STRATHAM, N.H., Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium chocolatier Lindt USA announces the introduction of Lindt Mocha Coconut, a new limited-edition dark chocolate bar inspired by the acclaimed Lindt EXCELLENCE collection.  The Lindt Mocha Coconut bar was selected as the winner of The Lindt EXCELLENCE Recipe Challenge, a student scholarship contest in conjunction with The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), challenging CIA students to develop a dark chocolate bar recipe.  Celebrity chef, restaurateur and CIA alumnus Michael Symon participated as one of the contest judges.  The new dark chocolate bar, which features a unique coffee flavor with toasted coconut pieces, debuts today and is available for a limited time only.

Inspired by the Lindt EXCELLENCE collection, the new Lindt Mocha Coconut dark chocolate bar features rich coffee, delicate coconut flakes and premium Lindt EXCELLENCE bittersweet chocolate in a simply satisfying combination of intense and familiar flavors.  Meredith Walter, a CIA Baking and Pastry Arts student from East Northport, N.Y., developed the concept for the dark chocolate bar recipe after pairing mocha and coconut to create a special birthday cake for her mother and her uncle.  

"As a chef, I love cooking with robust flavors, and the new Lindt Mocha Coconut dark chocolate bar exemplifies a great flavor combination and delicious sensory experience," said Michael Symon, celebrity chef and restaurateur.  "I'm proud to be a judge in the contest with Lindt and my alma mater, The Culinary Institute of America, and to taste each of the students' hand-crafted dark chocolate bars."

Earlier this year, Lindt launched The Lindt EXCELLENCE Recipe Challenge: Raising the Bar in Chocolate Creation, in partnership with the CIA.  Students developed an original dark chocolate bar recipe inspired by the Lindt EXCELLENCE collection.  Ten student finalists were selected to create their recipes, which were judged by Symon, Lindt Master Chocolatier Ann Czaja, and CIA Professor of Baking and Pastry Arts, Peter Greweling.  As the grand prize winner, Walter had her winning dark chocolate bar recipe adapted and produced by Lindt and is receiving a $5,000 scholarship. The new bar has a suggested retail price of $3.85 and is now available exclusively at Lindt.com and select Lindt Chocolate Shops, while supplies last. In addition, Lindt is furthering its commitment to culinary education by donating $1 to The Culinary Institute of America for every Lindt Mocha Coconut bar purchased.

"At Lindt, we have an unmatched passion for creating premium chocolate, and it's wonderful to see students from The Culinary Institute of America inspired by chocolate in the same way that we are," says Ann Czaja, Lindt Master Chocolatier.  "The winning Lindt Mocha Coconut bar creation truly embodies the delicious flavors and unique sensory experience that Lindt delivers in each of its Lindt EXCELLENCE bars."

The Lindt EXCELLENCE collection is the world's most exceptionally crafted premium chocolate, boasting a wide range of cocoa percentage bars and innovative flavor combinations.  Among others, the collection includes 70% and 90% Cocoa bars, as well as EXCELLENCE A Touch of Sea Salt, EXCELLENCE Intense Orange, and EXCELLENCE Chili bars.  Made with the finest cocoa beans and highest-quality ingredients, Lindt EXCELLENCE has a thin, refined profile to offer chocolate lovers an unmatched, sophisticated sensory experience. 

To purchase the new Lindt Mocha Coconut dark chocolate bar and to learn more about Lindt and the EXCELLENCE collection, visit www.Lindt.com or LindtEXCELLENCE.com.  For other news from Lindt, "like" the company's Facebook page, follow Lindt on Twitter, or visit the Lindt Chocolate Unwrapped blog.

About Lindt & Sprungli
Founded in 1845, Lindt & Sprungli is a global leader in the premium chocolate category, offering high-quality products in more than 125 countries.  Lindt & Sprungli operates eight production facilities in Europe and the United States and employs 7,700 worldwide.  Lindt USA operates more than 60 retail stores in the U.S., Lindt Chocolate R.S.V.P., the company's premium direct selling program, and maintains wide distribution through extensive retail and wholesale channels.  For more information on Lindt, visit www.lindt.com.

About The Culinary Institute of America

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent, not-for-profit college offering associate and bachelor's degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts as well as certificate programs in culinary arts, Latin cuisines, and wine and beverage studies.  As the world's premier culinary college, the CIA provides thought leadership in the areas of health & wellness, sustainability, and world cuisines & cultures through research and conferences.  The CIA has a network of 44,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Roy Choi, Cat Cora, Dan Coudreaut, Steve Ells, Johnny Iuzzini, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi.  The CIA also offers courses for professionals and enthusiasts, as well as consulting services in support of innovation for the foodservice and hospitality industry.  The college has campuses in Hyde Park, NY; St. Helena, CA; San Antonio, TX; and Singapore. For more information, visit the CIA online at www.ciachef.edu.

SOURCE Lindt USA