STRATHAM, N.H., Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This holiday season, premium chocolatier Lindt USA and the endearing Lindt Bear, a loveable premium chocolate figure, are mastering the joy of chocolate.  Lindt is launching the Mastering the Joy of Chocolate instant win sweepstakes, providing consumers with the chance to win a variety of daily prizes.  Adding to the magic and joy of the holidays, Lindt Bear will also bring friends and family together through customized holiday greetings with the "Say it with the Lindt Bear" app, and festive pop-up events featuring Lindt Bear in New York at the end of November and in early December.

To kick off the holiday season, Lindt is launching the Mastering the Joy of Chocolate instant win sweepstakes on Facebook and LindtBear.com.  Now through December 31, 2012, Lindt fans can visit the program online to engage with the digital Lindt Bear to create and share festive customized e-cards with loved ones.  By participating, consumers can enter to win a variety of holiday gifts each day, including a Lindt Bear gift basket, a year supply of smooth melting LINDOR truffles, $25 American Express gift cards, tablet computers, and a $2,000 grand prize. 

Lindt will also bring Lindt Bear to life with the "Say it with the Lindt Bear" app for iPhone and iPad.  The app allows consumers to create customized holiday greetings for family and friends by selecting from a variety of holiday scenes, choosing fun, holiday-related actions for Lindt Bear, and recording a custom message for Lindt Bear to recite.  The "Say it with the Lindt Bear" app can be downloaded for free through iTunes and on LindtBear.com, giving consumers the ability to send cheerful and unique messages throughout the entire holiday season.

During the holidays, Lindt is planning to host two pop-up holiday experiences in New York, bringing Lindt Bear to life for New York residents, families, and visitors.  The festive events will take place Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, 2012 and Dec. 6 - 8, 2012, providing guests with fun photo opportunities, Lindt chocolate samples, and a hands-on experience with the "Say it with the Lindt Bear" app.  Stay tuned for additional event details and locations by visiting the Lindt Twitter handle or the Lindt Facebook page.

"We are thrilled to have introduced Lindt Bear last year and incorporate our endearing chocolate figure into holiday celebrations," said Thomas Linemayr, CEO & president of Lindt USA.  "We are excited to further engage consumers with expanded Lindt Bear activities during the holiday season this year."

The collection of premium chocolate Lindt Bear offerings includes Mini Lindt Bears, Lindt Bear & Friends and the Lindt Double Milk Bag.  A wide array of festive gifts and indulgent treats, the Lindt Bear collection can satisfy every holiday need, and put a smile on loved ones' faces.  All of the delicious premium chocolate creations from Lindt are available at retail locations nationwide, Lindt Chocolate Shops and www.Lindt.com. 

For more information about Lindt, the Mastering the Joy of Chocolate instant win sweepstakes, the "Say it with the Lindt Bear" app, the New York holiday events and the Lindt Bear collection, visit www.Lindt.com, www.LindtBear.com, the Lindt Twitter handle or the Lindt Facebook page. 

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 RSVP, 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.

SOURCE Lindt USA