Harry & David Valentines Chocolate Gift Tops In National Taste Test

MEDFORD, Ore., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Thinking about giving chocolate for Valentine's Day? Your best bet is a gift from Harry & David, according to a just-released independent consumer survey in the latest issue of Money Magazine.

The field test was conducted by the magazine as part of its very popular product review column. In terms of taste, presentation and price, the test found that Harry & David's Grand Collection (catalog price of $29.95) beat out other high-profile confectioners as the gift-of-choice among women who were asked which brand of chocolate they enjoyed most.

The taste test involved boxed chocolate makers in different price categories: Vosages Haute-Chocolate, Whiteman, Godiva, Target's Choxie and Harry & David. Prices ranged from $73 to $24. Quality of chocolate, accuracy of flavors, packaging appeal and the value for the dollar placed Harry & David on top, according to the magazine.

"The Money magazine taste test is an exciting endorsement of the outstanding quality and value of our chocolate gifts, said Bill Williams, President/CEO of Harry & David. Williams went on to say, "We think the combination of our exceptional ingredients, and our talented team of confectioners makes an irresistible combination."

In February 1999 Harry & David chocolate also took top honors in a similar blind taste-test by the Wall Street Journal Catalog Critic.

For a complete look at Harry & David chocolate gifts for Valentine's Day, please visit http://www.harryanddavid.com/ or stop in at one of the 134 Harry & David stores nationally.

Details of the Money Magazine taste test are in the February issue of the magazine, which appears on newsstands January 22.