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Ciao Bella Wins 17th sofi Gold Award at NASFT Summer Fancy Food Show

Ciao Bella's Belgian Chocolate S'mores Gelato won sofi(TM) Gold at NASFT's 2011 Summer Fancy Food Show last night in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Business Wire)

The win brings Ciao Bella's grand total to 17 sofi^TM Awards in as many years, recognition handed out by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) which presents the awards to highlight the best in specialty food and beverages - "sofi" stands for Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation.

"For Ciao Bella, winning a 17^th sofi Award is dually a humbling honor and a testament to our company's mission to bring deliciously innovative desserts to consumers, " said Deborah Holt, vice president of marketing and sales for Ciao Bella. "We are thrilled that NASFT has recognized our Belgian Chocolate S'mores Gelato, an indulgent and contemporary take on a classic treat."

Part of Ciao Bella's 2011 product line, Belgian Chocolate S'mores is a grown-up rendition of a childhood favorite: temptingly creamy and classically decadent , this chef-inspired blend of Belgian chocolate gelato with chocolate chunks and marshmallow swirls is sure to seduce taste buds. In addition to the award-winning 16 oz. pint, the nostalgic flavor is also available in sandwich form: Ciao Bella Belgian Chocolate S'mores Gelato Squares. Rounding out Ciao Bella's 2011 product offerings is this year's sofi Silver Finalist in the Outstanding Diet and Lifestyle Category, Blueberry Passion Sorbet Bars.

The Belgian Chocolate S'mores Gelato and Blueberry Passion Sorbet Bars were among 125 sofi Silver Finalists selected from a record 2,326 contenders in 33 categories this year by a national panel of specialty food experts. The winners were announced by noted chef, cookbook author and "Iron Chef America" star Cat Cora at a red carpet ceremony on July 11 at the 57^th Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington, D.C.

About CIAO BELLA: Fondly called America's Gelato, Ciao Bella began in New York's Little Italy and has been Tempting taste buds since 1983. Crafted like no other, Ciao Bella's indulgent collection of gelato and sorbet creates moments of happiness everywhere with an unparalleled, incredibly unique dessert experience. We simply rely on a chef inspired blend of pure, naturally intense ingredients and a passion for evoking pleasure and delight in every frozen bite. Offering unique and intense flavors like Blood Orange Sorbet and Key Lime Graham Cracker Gelato, Ciao Bella uses only the most elite and pure ingredients, resulting in ultra premium frozen specialties which embody both classic Italy and modern America. The brand has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and on AOL's home page for its captivating and mouthwatering creations.

About sofiTM :

The sofi Awards are open to members of the NASFT, a not-for-profit trade association established in 1952 to foster commerce and interest in the specialty food industry. Today there are more than 2,900 members in the U.S. and abroad. For further information on the NASFT and its sofi Awards, go to www.specialtyfood.com/sofi.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6790530&lang=en

For Ciao Bella
Ally Moehring, 617-837-8149
amoehring@ampagency.com