• December 5, 2007

Diamond Foods is adding Emerald Cocoa Roast Dark Chocolate Almonds to its Emerald product line in early 2008. The new offering marks an industry first among the national snack brands, says the company, and compliments Diamond's campaign as promoting nuts as a healthy source of natural energy.

Emerald Cocoa Roast Dark Chocolate Almonds combine special dry roasted almonds with a rich dark chocolate flavoring, resulting in a crisp, flavorful snack.

One serving, which can be served by using the lid of the container, is only 150 calories (the same number of calories as a handful of regular almonds) and is a low-sodium snack while also providing a great source of Vitamin E and protein, per the company.

The Emerald snack line, which has expanded from 14 to 23 products since its national introduction in August 2004, has distribution in approximately 84% of the nation's grocery stores with 77% of Emerald's Sales Dollar growth over the past year being incremental to the category, the company says.

The brand is quickly gaining additional distribution in drug stores, convenience stores, club stores and mass merchandising outlets, with Emerald Cocoa Roast Dark Chocolate Almonds already accepted by one of the largest U.S. retailers.

--Nina M. Lentini