SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (January 29, 2008) - American consumers are “trading up” to enjoy little luxuries in their everyday lives, especially gourmet foods. To satisfy this rising demand for everyday indulgences, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is launching the first line of nationally-distributed filled premium chocolate bars, featuring the most popular flavors. The line delivers the perfect harmony of intense Ghirardelli chocolate and generous, luscious fillings with caramel, mint and raspberry, along with two premium milk and dark chocolate bars. By “gourmetizing” these favorite flavors in an affordable and convenient way, Ghirardelli offers chocolate lovers the perfect motivation to trade up to gourmet chocolate.

Almost two-thirds of Americans chose filled chocolate as one of their top premium chocolate picks, according to a recent Mintel study[1]. Ghirardelli’s new chocolate bars fulfill consumers’ desires for a filled bar while putting a gourmet twist on popular flavors – Milk Chocolate with Caramel, Dark Chocolate with Mint, Dark Chocolate with Raspberry and 60% Cacao Dark Chocolate with Caramel.   This bar line is further complemented with two solid bars – 60% Cacao Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate.   These technologically advanced bars cleanly separate into smaller segments for easier eating. The velvety smooth filling is kept inside a decadent chocolate shell, and not on your fingers, making it effortlessly possible to experience the unparalleled taste experience that these bars deliver.

The new Ghirardelli bars are currently available in stores with a suggested retail price of $2.29.

"The new Ghirardelli chocolate bars deliver high quality versions of the most loved flavors combined with our award-winning chocolate.” said Fabrizio Parini, senior vice president of marketing for Ghirardelli. “Chocolate lovers can now experience the pleasure of indulging in superior quality chocolate with the comfort of familiar flavors at an affordable price.”

About the new chocolate bars:

• Milk Chocolate with Caramel – Buttery caramel soft filling surrounded by rich milk chocolate
• Dark Chocolate with Mint – Tantalizingly refreshing mint filling surrounded by intense dark chocolate
• Dark Chocolate with Raspberry – Delectably luscious raspberry filling made with real fruit surrounded by intense dark chocolate
• Dark Chocolate with Caramel (60% Cacao) – Buttery caramel soft filling surrounded by intense dark chocolate
• Solid Milk Chocolate – Rich, slow-melting milk chocolate indulgence
• Solid Dark Chocolate (60% Cacao) – Pure, intense 60% cacao dark chocolate decadence

About The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a manufacturer and marketer of premium chocolate products. Incorporated in 1852, Ghirardelli has an incredibly rich American history. As the country’s longest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer, Ghirardelli has established its position as America’s Premium Chocolate Company with more than 150 years of chocolate making experience. Ghirardelli’s product line includes its signature Squares™ chocolate, Intense Dark™ chocolate, Ghirardelli Chocolate Bars, other chocolate confections, baking chocolate and beverages. These items are sold through select specialty stores, grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers and department stores. In addition, Ghirardelli sells a line of premium chocolate, syrups and drinks for the Food Service channel. Ghirardelli currently owns and operates 11 retail stores in four states, including the original Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop located in San Francisco’s historic Ghirardelli Square. For more information about Ghirardelli, visit www.ghirardelli.com.