Ghirardelli Introduces

14. March 2006 2

New Intense Dark Gourmet Chocolate Bars to Meet Growing Demand for More Sophisticated Chocolate Experiences. Twilight Delight, Citrus Sunset, Toffee Interlude and Espresso Escape Provide Every Day Indulgence In the 90s it was the coffee bean and America”s love affair with double lattes and grande mochas. Now, it is the cocoa bean and America”s growing appreciation for dark chocolate that”s making headlines. One of the country”s oldest and largest chocolate makers, The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, is predicting that dark chocolate will be the next luxuriating, indulgent food trend to make its way into the hands and hearts of chocolate-lovers everywhere. To meet this trend, the company today announced the introduction of its new Intense Dark Gourmet Chocolate Bars. “The nation”s chocolate palate is growing more sophisticated and people are beginning to crave a more intense-tasting chocolate experience,” said Tinka Gordon, The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company Vice President of Marketing. “We have put our finest time-tested chocolate-making knowledge and skills into our new Intense Dark Gourmet Chocolate Bars to make them among the best dark chocolate products in the world. With these bars, consumers will discover the ultimate chocolate experience.” While dark chocolate is not new to Ghirardelli — the company has produced high quality dark chocolate since it first opened its doors in 1852 — the new Intense Dark Gourmet Chocolate Bars mark a new venture in the gourmet arena. Each Intense Dark Gourmet Chocolate Bar is named after a distinct and pleasurable everyday moment. Initially, the company is launching four flavors which are now available nationwide: — Twilight Delight (72% cacao) — Savor the pleasurable and relaxing finish to the day with a pure, deep and luxuriously rich dark chocolate with a slow and delicious melt, creamy mouth feel and perfect finish. — Citrus Sunset (60% cacao) — Reflect on the simple pleasures of the day with a refreshing, aromatic and delightful dark chocolate fused with flavorful bits of orange and just the right amount of rich caramel crunch. — Toffee Interlude (48% cacao) — Relish a daytime breather with a slightly sweeter dark chocolate blended with crunchy toffee and caramelized almonds. — Espresso Escape (60% cacao) — Enjoy a mid-afternoon revival with a dark chocolate fused with an exotic blend of finely ground, deep-roasted espresso beans, resulting in exceptional flavor, snap and rich coffee aroma. The trend toward dark chocolate consumption and Ghirardelli”s new Intense Dark Gourmet Chocolate Bars has caught the eye of leading chocolate experts. “People seem to be finding more enjoyment and pleasure in appreciating chocolate and, overall, premium dark chocolate provides a more intense chocolate-tasting experience than other types,” said Elizabeth Falkner, executive chef and managing partner of San Francisco-based Citizen Cake and sibling, Citizen Cupcake. “I think all of us are increasingly appreciating the finer points of food, and chocolate is no exception . I am seeing more people entertaining with chocolate and hosting chocolate-tasting parties. Chocolate could be the next big entertaining and socializing phenomena.” Twilight Delight, Citrus Sunset, Toffee Interlude and Espresso Escape are each available in 3.5-ounce bars and will retail for a suggested price of $2.99. They are currently available in Ghirardelli retail stores, food, drug, and mass merchandise stores. About The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a manufacturer and marketer of premium chocolate products. Incorporated in 1852, Ghirardelli has one of the richest heritages of the American chocolate companies. 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(TM) chocolate, Intense Dark Gourmet Chocolate Bars, other chocolate confections, baking chocolate and beverages. These items are sold through select food, drug, mass merchandisers, specialty stores and department stores. In addition, Ghirardelli sells industrial products for the confectionery, bakery, dairy and food service industries. Ghirardelli currently owns and operates 12 retail stores in four states, including the original Soda Fountain & Manufactory Shop located in San Francisco”s historic Ghirardelli Square. For more information about Ghirardelli, visit www.ghirardelli.com