Dreyer's, Godiva Team for Tasty Treats

By Jay Hipps, Hacienda Network Staff Writer

Partnership with Godiva Chocolatier Promises a Gourmet Experience

Chocolate lovers around the country are in for a treat this month as Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream and Godiva Chocolatier team to launch six new ice cream flavors to be sold under the Godiva label.

With mouth-watering flavors like Belgian Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Hazelnut Praline, Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, and Pecan Caramel Truffle, there's little surprise that grocers are excited about the new line. White chocolate fanciers will want to try Ivory Chocolate Chip and White Chocolate Raspberry.

"We're expecting it to be a pretty big success," adds Donahoe. "The response from the trade has been just incredible."

Melted-In Chocolate

All of the flavors have either Godiva semi-sweet or white chocolate melted in.

In fact, two of the flavors are directly based on the Belgian confectioner's products. Chocolate Hazelnut Praline contains Godiva's signature hazelnut praline, a key ingredient in many Godiva chocolates including their popular Open Oyster piece.

Similarly, the new Pecan Caramel Truffle ice cream is inspired by Godiva's popular Caramel Nut Bouche chocolates.

More than a Premium Brand

Dreyer's is billing the new line as the first ultra-premium ice cream. Even the packaging is unique in the ice cream world: a gold and black container based on Godiva's icon Gold Ballotin box. The company is promoting the line as "the most indulgent ice cream ever."

Available Almost Everywhere

Despite the luxurious nature of the new product, it won't be necessary to make reservations at a five-star restaurant to partake in the Godiva experience. "They will be available throughout the whole market all the flavors are authorized at Safeway, Lucky, Raley's, Albertson's, Andronico's, and pretty much everywhere," adds Donahoe. The product was put on the market in the beginning of April and the first re-orders began arriving a week later. "Universal availability will probably be by the end of May, maybe even by the end of April," adds Donahoe.

Photo: Michael Donahoe of Dreyer's shows off their new Godiva Ice Cream, made in six chocolaty flavors.

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