.
Ghirardelli has increased
the cocoa percentage in its award-winning Bittersweet Chocolate
Baking Bar, now 60% cocoa, and in its popular Bittersweet
Chocolate Chips, which have the highest cocoa content (60%
cocoa) of any national baking chip brand. The company has also
added a new Extra Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar with
70% cocoa. Ghirardelli’s Unsweetened Baking Bar remains 100%
cocoa.
As an added benefit to
bakers, Ghirardelli will be the first nationally available
baking brand to include cocoa percentage information on its dark
chocolate packaging. With an increasing number of chefs and
recipes specifying the cocoa percentage of chocolate
ingredients, Ghirardelli’s new packaging helps consumers
accurately select precise levels of intensity of baking
chocolate.
“There is a growing trend
towards dark chocolate in the U.S. Consistent with this trend,
within the baking segment, bakers are beginning to explore and
appreciate the rich range of intensities in flavor that dark
chocolate can deliver,” says Steve Genzoli, Ghirardelli’s Head
Chocolatier. “Our new packaging helps these bakers best match
their individual tastes and recipe requirements for the best
results,” adds Genzoli.
In 2004, Ghirardelli was
named “Favorite Dark Chocolate” by Cook's Illustrated
magazine. “Dark chocolate” typically includes chocolates that
are labeled “semisweet” or “bittersweet,” and that have
identifiable percentages of chocolate liquor.
Ghirardelli uses only the
purest, natural ingredients to maintain its distinctive,
balanced taste. This, along with a finer grind than other
brands, allows for easy melting into a glossy smooth texture.
Beginning in Fall 2005,
Ghirardelli’s new dark chocolate baking products will be
available in the baking section of fine supermarket chains
nationwide including, Safeway,
Albertsons, and Kroger. Suggested retail prices: 70% Cocoa
Extra Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar (4 oz. $2.59); 60% Cocoa
Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar (4 oz. $2.59); 60% Cocoa
Bittersweet Chocolate Chips (11.5 oz. $2.99); and 100% Cocoa
Unsweetened Baking Bar (4 oz $2.59). Ghirardelli also offers
60% cocoa in its signature confection Ghirardelli Squaresâ
chocolates & bars.
About Ghirardelli
Ghirardelli is a
manufacturer of premium chocolate products. Its extensive line
includes its signature chocolate Ghirardelli Squares, other
chocolate confections, a full line of baking chocolate and
chocolate beverages. As America’s longest continuously operating
chocolate manufacturer, Ghirardelli has established its position
as America’s Premium Chocolate Company for over 150 years.
Ghirardelli is one of the
few companies in America that controls the entire chocolate
manufacturing process – from cocoa bean to finished product.
This, combined with Ghirardelli’s proprietary bean blend and
unique methods of roasting and processing, ensures that
consumers are rewarded with high quality products and intense
chocolate taste.