Ciao Bella Says "Konichiwa" to Japan

New York, NY, February 03, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Ciao Bella Gelato, the most highly awarded frozen specialty dessert company, has been adored by America’s most discerning palates for 25 years. The hand-crafted, all natural flavors that garnered more than fourteen NASFT awards will now be tantalizing the taste buds of the Japanese consumer.

In December 2008, Ciao Bella rolled out its first shipment to the Land of the Rising Sun. With flavors such as Raspberry Sorbetto (Real Simple Best Sorbet and 2001 NASFT winner) and Blood Orange Sorbetto (Oprah’s Favorite Things, Real Simple Best Sorbet and 2006 NASFT winner) our neighbors across the way are not going to put their spoons down any time soon. “Ciao Bella is thrilled that our unparalleled desserts are now available in Tokyo,” exclaims Charlie Apt, President and Owner, “The cultural dynamic of Japan works very well with Ciao Bella’s commitment to all natural, simple yet unique taste and flavors.”

Ciao Bella has partnered with Nippon Coffee Trading Co., Ltd. (www.ncc.co.jp) a major importer and distributor of coffee and other food products throughout Japan. Founded in 1953, Nippon Coffee currently imports several major US brands such as Nestle, Unilever’s Skippy peanut butter, Smucker’s and Tabasco. Nippon Coffee selectively imports brands that are not only popular in America, but also those that are unique, of high quality and offer the best culinary experience.

Similar to Ciao Bella’s retail start in the US, their pint and mini cup line have been placed prominently in two of Japan’s highly-regarded specialty supermarkets – Seijo Ishii is Japan’s best-known high-end supermarket, with 47 retail outlets in Tokyo, Osaka and around Japan. Best known as Japan’s most prominent wine and food importer, Seijo Ishii is a cornerstone of the high-end Japanese lifestyle both for expats and Japanese. National Azabu Supermarket is Japan’s oldest specialty food supermarket. Specializing in imported food and wine from around the world, National Azabu is a favorite supermarket of expats looking for the comforts of home. Coming soon to other Tokyo retailers: Ito Yokado - Japan’s largest general merchandising store (February); Summit Store – a large supermarket chain (March).

In all, Ciao Bella made its debut with seven flavors from the award winning retail pint line as well as five flavors from their personal indulgences mini cup line.
- Vanilla Gelato – Pint and Cup, - Mango Sorbetto – Pint and Cup,
- Hazelnut Gelato – Pint and Cup, - Blood Orange Sorbetto – Pint,
- Raspberry Sorbetto – Pint and Cup, - Passion Fruit Sorbetto – Pint,
- Lemon Sorbetto – Pint and Cup

Ciao Bella uses only top-quality ingredients, sourced from around the globe, such as Valrhona French chocolate, Sicilian blood oranges, raspberries from Oregon, and Nielsen-Massey vanilla from Tahiti and Hawaii. CEO F.W. Pearce and President Charlie Apt built the company’s reputation by selling to New York’s finest restaurants, hotels and caterers. Ciao Bella focuses on these same clients today. From custom-designing flavors for chefs across the country to satisfying ice cream aficionados with their favorite treat both in restaurants and in pints from the supermarket specialty case.

Founded in New York’s Little Italy twenty-five years ago, Ciao Bella has now grown to include five gelato bar locations in Manhattan, most recently opening in the Winter Gardens at World Financial Center, as well as Gelato Bars in California and New Jersey. Ciao Bella is available at fine retail stores nationwide. Ciao Bella’s culture is chef driven, which means hand selected ingredients of the highest quality and unsurpassed purity, combined using hand-crafted methods, and resulting in delicious, innovative flavors.

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