Artistry in Chocolate: Media Kit by Norman Love Confections

Artistry

Chocolate

MEDIA KIT

THE STORY OF LOVE

NORMAN LOVE CHEF, PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER Norman Love blends a master’s appreciation of the sensuous with the art of the chef to create handcrafted chocolates reserved for those who expect nothing less than perfection. Norman Love Confections has been satisfying connoisseurs of fine chocolates since 2001, when the chocolatier first introduced the masterpieces he produces at his facility in Fort Myers, Florida.

Today, Love enjoys international recognition for the incomparable, handcrafted natural sweets with tastes and textures that arouse the senses. A universal love for chocolate first inspired Love to become a chocolatier. After learning the craft of pastry-making in France, Love served as executive pastry chefs for many luxury resorts including The Beverly Hills Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton. He continued his career with The Ritz-Carlton as corporate executive pastry chef, where he oversaw global pastry and baking operations. During his 13 years in the position, Love opened 30 hotel and resort pastry kitchens in such international and domestic locales as Boston, Dubai and Bali. International acclaim followed. Chocolatier and Pastry Art and Design magazines named him one of the country’s top 10 pastry chefs in 1996 and 1997. In 1999, he led the U.S. team to a bronze medal in the biennial Coup du Monde de la Patisserie (World Cup of Pastry) competition in Lyons, France, which featured the top pastry chefs from 18 nations.

He was among 18 chefs chosen to make a birthday cake at the 150th Smithsonian Anniversary Celebration in Washington, D.C., and one of only 26 selected to appear on the 39-part series “Baking with Julia,” which aired on public television. Love has made numerous appearances on the Discovery Channel’s “Great Chefs” series, and his desserts have graced the covers of Art Culinaire, Pastry & Baking and other prominent culinary publications. He is also a contributing author to four books including Baking with Julia.

In 2001, the culinary virtuoso left the corporate world and entered into private enterprise, and founded Norman Love Confections. His adventurous flair, love of the avant-garde and penchant for perfection are basic ingredients in the ultrapremium chocolates that are revered as representatives of the industry’s finest gourmet sweets. A decade later, he opened a second Chocolate Salon in Naples, Fla. And in 2012, Artisan Gelato by Norman Love opened next to the Chocolate Salon in Fort Myers. In January 2015, he opened a third Chocolate Salon at Miromar Outlets in Estero, Fla. In addition to annual new and limited edition holiday flavors, Love launched Naked Love cakes. Embracing classic American flavor combinations, these rich and flavorful cakes are handmade, packaged carefully for shipping, and readyto-serve or refrigerate upon arrival. In addition, he recently introduced a cookie kit for gourmet baking at home, which is as simple to use as its name: Stir, Bake, LOVE. Other recent innovations include Norman Love Confections BLACK, an ultrapremium line of intensely dark chocolates featuring rich origin chocolates from five of finest growing regions in the world.

He also unveiled the first Norman Love Confections BLACK extension product—Norman Love Confections BLACK Sipping Chocolate—inspired by the European tradition. Other chocolate specialties include NormanLove Potion, Love Origins and S’more Love, to name a few.

Team Championship and is a regular guest judge on the Food Network Challenge series. In 2014, he was named one of the 10 most influential pastry professionals to present at the inaugural World Pastry Stars, an international congress of pastry chefs in Milan, Italy.

Since founding Norman Love Confections, Love has received tremendous national and international recognition. A highly respected consumer rating publication has recognized the company 13 times since 2006 including six times as the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. In February 2014, this publication recognized NLC in its Best Buy for Special Chocolates for Valentine’s Day.

In January 2016, Norman Love became the first chef chocolatier to be inducted into Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame. Also in January 2016, Norman and Mary Love received the “Magic Wand” award for their continued support of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Other recent accolades include being named to among the 10 best chocolate shops in the world by the Daily Telegraph as well as best chocolate shop in Lee and Collier counties, by Gulfshore Life readers. Gulfshore Business has named Norman Love “one of 40 people of influence in Southwest Florida”; National Geographic The 10 Best of Everything’s “one of the 10 Best Chocolatiers in the world;” Florida Retailer of the Year for Leadership from the Florida Retail Federation; and the Cordon d’ Or gold ribbon International Cookbooks & Culinary Arts Culinary Academy “Great Tastes” Florida Product Award.

Love and his chocolates have been featured by USA Today, the TODAY show, Robb Report, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, Forbes, The Huffington Post, and O, the Oprah magazine. In 2009, Love received the honor of one of the “Top 10 Chocolatiers in North America” by Dessert Magazine. He is also co-founder of the National Pastry

In 2012, Love received the inaugural Distinguished Entrepreneur Award for the Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University, and in 2013, Love was named head jury member for World Chocolate Masters, the world’s premier culinary competition devoted solely to the art of chocolate. In 2014, he was selected by Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida as a Business Hall of Fame laureate. Love has instilled a corporate culture of relentless pursuit of innovation, excellence and quality. Known for creating chocolate flavors recognizable with American consumers, Norman Love Confections is also recognized for its artistic and aesthetic presentation of the chocolates. He also ensures that Norman Love Confections shares its sweet success by giving back to the community. Annually, the company supports more than 250 charitable causes. Love lives in Fort Myers, Fla. with his wife, Mary, and their two grown children.

SWEET SUCCESS AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS Since its founding in 2001, Norman Love Confections has received tremendous regional and national recognition:

2002

2006

2008

2005

2007

2009

2010

2002

2009

2012

• USA Today’s Top 10 Artisan

• JAN: Fine Chocolate Industry

• FEB: selected by a highly respected

• FEB: Robb Report magazine’s

• MAY: Norman Love earns

Chocolate Companies in the country

2005 • MAY: USA Today’s top 10 Places to Purchase Chocolates

• DEC: Entrepreneur magazine “The Hot List” as a best business idea

2006 • FEB: selected as the #1 chocolates “Best sweets for your sweet; for adventurous tastes” – in the nation by highly respected consumer rating publication

• MAR: selected as one of “10 star chocolate makers” by Saveur magazine

• SEPT: Industry Appreciation Award

from the Lee County Economic Development Office/Horizon Council

• NOV: Norman Love honored as one of Gulfshore Life magazine’s Men of the Year

• DEC: selected by highly respected

consumer rating publication as one of 50 Best Gift Ideas for the Holidays

2007 • DEC: selected by a highly respected consumer rating publication as one of the 201 Best Gifts (gift-boxed chocolates) for $200 or Less

2008 • SEPT: “Hot 100” prime movers and shakers by Gulfshore Life magazine

• SEPT: Small Business of the Year

Award from The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce

Association’s Innovation in Fine Chocolate Presentation Award Reader’s Choice for Best Chocolate

• AUG: Norman Love serves as an

instructor at the French Pastry School

• OCT: Dessert Professional magazine names Norman Love a Top 10 Chocolatier of North America

• OCT & JUN: Norman Love guest judge on The Food Network: Challenge series

2010 • FEB: one of Martha Stewart

Weddings’ magazine favorite chocolate vendors

• APR: Cordon d’Or Gold Ribbon

International “Cookbooks & Culinary Arts” Culinary Academy Award

2011 • FEB: selected by a highly respected

consumer rating publication as the #1 Premium Chocolate

• JUNE: Florida Retailer of the Year for Leadership Award from the Florida Retail Federation

2012 • JAN: The News-Press names

Norman Love Southwest Florida’s top entrepreneur of the past decade

• FEB: Gulfshore Business magazine

names Norman Love among 40 people of influence who have guided Southwest Florida during the past decade

consumer rating publication as the #1 (& Best Buy) Chocolate distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Florida Gulf Coast University Small Business Development Center

• NOV: selected by a highly respected

consumer rating publication as a Best Product 2012 and Best Buy $50 and Under

• DEC: National Geographic

recognizes NLC as #5 of The 10 Best Chocolatiers in the World

• DEC: selected as a Martha Stewart magazine 2012 American Made Finalist

2013 • FEB: O, The Oprah magazine names NLC’s heart-shaped confections to The O List, “A few things we think are Just Great!”

• OCT: Artisan Gelato named 31st

annual Taste of the Town Best of Taste Dessert winner by Junior League of Fort Myers

• OCT: Norman Love named head jury member for 2013 World Chocolate Masters competition in Paris

2014 • FEB: selected by a highly respected

consumer rating publication as a Special Chocolate for Valentine’s Day and an Excellent Product

• APR: Norman Love is inducted

into the Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida Lee County Business Hall of Fame

2011

2015

2013

2012

2014

2016

2014

2015

• MAY: Norman Love names one of 10

• FEB: Ronald McDonald House

• AUG: Chefs Brittany Mateika and

• FEB: Norman Love invited to share

• AUG: Chef Norman Love featured

• MAR: Pastry chef and chocolatier

• SEPT: Gulfshore Business recognizes

• APR: Maura Metheny, Chef

• OCT: Chef Chocolatier Dan Forgey

most influential pastry professionals to present at the Inaugural World Pastry Stars, an international congress of pastry chefs in Milan, Italy

• SEPT: Dan Forgey, one of Norman

Love Confections’ creative chocolatiers, chosen to represent the U.S. at the World Chocolate Masters competition in Paris in October 2015

• OCT: NLC named one of the World’s Best Destinations, including only six in the U.S., in The Huffington Post Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide

• NOV: Norman Love named

one of USA Today top 10 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year finalists

• NOV: Forbes names the BLACK

collection among “The Finest Chocolate Truffles for Chocolate Lovers”

• NOV: USA Weekend names NLC’s white chocolate and coconut golf balls a Hot Gift

• DEC: The News-Press names

Norman Love one of 3 finalists for Business of the Year

2015 • JAN: Norman Love and his team

invited to the 7th annual Cayman Cookout, a four-day gourmet culinary festival on Grand Cayman

• JAN: Naples Illustrated Readers’

Choice Dining Awards honor NLC for “Best Gelato” and its gourmet chocolates as “Best Dessert”

• JAN & FEB: Cooking with Paula

Dean magazine names Norman Love Confections as one of 10 favorite chocolate shops in “Best Chocolates Across America”

Charities honors Mary and Norman Love for their dedication and generosity to the children and families of Southwest Florida during the 21st Annual Storybook Ball chocolates and macaroons at the Food Network & Cooking channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE

John Cook captures 2nd place in the 26th annual U.S. Pastry Competition in New York City Chocolatier/Head of Design & Innovation, invited to return to Her Alma Mater, Johnson & Wales University, as a Distinguished visiting Chef

• MAY: Gulfshore Life magazine

readers named Norman Love Confections the Best Chocolate Shop in both Collier and Lee counties in the 2015 Best of the Gulfshore poll

• JUNE: Dessert Professional

magazine named Chef Chocolatier Maura Metheny one of America’s Top 10 Pastry Chefs for 2015 and the only chef from the Southeast U.S.

• JULY: SWFL Children’s Charities

honors Chef Ryan Love of Norman Love Confections with a commemorative “Plan of Appreciation” for his donation of time and talents during the 2015 Southwest Florida Food & Wine Fest’s chef-vintner dinners

• AUG: The Daily Telegraph (U.K.)

listed Norman Love Confections as one of the 10 most amazing shops in the world for chocolate

Molly Rothermel of Norman Love Confections nationally recognized as 1st & 2nd place winners of the Pastry Live’s 2015 Chocolatier of the Year Competition

on the Food Network & Cooking channel New York City Wine & Food Festival’s website as a food personality

Norman Love Confections’ Corporate Sales Manager Susan Battaglia on its “40 Under 40” list represents USA in Paris at the World Chocolate Masters and earns a spot among the Top 10 Chocolatiers in the World

• OCT: Norman Love Confections partnered with an elite team of Florida chefs to bring a meal of culinary excellence to the illustrious James Beard House in New York City

• OCT: Norman Love participates

in the Food Network & Cooking channel New York City Wine & Food Festival to benefit No Kid Hungry and Food Bank for New York City

2016 • JAN: Norman Love becomes 1st

Chef Chocolatier to be inducted into Dessert Professional magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame

• JAN: Mary and Norman Love

receive the Magic Wand Award for their continued support of Make-AWish Southern Florida

“Ronald providing and CEO C ing partne Southwest Ronald and suppo health and Florida ch little to no medical tr Southwest rmhcswfl.

SWEET TALK

E1 THE NEWS-PRESS » FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016 »

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CULINARY HONORS

In brief PHOTOS BY AMY SOWDER/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS NormanBank Love, top row, third from left, and other top chocolatiers of 2015 attend the seventh annual Top Ten Chocolatiers donates $2,500 to McDonald House in North America event Wednesday at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. Sanibel Captiva Community Bank contributed $2,500 to help Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida provide stability and resources to children and families in need. “Ronald McDonald House Charities is a pioneer in providing family-centered care,” said bank President and CEO Craig Albert. “We are proud to be a supporting partner in their efforts to improve the lives of Southwest Florida children and families.” Ronald McDonald House Charities creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. The Southwest Florida chapter provides a home-away-from-home at little to no cost for families with children receiving medical treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. For more information, visit rmhcswfl.org.

Fellow chocolatiers put Love on top Credit union sponsors art competition

ArtFest Fort Myers is pleased to welcome Suncoast Credit Union as the sponsor of Art Under 20, our High School Art Exhibit and Competition. ArtFest Fort Myers, Southwest Florida’s premier art festival, takes place Feb. 5-7 in the Fort Myers River District. The art festival’s mission is to provide the community with an exceptional art experience, PHOTOS BY AMY SOWDER/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS nurture the understanding of diverse art forms and Norman Love, top row, third from left, and other top chocolatiers of 2015 attend the seventh annual Top Ten Chocolatiers support arts in education. Join the experience with in North America event Wednesday at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. 215 artists from across the county and around the SPECIAL TO THEthe NEWS-PRESS world; largest high school art exhibit and competition in south Florida and free interactive art experiences for children of all ages.

Fort Myers shop owner is first person inducted into hall of fame AMY SOWDER

Fellow chocolatiers put Love on top

YouStevens couldConstruction smell the sweet, buttery cocoa richness launches website before you could see it. Stevens Construction has launched a new website Thedesigned heady aroma of the finest, chocolate to provide education on the company’ssilkiest construction management process and project experiin the U.S. displayed like gleaming jewels bewitched ence with improved functionality and navigation, announced Mark Stevens, many of the guests — company some president. exhilarated to the brink The enhanced corporate website of Stevens Conof chocolate inebriation — about 100 yards from the struction (stevensconstructioninc.com) offers simple Fort Myers shop owner is first access to the company’s history, executive team biogWorld Trade Center in New York and City. raphies, project portfolio, client testimonials person inducted into hall of fame recent news. The website featuresfrenzy a unique homeOnce the initial feeding abated on WednesAMY SOWDER page design and intuitive navigation system compatday night, Myers chocolatier SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS ible with Fort all devices including mobile and tablets. Norman Love For information, visit stevensconstructioninc.com smiledorand ducked from the onslaught of accolades You could smell the sweet, buttery cocoa richness call 936-9006. before you could see it. delivered by his pastry chef peers, as well as the The heady aroma of the finest, silkiest chocolate in the U.S. displayed like gleaming jewels bewitched leadersNewsmakers of Dessert Professional Magazine, gathered many of the guests — some exhilarated to the brink for the 7th annual Top Ten Chocolatiers in North of chocolate inebriation — about 100 yards from the Morgan promoted at DeAngelis Diamond World Trade Center in New York City. America celebration. Once the initial feeding frenzy abated on Wednespromoted Harold Morgan, to be inducted day night, Fort Myers chocolatier Norman Love Love DeAngelis is the Diamond first-ever chocolatier estimator/project manager, to chief estimator for all smiled and ducked from the onslaught of accolades into the national Hall of commercial projects.magazine’s Harold has 25 yearsChocolatier of experidelivered by his pastry chef peers, as well as the ence in the construction industry. After joining DeAnleaders of Dessert Professional Magazine, gathered Fame. gelis This honor Southwest Florida’s Diamond in 2012, highlights he has worked on various profor the 7th annual Top Ten Chocolatiers in North jectsin as an estimator/project managertrend throughout America celebration. prestige the burgeoning toward high-end Southwest Florida including Vi at Bentley Village Love is the first-ever chocolatier to be inducted Redevelopment, Treviso Bay Clubhouse, Winding and artisanal chocolate, Love said. into the national magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Cypress Amenities Center, and Fort Myers Beach Fame. This honor highlights Southwest Florida’s He accepted the honor from editor Matthew SteWalk. prestige in the burgeoning trend toward high-end DeAngelis Diamond also announces the promotion and artisanal chocolate, Love said. vens among the crowd squeezed into a fragrant of assistant project manager Sharon Douglas to proHe accepted the honor from editor Matthew Steject manager, as well as field engineers Vargo, student chefs vens among the crowd squeezed into a fragrant Norman Love hugs his wife, Mary Love, moments after he’s wing, past meandering halls Nick where Brandon Toney, and Gaige Crews to project engiwing, past meandering halls where student chefs inducted into the Chocolatier Hall of Fame. Love founded their craft behind glassed-in kitchen classneers. studied their craft behind glassed-in kitchen class- Norman Love Confections in 2001 in Fort Myers, and has studied expanded into Naples and beyond. rooms at the Institute of Culinary Education. rooms 2atbiology the Institute of Culinary Education. “There’s a single individual who, for two and a interns join J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling half decades, has single-handedly been responsible “There’s a single individual who, for two and a Two new biology interns joined the team effort at for the chocolate revolution in North America,” Ste- Mary. “As much as he makes light of it, this is a big half decades, has single-handedly J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge inbeen Janu- responsible vens said. “Most of the fine chocolate industry owes deal,” she said. “It’s the best kind of recognition Patrick Fuller and Lindsay Partymiller plan to what it knows to Norman — from quality, to tech- when it comes from his peers, people he’s grown up for theary. chocolate revolution inofNorth America,” Stestay at least through June 2016 as part the refuge’s niques, to packaging. Most people have never been with in the industry.” intern program supported by the “Ding” Darling able to scale up their production and maintain qualIn two other overflowing rooms, the 10 chocolavens said. “Most of the fine chocolate industry owes Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS). ity like he does.” tiers showcased their award-winning delicacies. Partymiller,to originally from York, most quality, to techBefore founding Norman Love Confections in Hailing from Carlsbad, California, Chuao Chocolawhat it knows Norman —Penn., from lived in Bend, Ore., where she worked for 2001, Love created the groundbreaking G collection tier Chef Michael Antonorsi tempted tasters with his niques,recently toResearch packaging. Bird Northwest,Most a project people studying thehave never been for Godiva. In 1999, he led Team USA to a bronze Firecracker Truffle. Its chipotle caramel fudge, sea of Caspian terns on the survival of juvenile medal at the Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie compe- salt and popping candy evoked childlike delight able as toimpact scale up their production and maintain qualsalmonids in the Columbia Basin and elsewhere along tition, the World Cup of Pastry, in Lyon, France. As guests reveled in the sparkly explosions. the Pacific Coast. A 2012 graduate of Juniata College the corporate executive pastry chef for the Ritz“The multi-sensory experience you can’t control ity like he does.” in Huntingdon, Penn., Partymiller holds a degree in Carlton chain of hotels, he oversaw global pastry and is where it’s at,” Antonorsi said. “Just enjoy the Before Love Confections in marine founding science and plansNorman on concentrating on gopher baking operations and opened 30 international and ride.” tortoise research locally. domestic resort and hotel pastry kitchens. Nearby, Norman Love’s father, Jules Love, 2001, Love created the groundbreaking G collection Fuller hails from Boone, N.C., and moved here Love credited his team of 75 professionals at his popped into his mouth a shiny raspberry-Chamafter a summer in Yosemite National Park as part of Fort Myers, Estero and Naples locations for his on- pagne truffle encased in a dark chocolate shell craftfor Godiva. In 1999, he led Team USA to a bronze the Aquatic Restoration crew. Fuller earned his bachgoing success. And what’s the distinction anyway be- ed by Kohler, Wisconsin, chocolatier Anette Righi medal at the Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie compeelor of science degree from Clemson University in tween being a Hall of Fame inductee and a top 10 DeFendi. Carolina in 2010, followed by a master’s degree North American chocolatier? “Age,” Love said with “He’s very caring,” the elder Love said about his tition, South the World Cup Lyon, France. As in population biology fromof the Pastry, University ofin Calia laugh. son. “That’s the main thing, what I’m most proud of, fornia, Davis, in 2013. After the brief speeches, Love hugged his wife, besides his chocolates, which are outstanding.” the corporate executive pastry chef for the RitzCarlton chain of hotels, he oversaw global pastry and baking operations and opened 30 international and Local Public Companies N = NYSE, O = Nasdaq Toronto Exchange Chicago Board Of Trade domestic resort and Soybeans hotel pastryWheat kitchens. 52-week Sales Corn High Low Issue Mkt Div PE (Hun.) 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Norman Love hugs his wife, Mary Love, moments after he’s inducted into the Chocolatier Hall of Fame. Love founded Norman Love Confections in 2001 in Fort Myers, and has expanded into Naples and beyond.

Mary. “As much as he makes light of it, this is a big deal,” she said. “It’s the best kind of recognition when it comes from his peers, people he’s grown up with in the industry.” In two other overflowing rooms, the 10 chocolatiers showcased their award-winning delicacies. Hailing from Carlsbad, California, Chuao Chocolatier Chef Michael Antonorsi tempted tasters with his Firecracker Truffle. Its chipotle caramel fudge, sea salt and popping candy evoked childlike delight as guests reveled in the sparkly explosions. “The multi-sensory experience you can’t control is where it’s at,” Antonorsi said. “Just enjoy the ride.” Nearby, Norman Love’s father, Jules Love, popped into his mouth a shiny raspberry-Champagne truffle encased in a dark chocolate shell crafted by Kohler, Wisconsin, chocolatier Anette Righi DeFendi. “He’s very caring,” the elder Love said about his son. “That’s the main thing, what I’m most proud of, besides his chocolates, which are outstanding.”

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SWEET TALK

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2016

Norman Love wants to send you a ‘naked’ cake. BU S I N E S S, PA G E 14 A

U.S. Marine and Cypress Lake High School graduate Cpl. Thomas Jardas, 22, is missing after a helicopter crash off the coast of Hawaii.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Local Marine THE NEWS-PRESS » MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2016 » 15A missing after crash Corporal’s friends, family TheFort cakes are available for purchase talk about Myers man

Love

online and in Love’s three area chocolate salons. Small cakes, which serve up MICHAEL BRAUN Continued from Page 14A to four people, are $28 in store or $57 shipped; the large which serve up Former military and school friendscakes, of a A Fort Myers man missing in aare helicopto six people, $45 in store and $75 ter crash off Hawaii say the Cypress School grad was a great friend While part of the challenge was cre-Lake High shipped. and an outstanding Marine ating a new product line, an even bigger The U.S“I’ve always that, as our onMarine Corps said Cpl.believed ThomJardas, 22, is among the 12 men aboard challenge was shipping the finishedas line sales to grow and consumtwo helicopters, each continue carrying six Marines,ers that went down off Oahu’s north product. become more confident in buying shore late Thursday. spokesmanwe say it is not confirmed The process starts with shock freez- Theonline, should place more emphasis if the crafts crashed into each other. ing the cake to lock in moisture. Then Crews on had our website and discovered a life raft, but online sales,” said was on board. the cake is shrink wrapped, preventingno Aonespokesman Love. “We weindo a really delicious for the think Jardas family County they did not havepastry a stateany trapped air from drying out theLee andsaid wonderful and bakery prodment at this time. her Facebook page, sister Haely cake, and shipped frozen. Upon arrival, Onuct.” Jardas said: “My little brother was lost an instruction card leads recipientsdoing whatThe cakes will been be featured in the Febhe loved. He has always will always be my most important through the care of their cake. The cakeand ruary issue of Food & Wine Magazine, person.” Mitnick, a on closethe friendheels and fel- of Love’s induction is ready to eat after tempering to a lightlowRyan coming Cypress Lake High School graduate, Jardas was “anProfessional magachill or room temperature, softeningtold The inNews-Press to thethatDessert the buttercream and the fat moleculesSee Jardas, zine’s Hall of Fame.. “We Page Chocolatier 6A in the cake, and making the texture sim- are nervously excited about what is to Dr. Linda Watkins celebrates along with visitors to the Jesus Christ Outreach Center during the Dr. Martin Luther King ilar to a freshly baked and frosted cake. come,” said Love. “This is really a feathJr. Commemorative Ecumenical Service on Sunday evening. “Basically, the fat molecules are relax-WEATHER er in Miranda’s hat ... We are anxiously ing,” said Love. awaiting the storm.” STACEY HENSON

SHENSON@NEWS-PRESS.COM AND

MBRAUN@NEWS-PRESS.COM

JACK HARDMAN/THE NEWS-PRESS

KING SERVICES HONOR LEGACY Artful Sunday’s Fort Myers service features optimism through song and prayer MICHAEL BRAUN MBRAUN@NEWS-PRESS.COM

blend of music, words and prayer Sunday at the annufrom al Dr.Continued Martin Luther King Jr. ecumenical service stirred the hearts and souls of those who attended and highlighted the famed civil rights leader’s legacy. The service, this year at the Jesus Christ Outreach Center on Ballard Road in Fort Myers, touched on King’s teachings as a way to refresh his apostles and possibly attract new followers. The service was one part of the weekend’s King commemoration events organized by the Dunbar Festival Committee. After a stirring rendition of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech by Zaire Saldana, 9,

MLK Day Page 14Atoday. events Page 5A

Are fairy gardens Follow along a big trend? a detailed

timeline of a trend. PeoYes, fairy gardens are Martin Luther ple who put in butterfly gardens buy little fairies andKing little gnomes Jr.’s life. and

Tornadoes kill 2 in Manatee, spares Lee STACEY HENSON SHENSON@NEWS-PRESS.COM AND MICHAEL

BRAUN

MBRAUN@NEWS-PRESS.COM

A fast-moving storm spared Southwest Florida most of its fury overnight, the National Weather Service reported. Meteorologist Tyler Fleming said confirmed tornadoes, one in Siesta Key/ Sarasota and one in Manatee County, struck overnight, with two confirmed fatalities in Manatee County. “We don’t have all the details yet,” he said. “It was a very quickly moving system. In a matter of a few hours, it moved through central and Southwest Florida.” He said Fort Myers was considered “clear,” with the storm having moved south of Naples by 7 a.m.

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WINK NEWS January 21, 2016

Media: TV & WEB

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Princess Cruises announces new 'Chocolate Journeys' oꗄerings by Norman Love The new experience will roll out •eet-wide in 2016.

December 2, 2015 Abigail Watt

Princess Cruises announces ne Journeys' oꗄerings by Norman

The new experience will roll out •eet-wide i

1/26/2016

Princess Cruises Announces New Chocolate Experiences

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E1 THE NEWS-PRESS » SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2015 »

EDUCATION

FGCU board opposes gun bill Faculty Senate votes against legislation that would allow concealed weapons on college campuses in Fla. THYRIE BLAND TBLAND@NEWS-PRESS.COM

Florida Gulf Coast University professor Patrick Niner says if state lawmakSATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2015in » ers don’t want concealed weapons their workplace then they shouldn’t be trying to make them part of the working environment at colleges “The reason why is because in my opinion it compromises the sense of trust between faculty and students,” said Nin-

6A »

er, a member of the FGCU Faculty Senate. “When you introduced something like concealed weapons on a campus, then what it does it causes everybody to be a little bit on edge. It causes everyTHE NEWS-PRESS E1a little bit less.” body to trust everybody Niner and 27 other members of the Faculty Senate voted Friday in favor of a resolution that opposes House Bill 4001 and Senate Bill 68. Both pieces of legislaSee Guns, Page 6A

THYRIE BLAND/THE NEWS-PRESS

The Florida Gulf Coast University Faculty Senate voted Friday in favor of a resolution that opposes legislation that would allow concealed weapons on college campuses in Florida.

Chefs

MARCO ISLAND

Continued from Page 3A

DINING IN NEW YORK

They’re spreading news on local food

this with friends.” Each chef created two dishes reflecting his culinary style and Southwest Florida’s natural resources. A few feet away, Johnson leaned down to inspect the Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm Red Wattle pork belly, snapping and crackling lazily on the flat top grill. Johnson cooked the pig for three days SUE KELLER/THE NEWS-PRESS before this skin-crisping finish. FlourJohn Boehner poses with the late Stan Gober of Goodland. Boehner often visited ishes of miso caramel will dress up his with the Marco club owner. pig trio of belly, shoulder confit with butternut squash puree and mint-marigold tenderloin. “This is a blast,” Johnson said, squiggling the miso caramel across a pan. “It’s fun to do it together. It’s a lot less stress.” Next to him, Fistrovich wrapped spaghetti-shaped noodles made from Gulf shrimp mousse, which he will combine with cabbage he planted 88 days earlier Now that he is retiring as at his garden on the property of The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort of Naples. Speaker, he’ll have time Balink, meanwhile, inspected his plate of gleaming spear-caught Gulf grouper STEVE STEFANIDES with crispy oysters, flash-sauteed EverSSTEFANIDES@COMCAST.NET glades tomatoes and buttery Florida orAlthough Marco Island is more ange sauce. than 1,000 miles from Capitol Hill in Love handpicked these chefs beWashington, the vibrations felt from the unexpected resignation of Speakcause he respects their lifelong dedicaer of the House John Boehner were PHOTOS BY AMY SOWDER/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS tion to cuisine, its quality and their infelt on the island. “It’s a pinnacle of tegrity. Boehner and his family have been Above: Chefs George Fistrovich and Juan PHOTOS BY AMY SOWDER/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS regulars on Marco for years. His love Pablo De La Sota Riva, of The Ritz-Carlton “He called me when I was driving, accomplishment. It’s Harold Balink, of CRU in Fort Myers, cooked spear-caught Gulf grouper with crispy oysters, flash-sauteed for golf, fishing and a cadre of Ohio Resorts ofChef-owner Naples, cooked Friday night for and I was laughing, ‘Are you kidding Everglades tomatoes and buttery Florida orange sauce Friday night at the James Beard House in Manhattan. friends has drawn him for years. In me? I’d love to do this.’ It’s a great honlate 2014, Boehner and his wife, Deb- Coastal Florida Feast in Manhattan. a privilege. What bie, purchased a condominium on or,” Balink said. “People come to our Marco’s south end. area and see it’s not just chain restaumakes it even more No one was more surprised by the Southwest Florida’s finest, rants. It’s eclectic, creative restaurants, Republican leader’s announcement than Ed Adams and his wife, Nellie. Left: Chef-owner Fabrizio Aielli, of Sea Salt in special is to do this and it’s growing. and their fare, on display at They are from Ohio and close to BoehNaples, created free-range chicken-stuffed “Farm-to-table is finally getting ner and his wife. with friends.” octopus ink ravioli with white In fact, they were invited to see Pine Island there.” Beard House in New York Pope Francis on the Capitol lawn truffles, homemade ricotta, Venus clam ragu Connect with this reporter: @AmyAMY SOWDER Sept. 24 after his address to Congress. NORMAN LOVE, CHOCOLATIER egg yolk. Sowder (Twitter). The pope made an appearance on the and liquidASOWDER@NEWS-PRESS.COM

Islanders hoping to see Boehner around town

speaker’s balcony. “We went to dinner with the speaker, Debbie, other family members and a couple of close friends on Thursday evening,” Ed Adams said. “Nothing was ever mentioned, instead we just reflected on the events of the day and normal discussions friends Continued fromthat Page 3A would have around the dinner table. “We respect and love John and his family and that must have been a difficult concealed decision, but Iweapons don’t think iton retion would allow volved around whether or not he

Guns

college campuses in Florida. One faculty abstained from Seemember Boehner, Page 17A voting on the resolution. “Faculty has no interest in seeing students carrying guns, and students have zero interest in seeing faculty have Betty guns,” Niner said. “The No student government has made that veryParker clear. We don’t PARKER ON POLITICS want our mutual sense of collegiality to be in any way compromised.” Her column will return soon. one day The vote taken Friday came after Chris Mercer, 26 killed nine people and wounded 10 others at Umpqua Com-

NEW YORK — You know how people say they wish Florida restaurants were like those in New York City? “New Yorkers wish their restaurants were like Florida’s,” saidin chef-owner Fabrizio Aielli from Seathere Salt in that had concealed weapons, they munity College Roseberg, Ore. Merbut in the end they were opposed to havNaples, in after plating his free-range cer was killed a gunfight with lawchicken-stuffed en- could stop it early before he gets to kill ing concealed weapons on campus,” PaPine Island octopus ink ravioli with white truffles, forcement. more velka said. “They would feel less safe homemade ricotta, Venus clam ragù and liquid egg people.” FGCUyolk. freshman student Amanda Dodge said if the Florida legislation with concealed weapons on campus. Within the warm kitchen at the historic James Hill, 18, points to the shooting as a reason passed, it would make him feel safer. Beard House in windy, rainy, 50-degree Manhattan, Chef-owner Todd Johnson, of Rumrunners in Cape Coral,They also reiterated that it’s important why allowing guns alongside on college campuses “I think the futureheritage maybe I would for law enforcement to take care of that, cookedin Rosy Tomorrows pork belly for three days Aielli cooked celebrated chocolatier Norbefore crisping it onlicense,” the flat-top grill. Love,idea. chef-owner Harold Balink of CRU in Fort would beman a bad get a conceal carry he said. not for just some random person carrychef-owner Todd Johnson of Rumrunners in “KidsMyers, were shot because we have Last year, similar gun legislation ing a weapon.” Cape Coral and chef George Fistrovich of The Ritzpretty lax gunResorts laws,” she said. “I think didn’t make out of committee. That legisFaculty Senate member Jo Stecher Carlton of Naples. Friday Coastalwould Florida Dinner — also thor, was Beardopposed used his Manhattan homeFacas a cooking the tightening ofnight’s gun six-course laws overall lation by FGCU’s said the way this country deals with carshowcasing Southwest Florida’s culinary talent with school, where he was one of the first to champion local help prevent stuff like that. People ulty rying guns — as a right — isn’t working its natural bounty— sold out within have three days, LoveSenate. products and markets, as well as nurture a generation the rightsaid. to defend themselves, but there Sandra Pavelka, vice president of the and it’s time for a different approach. of American chefs and cookbook authors who changed to the way we eat. is a line.” James Beard Foundation events are designed Faculty Senate, said the discussion in “We have to do something positive educate, inspire and foster an appreciation of Amer“Cooking at the Beard House, for me, stands for ...” But Ryan Dodge, 19, a the sophomore at one classes Thursday to- about ican cuisine. Anointed “Dean of American cook-of her Love paused. “It’s a pinnacle ofturned accomplishment. It’s a this because the next time it hapery” by New York Times in 1954, Beard laid the the privilege. What makes it even more special is pens to do could be in tiny little Fort Myers or FGCU, said hethethinks allowing people ward community college shooting groundwork for the U.S. revolution with the firstthe concealed weapons legislation with concealed weapons onfood college camand Naples,” she said. “It might not be here. food program on TV in 1946. A multiple cookbook au- See Chefs, Page 6A

puses could save lives. “Say it happened in the library — someone just pulls out a gun and goes crazy,” he said. “If there were people

after one of her students pulled up a news story about the shooting on a cellphone. “We had a very balanced argument,

lu x u ry f u r nit u r e

It could be at FSW. It could be at Bell Tower in the movie theater.”

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Ex sh im ef

Fins win, Bucs donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

Miami beats Redskins; TB crushed in Winstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first game. Sports

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

CHARLE

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ART

WORKFORCE

Exhibit shows imagesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; effects Workers in the packaging area of NormanShow Love features Confections Fort Myers box sweets late last week. The business is gearing up for localinartists, seasonal hiring. News-Press photographers

Sweet deal CHARLES RUNNELLS

CRUNNELLS@NEWS-PRESS.COM

A simple image can change the world. Fort Myers artist Lindsey Wollard England believes that. It could be a painting. Or a sculpture. Or a news photo. But when the right image comes along at the right time, it can alter how people see the world around them and spark them to make a change. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have that old adage: A picture is worth a thousand words,â&#x20AC;? says England, 32, who also works as gallery assistant at Bob Rauschenberg Gallery on the Florida Southwestern State College campus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a cliche, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absolutely true. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Art is like another language. You can communicate so much more without any words.â&#x20AC;? Famous examples include the news photo of a wailing girl kneeling over a dead man after the Kent State Massacre, the Thomas Nast newspaper cartoons that brought down New York Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boss Tweed, and that famous â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Can Do It!â&#x20AC;? poster of Rosie the Riveter during World War II. Now a photo exhibit featuring six The News-Press photojournalists is showing how images are continuing to inspire, educate and rally the masses in the 21st century. The exhibit â&#x20AC;&#x201D;which opens Thursday and continues through Oct. 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is a joint venture by The News-Press Media Group and the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. Award-winning News-Press photographer Andrew West has covered issues such as hunger, homelessness and mental health in Southwest Florida. And coworkers such as Kinfay Moroti and Amanda Inscore have tackled crime, Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease and many other social topics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, yes, I think photojournalism can make a difference either immediately or in the long term,â&#x20AC;? says West, 47, of Fort Norman Love Confections Myers Beach. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are trying to get readers to react, to spur them into action of its workers. whatever that action may be. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be in this job if I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think photographs had an impact on changing the world.â&#x20AC;? For world-renowned Lehigh Acres artist Marcus Jansen, the problem isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t finding subjects for his massive paintings. With the world the way it is, there are too many to count. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My issue is never what to paint,â&#x20AC;?

Workers in the packaging area of Norman Love Confections in Fort Myers box sweets late last week. The business is gearing up for seasonal hiring.

In local food industry â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a candidateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Sweet deal ANNE REED

AREED@NEWS-PRESS.COM

September in Southwest Florida is the calm before the In local food industry â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a candidateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

ANNE REED AREED@NEWS-PRESS.COM

September in Southwest Florida is the calm before the storm. With season unofficially starting mid-October, this month is a chance to enjoy area beaches and restaurants before the influx of tourists and seasonal residents. But for many restaurants and restaurant groups, September is the start of the hiring season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mid-October you start to see your seasonal residents return and it gets busier after that,â&#x20AC;? explained Mark Blust, marketing manager for the Prawnbroker Restaurant Group. The Prawnbroker, a long-established Fort Myers restaurant, along with Sanibel Grill, University Grill, The Timbers and Matzaluna, rely on a seasonal base of employees that travel to the area to work for the restaurant group. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They come each year,â&#x20AC;? said Blust. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Towards the meat of season, January or February, you might hire someone and let them know up front that, come April, there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be work.â&#x20AC;? Part of this is due to how long the restaurants have been part of the community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We still have a season versus off-season scenario,â&#x20AC;? explained Blust, meaning that they do have a set of seasonal employees, and do still hire a few new employees for season. Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream is a huge favorite with winter visitors, and their business booms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every year I do hire seasonal just because of the market we are in,â&#x20AC;? said owner Steve Cummings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our business is so

storm. With season unofficially starting mid-October, this month is a chance to enjoy area beaches and restaurants before the influx of tourists and seasonal residents. But for many restaurants and restaurant groups, September is the start of the hiring season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mid-October you start to see your seasonal residents return and it gets busier after that,â&#x20AC;? explained Mark Blust, marketing manager for the Prawnbroker Restaurant Group. PHOTOS BY ANDREW WEST/THE NEWS-PRESS The Prawnbroker, a long-established Fort Myers resNorman Love Confections iis changing the way it is hiring some along with Sanibel Grill, University Grill, The of its taurant, workers. Timbers and Matzaluna, rely on a seasonal base of emjam-packed into January, ployees that February, traveland toMarch.â&#x20AC;? the area to work for the restaurant Cummings usually hires part time for season, mostly high group. school and college students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also hire seasonal full time, which transitions to permanent full time,â&#x20AC;? exâ&#x20AC;&#x153;TheyThis come year,â&#x20AC;? said plained Cummings. year, each though, is different. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Blust. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Towards the meat are seeing a lot of growth and the economy is back. We you might hire someone of season, January or February, are hiring a few more permanent positions.â&#x20AC;? Cummings aims to hire know 30 employees Feb. 1, that, with and let them up by front come April, there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seven of those being full-time positions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully we be work.â&#x20AC;? can carry that through into summer.â&#x20AC;? Part of this is due to how long the restaurants have See Jobs, Page 11A Seehave Exhibit,a Page 5A been part of the community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We still season versus off-season scenario,â&#x20AC;? explained Blust, meaning that they do have a set of seasonal employees, and do still hire a few new employees for season. Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream is a huge favorite with winter visitors, and their business booms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every year I do hire seasonal just because of the market we are in,â&#x20AC;? said owner Steve Cummings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our business is so

Death penalty on the decline

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jam-packed into January, February, and March.â&#x20AC;? Cummings usually hires part time for season, mostly high school and college students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also hire seasonal full time, which transitions to permanent full time,â&#x20AC;? explained Cummings. This year, though, is different. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are seeing a lot of growth and the economy is back. We are hiring a few more permanent positions.â&#x20AC;? Cummings aims to hire 30 employees by Feb. 1, with seven of those being full-time positions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully we can carry that through into summer.â&#x20AC;?

ANDREA MELENDEZ/THE NEWS-PRESS

There were just 73 people sentenced to die last year. Page 1B

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Death penalty on the decline There were just 73 people

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Dining + Drinking > MIA: Norman Love Makes Chocolate a Work of Art

MIA: Norman Love Makes Chocolate a Work of Art

Milk chocolate connoisseurs, unite! National Milk Chocolate Day is coming up on July 28th. Not that you need a holiday to each chocolate of course, but it never hurts. So one of the fanciest ways to celebrate this day (and the other 364) is with Norman Love Confections chocolates. Chef Norman Love is the president and founder of Norman Love Confections, the nation’s best premium chocolate company. His chocolates are unique in that no mass-assembly lines are used during production. Each piece of chocolate is handcrafted with the world’s finest ingredients by the company’s “chocolate artisans.” Norman Love Confections is also famous for its artistic and aesthetic presentation of their chocolates.

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Wild About Chocolate

Shiny rainbow-streaked chocolate hearts from the Florida chocolatier Norman Love are not all show. They encase creamy bursts of bright flavors like cherry and vanilla, passion fruit and orange, milk chocolate and habanero, and dark rum with bittersweet chocolate. –Florence Fabricant Norman Love Confections Wild About Chocolate, $13.25 to $95, 866-515-2121, normanloveconfections.com.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/02/06/dining/chocolate-gifts-for-valentines-day.html?_r=0

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The name Norman Love is synonymous with chocolate here in Southwest Florida. But, that wasn't always the case. Norman Love began his culinary career at the age of 15 as an ice cream maker at Swensen's Ice Cream of Florida in Fort Lauderdale. "It was the perfect high school job because they didn't care when you came in or when you left -- as long as there was enough ice cream in the store," said Love. At a young age, Love was attracted to art -- more specifically the art of food. "The way I found the culinary arts was just a way to express art through food," said Love. According to Love, pastry was more progressive than the savory kitchen in the early to mid 1970s. "Pastry was a way for me to express art more creatively than the cuisine of this country at the time," said Love. By the time Love graduated high school, he had set his sights on becoming a pastry chef. But there was one problem. At the time, there were only two culinary school in the country. However, neither offered exclusive pastry programs -- and only focused six weeks on pastries. "I was quite confident that pastry was what I wanted," said Love. "At that point, I just sought out the best pastry chefs that I could and began learning on the job." In 1983, Love had the opportunity of a lifetime. He traveled to the south of France to work with a friend who owned a pastry shop in an area called Lussan-- where he worked for almost two years. "Any time you have an opportunity to work with another culinarian, it's an opportunity to learn," said Love. "I'm so much about continuous improvement. I have this burning hunger - even after 40 years - to be better than yesterday." When Love returned to the states, he went back to Florida's east coast -- where he continued to work at hotels in the Miami Beach area. In 1987, Love married his wife, Mary, and moved to California. "At that time, Los Angeles [and] San Francisco was some of the most progressive culinary movements in the country, and I had the opportunity to work at the Beverly Hills Hotel," said Love. He spent three years working at the Beverly Hills Hotel as the executive pastry chef. Love described the hotel as one with lots of history, tradition and heritage.

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First Love inspires Norman Love Confections’ 2016 Valentine’s Day Collection FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 20, 2016) – First love is often described as the one you never forget. With that in mind, Norman Love Confections is bringing back ten favorite Norman Love Signature flavors from years past to create the First Love Collection for Valentine’s Day 2016. The limited-edition First Love Valentine’s Day Collection features 5 Spice, Lime, French Silk, Gianduja, Crema Catalana, Muscadine, Macadamia, Éclair, Java Fudge and Pineapple. The 10 heart-shaped chocolates are available with the assortment of 36 Norman Love Confections’ Signature flavors in gift boxes of all sizes, or in the limited-edition heart-shaped gift boxes. The limited-edition 10-piece heart-shaped gift box includes all of the 2016 Valentine’s Day flavors and is available for $25. The 24-piece heart-shaped gift box filled with an assortment of chocolates from both the 2016 Valentine’s Day collection and the 36-flavor Signature collection is available for $50. Online preorders for the First Love Valentine’s Day Collection will begin on Jan. 25 at www. normanloveconfections.com, with shipping beginning Feb. 1, and will be available for sale in-store Monday, Feb. 1 through Sunday, Feb. 14 at Norman Love Confections’ chocolate salons in Fort Myers, Naples and Estero. “There are certain flavors that customers love best, and never seem to forget,” said Norman Love, founder and owner, Norman Love Confections. “We continually receive requests to bring back these distinct flavors.” Norman Love Confections’ Southwest Florida locations will offer special hours for Valentine’s Day only. The Fort Myers Chocolate Salon, located at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd., will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Naples Chocolate Salon, located at 3747 Tamiami Trail North, will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Estero Chocolate Salon, located near the north entrance to Miromar Outlets, will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Artisan Gelato by Norman Love, located at 11300 Lindbergh Blvd., Suite 112, off Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers, east of I-75, will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. First Love Flavor Descriptions: 5 Spice - Milk Chocolate A delicate and flavorful Asian 5 Spice is infused into a creamy milk chocolate center for an exciting and exotic confection. Lime - Dark Chocolate A gently cooked egg cream, mixed with fresh lime juice, adds a punch of tartness to this sweet blend of dark and milk chocolates. French Silk - Dark Chocolate Silky dark chocolate pudding is blended with dark chocolate and butter for a decadent, creamy caress of flavor.

Gianduja - Milk Chocolate Gianduja features smooth milk chocolate blended with hazelnut paste for a buttery filling in a milk chocolate shell. Crema Catalana - White Chocolate This Spanish inspired ganache brings together white chocolate and fresh citrus flavors with a touch of vanilla and cinnamon. Muscadine - Dark Chocolate Silky smooth milk and dark chocolate ganache will warm your taste buds with a swirl of Orange Liquor and a buttery finish. Macadamia - White Chocolate Roasted macadamia nuts are ground into a delicate white chocolate filling and enrobed in fine white chocolate.

Éclair - Milk Chocolate Layers of vanilla custard and milk chocolate ganache create the perfect dessert within a crisp milk chocolate shell. Java Fudge - Milk Chocolate Vanilla caramel, cooked slowly and deglazed with espresso cream, is captured within a milk chocolate shell. Pineapple - White Chocolate Pureed pineapple is slow-cooked to perfection with vanilla and sugar, then finished with fresh butter and cloaked in white chocolate.

During its regular hours, Norman Love Confections’ Fort Myers Chocolate Salon is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Naples Chocolate Salon is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Estero Chocolate Salon is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is open Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. During its regular hours, Norman Love Confections’ Fort Myers Chocolate Salon is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Naples Chocolate Salon is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Estero Chocolate Salon is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is open Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from the Fort Myers corporate headquarters that encompasses both production and retail operations. The Fort Myers and Naples chocolate salons are stylish retail shops with an intimate ambience in which customers may purchase chocolates or linger over house-made pastries, gourmet coffees, lattes and smoothies. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded 13 times by a leading consumer ratings magazine including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates. Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Love has recently been named as the inaugural inductee of Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame, partnered with local chefs to present a six-course meal at the James Beard House in New York and Norman Love Confections was ranked among the top 10 shops in the world for chocolate lovers by U.K. media outlet Daily Telegraph. Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is next door to the Fort Myers salon, off Daniels Parkway east of I-75. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www. normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215.

### Contacts: Holly Boldrin, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-887-9335 (cell) or Holly@PriorityMarketing.com Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-849-3300 (cell) or Teri@PriorityMarketing.com

FIRST LOVE INSPIRES NORMAN LOVE CONFECTIONS’ 2016 VALENTINE’S DAY COLLECTION

January 20, 2016,

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Norman Love named inaugural inductee of Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2016) – Norman Love of Norman Love Confections will be the first chef chocolatier to be inducted into Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame. Love will be inducted on Jan. 27 during a celebration and awards ceremony event that will also honor Dessert Professional Magazine’s 2015 Top Ten Chocolatiers in North America. Presented by Cacao Barry and Kerekes, the event will be held at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, and will feature the chocolate creations of the Top Ten Chocolatiers in North America honorees. “It is truly an honor to be the first chef inducted into the Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame.” Love said. “At Norman Love Confections, we are constantly challenging ourselves to not only create the finest quality confections every day, but to develop new and innovative products that exceed the expectations of our clients as well as raise visibility for the confection industry.” Dessert Professional Magazine is a leading food service publication for the chocolate, pastry, cake, artisan bread and frozen desserts industries. For more information, visit www.dessertprofessional.com. Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is next door to the Fort Myers salon, off Daniels Parkway east of I-75. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www. normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215. ### Media Contacts: Holly Boldrin, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-887-9335 (cell) or Holly@PriorityMarketing.com Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-849-3300 (cell) or Teri@PriorityMarketing.com

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Norman Love Confections unveils Naked Love FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 12, 2016) – Inspired by the desire to provide beautiful and delicious, fresh gourmet cakes, Norman Love Confections introduces Naked Love. Embracing classic American flavor combinations, these rich and flavorful cakes are handmade, packaged carefully for shipping, and ready-to-serve or refrigerate upon arrival. Adorned with polka dots on top, Naked Love cakes feature fresh, quality ingredients and seven flavors including banana, carrot cake, chocolate peanut butter, coconut, confetti, lemon raspberry and ultimate chocolate. “Our industry uses the term ‘naked’ when referring to unfrosted cakes with the sides ‘exposed,’ if you will,” said Norman Love, founder of Norman Love Confections. “Naked Love is all about the decorative artisan touches that leave the layers of cake and fillings bare, allowing the naked beauty of the cakes to leave nothing to the imagination. Everyone deserves a sweet indulgence for birthdays or other special occasions, delivered with love.” Small cakes are $28 and serve up to four people. The large cakes are $45 and serve up to six people. Naked Love cakes are available online at Norman Love Confections and at the Norman Love Confections retail locations in Fort Myers, Estero or Naples. Cakes can be shipped in quantities of one or two. Prices for cakes with shipping are: for small cakes, $57 for one and $100 for two; for the large cakes, $75 for one and $134 for two; for a mixed cake box of one small and one large cake, $117. Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is next door to the Fort Myers salon, off Daniels Parkway east of I-75. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www. normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215. ### Media Contacts: Holly Boldrin, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-887-9335 (cell) or Holly@PriorityMarketing.com Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-849-3300 (cell) or Teri@PriorityMarketing.com

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Norman Love Confections layers on the love this holiday with three new gift offerings, including new three-tiered gift box tower, All Our Love FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 18, 2015) – In time for holiday giving, Norman Love Confections introduces three new gift box offerings, including its newest and largest assemblage of award-winning chocolate creations, All Our Love Gift Tower. Norman Love Confections developed the new gift options based on customer requests for larger and more substantial gift options. “Customers were continually asking for larger gift packages and routinely requested that a wider variety of our offerings be included in gift boxes,” said Norman Love, owner and founder of Norman Love Confections. “Our innovation and packaging team created several new options including All Our Love, our largest and most extensive gift offering available.” A three-tier celebration of Norman Love Confections’ artistry in chocolate, All Our Love includes an assortment of confections and specialty items from Norman Love Confections that are packaged inside three differentsized boxes, stacked upon each other and tied neatly together in a chocolate-colored bow. The top box includes Norman Love Confections’ Pecan & Chocolate Caramel Turtles, Honey Roasted Peanut Turtles, Smoked Almond Turtles, Dark Chocolate-Covered Orange Sticks, 9pc Vanilla Sea Salt Caramels – Dark and Milk, a S’more Love® 4-pack and a 14oz Sipping Chocolate. The middle box includes a 25pc Signature Chocolate Gift Box, a Solid Milk Chocolate Bar, a Solid Dark Chocolate Bar, a Solid White Chocolate Bar, a Vanilla Caramel Bar, four Norman Love Confections BLACK™ Chocolate Bars, one Dark Chocolate-Covered Nuts or Raisins and a sleeve of Love Origins®. The bottom box includes Milk Chocolate Almond Bark, Dark Chocolate Almond & Hazelnut Bark, White Chocolate Almond & Cherry Bark, Peanut Butter Bark, Chocolate Toffee With Walnuts, Peanut Butter Pop, Chocolate Mousse Pop, Brownie Pop, one Love Pop, Caramel Popcorn, Chocolate-Covered Jelly Beans (100g), Chocolate-Covered Surprise, Chocolate-Covered Candied Almonds, Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans (100g), Chocolate-Covered Oreos, Chocolate Sea Shells, Coconut & Milk Chocolate Almond Bar, Hazelnut Bar, Peanut Caramel Bar and a 15pc Norman Love Confections BLACK™ Gift Box. All Our Love sells for $385.50 and is available at Norman Love Confections’ Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples or online at www. normanloveconfections.com. Norman Love Confections’ second new gift offering is the Dark Chocolate Lovers Gift Box, offering a 5pc Norman Love Confections BLACK™ Gift Box, Solid Dark Chocolate Bark of Chocolate Toffee With Walnuts, a Norman Love Confections BLACK™ Chocolate Bar, Dark Chocolate-Covered Nuts, a sleeve of Love Origins®, a 14oz Rich Dark Sipping Chocolate, two Dark Chocolate Inclusion Bars and Dark Chocolate-Covered Orange Sticks or

Smoked Almond Turtles. The Dark Chocolate Lovers Gift Box is offered at $86.50 and can be purchased at Norman Love Confections’ Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples or online at www.normanloveconfections.com Also new from Norman Love Confections is the Lots of Love Gift Box featuring an array of gourmet chocolate specialties including the Pecan & Chocolate Caramel Turtles, Honey Roasted Peanut Turtles, Smoked Almond Turtles, three Solid Chocolate Bars, one Inclusion Bar, a S’more Love® 6-Pack, 15pc Vanilla Sea Salt Caramels – Dark and Milk, a Norman Love Confections BLACK™ Chocolate Bar, 14oz Sipping Chocolate, two Chocolate-Covered Nuts, one Dark Chocolate-Covered Raisins, two sleeves Love Origins®, two Solid Chocolate Bark, one Chocolate Toffee With Walnuts, a 10pc Signature Chocolate Gift Box and a 5pc Norman Love Confections BLACK™ Gift Box. Lots of Love Gift Box sells for $185 and is available online at www.normanloveconfections.com or in the Norman Love Confections’ Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples. Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is next door to the Fort Myers salon, off Daniels Parkway east of I-75. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215. ### Media Contacts: Holly Boldrin, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-887-9335 (cell) or Holly@PriorityMarketing.com Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-849-3300 (cell) or Teri@PriorityMarketing.com

LAYERS ON THE LOVE THIS HOLIDAY WITH THREE NEW GIFT OFFERINGS

Dec. 18, 2015

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PRINCESS CRUISES SWEETENS Dec. 1, 2015, page:2/2

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Norman Love Confections introduces new gourmet cookie kits called Stir, Bake, LOVE

Premeasured cookie kits for gourmet baking at home available in four delicious flavors FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 1, 2015) – Award-winning pastry chef, Norman Love of Norman Love Confections, has created a new cookie kit for gourmet baking at home, which is as simple to use as its name: Stir, Bake, LOVE. In time for holiday baking with ease, Norman Love Confections introduces four gourmet cookie kits: Chocolate Chip Cookie, featuring crisp edges, soft buttery center, and semisweet chocolate chunks mixed throughout; Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie, with milk and dark chocolates mix together to create a rich, chewy, chocolaty cookie loaded with pecans; Oatmeal Raisin Chip Cookie, featuring sweet raisins, chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon; and Mint Sugar Cookie, a buttery sugar cookie studded with colorful mint chips. Each package of Stir, Bake, LOVE contains all the premium ingredients needed to make the perfect batch of gourmet cookies, perfectly pre-measured for convenience. Simply add an egg and butter and bake as directed. Each batch yields 14 cookies, freshly baked in 20 minutes or less. The cookie kits sell for $18 and are available online at normanloveconfections.com and in Norman Love Confections’ chocolate salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples. “We’ve made it so simple that home bakers won’t believe its gourmet – until the first bite!” said Norman Love, founder of Norman Love Confections. “Our goal was to create a way for people to create and enjoy warm, oven-fresh gourmet cookies at home with no recipe, no shopping and no waste. It really is as easy as stir, bake and love.” The idea for a cookie kit was inspired by the popularity of the homemade cookies sold exclusively at Norman Love Confections locations in Southwest Florida. The kit will allow Norman Love cookie fans to bake their own cookies whenever they want in the comfort of their own homes, and for customers outside of the area to experience the deliciousness of Norman Love cookies. Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from the Fort Myers corporate headquarters that encompasses both production and retail operations. The Fort Myers and Naples chocolate salons are stylish retail shops with an intimate ambience in which customers may purchase chocolates or linger over house-made pastries, gourmet coffees, lattes and smoothies. Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is next door to the Fort Myers salon, off Daniels Parkway east of I-75. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www. normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215. ### Contacts: Holly Boldrin, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-887-9335 (cell) or Holly@PriorityMarketing.com Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-849-3300 (cell) or Teri@PriorityMarketing.com

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Norman Love Confections’ Chef Chocolatier Dan Forgey named top 10 finalist, represents USA in World Chocolate Masters in France FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 18, 2015) – Norman Love Confections’ Chef Chocolatier Dan Forgey was named a top 10 finalist in the World Chocolate Masters recently held in Paris, an international competition and the most demanding contest for chocolate professionals. Forgey represented the USA, competing against 20 chefs during the three-day competition, themed, “Inspiration from Nature.” Only ten of the twenty chefs made it to the ‘Super final’ on Friday, where they created a ‘Patisserie of the Day’ and an artistic creation “Where Nature Goes”. “I am so incredibly proud of Dan Forgey for his incredible talent and efforts at the World Chocolate Masters,” said Norman Love, founder and president of Norman Love Confections. “Placing in the super finals was a huge honor, and we are thrilled for his success on the biggest chocolate stage in the world. He represented the USA and Norman Love Confections by demonstrating the utmost skill and dedication to our country and our craft.” The three-day competition is the ideal setting to discover the latest innovations and trends in the world of chocolate. In several rounds the chefs showcase their knowledge and craftsmanship. This year the chocolatiers crafted a ‘Sweet Snack on the Go’, a molded praline and an artistic chocolate showpiece. Forgey’s “sweet snack” was Daco2Go, and judges described it as “So clever!” “Incredible!” and one judge declared, “I think this is my new favorite!” In addition, his chocolate sculpture, Protectress, depicts a mermaid, a spiritual force of nature that stands against the destructive presence of man. The chefs also presented their unique ‘Or Noir,’ a chocolate that each of them made in Cacao Barry’s OR NOIR™ laboratory. A professional jury judged the creations, taking account of presentation, taste and technical skills. Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from the Fort Myers corporate headquarters that encompasses both production and retail operations. The Fort Myers and Naples chocolate salons are stylish retail shops with an intimate ambience in which customers may purchase chocolates or linger over house-made pastries, gourmet coffees, lattes and smoothies. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded 13 times by a leading consumer ratings magazine including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates. Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultrapremium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is next door to the Fort Myers salon, off Daniels Parkway east of I-75. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215. ### Contacts: Holly Boldrin, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-887-9335 (cell) or Holly@PriorityMarketing.com Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-849-3300 (cell) or Teri@PriorityMarketing.com

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Norman Love Confections unwraps its 2015 limited-edition holiday collection FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 17, 2015) – Capturing all the favorite flavors of the holidays, Norman Love Confections introduces its 2015 holiday collection. Customers can preorder now, and the collection is available for purchase online and in stores Nov. 23 through Dec. 31, 2015. Norman Love Confections’ special-edition holiday collection features white, milk and dark chocolate confections and truffles with 10 artisan-designed holiday flavors: Cherry Cheer, White Christmas, Candy Cane, S’more Truffle, Orange Spice Truffle, Pumpkin Pie, Snowflake, Caramel Pear, Mint Patty and Java Jingle. Norman Love Confections will also offer a selection of holiday-themed treats, including holiday gift boxes and baskets, personalized gifts, limited-edition candy cane gift box and gourmet holiday desserts. Orders can be placed online at www. normanloveconfections.com or in Norman Love Confections’ chocolate salons in Fort Myers, Naples and Estero. “The holidays bring certain smells, tastes and images to our minds, and our holiday collection truly captures the essence of the holidays,” says Norman Love, founder of Norman Love Confections. “From Pumpkin Pie to Candy Cane to White Christmas, the flavors of our holiday collection were created to be enjoyed and treasured with friends and family throughout the holiday season.” An assortment of the holiday flavors will be included in each green signature gift box along with a selection of Norman Love’s award-winning signature flavors. Prices range from $6.50 for a two-piece box to $95 for a 50-piece box. In addition, Norman Love Confections has created a special, limited-edition candy cane gift box that includes all 10 flavors from the holiday collection for $25. A valuable option for corporate gifting, Norman Love Confections’ ultra-premium confections can also be personalized with a company name or logo. Exquisite artisanal holiday desserts are available at Norman Love Confections’ Fort Myers, Estero and Naples Chocolate Salons, including gourmet holiday creations, breakfast platters, dessert platters, cookies and more. A selection of five holiday gift baskets are available for purchase at Norman Love Confections, offering an assortment of artisanal confections to spread the holiday cheer. The Little Saint Nick Basket includes four-piece holiday gift box, Mousse Pop, Chocolate-Covered Jelly Beans, hollow Chocolate Santa and Chocolate-Covered Gingerbread Man, available for $39.50. The Good Old Saint Nick Basket contains a 10-piece holiday gift box, nine-piece box of Vanilla Sea Salt Caramels, Caramel Popcorn, peppermint and chocolate Holiday bark, Love Pop and Chocolate-Covered Gingerbread Man, available for $75.50. For $133, you can gift the Santa’s Sweet Ride Basket, filled with a 10-piece limited-edition candy cane gift box, five-piece box of Norman Love Confections BLACK™, four-piece box of S’more Love®, peppermint and chocolate Holiday bark, Chocolate-Covered Jelly Beans, Inclusion Bars, Candied Nuts, gluten-free Pretzels, hollow Chocolate Santa and Chocolate-Covered Gingerbread Man. Available for $68, the Gourmet Extravaganza Basket includes cookies, chocolate bars, solid bar of Norman Love Confections BLACK™, popcorn, chocolate bark, Turtle and two-piece boxes of Norman Love’s signature confections. The Chocolate Lover’s Basket includes 14 expertly selected items including the signature line of confections and handmade novelty selections for $170. Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from the Fort Myers corporate headquarters that encompasses both production and retail operations. The Fort Myers and Naples chocolate salons are stylish retail shops with an intimate ambience in which customers may purchase chocolates or linger over house-made pastries, gourmet coffees, lattes and smoothies. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded 13 times by a leading consumer ratings magazine including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates.

Holiday 2015 Flavor Descriptions:

Orange Spice Truffle

Mint Patty

Cherry Cheer

Dark Chocolate

Fresh orange and holiday spices combine in

A mint cream and bittersweet chocolate

May the brandied cherry ganache in this

a creamy white chocolate ganache, covered

ganache, covered in dark chocolate.

delicious dark chocolate delight fill you

in a dark chocolate shell. Java Jingle

holiday cheer. Pumpkin Pie

Dark Chocolate

White Christmas

White Chocolate

Espresso ganache, infused with holiday

Milk Chocolate

This white chocolate confection is filled with

spices, lends rich flavor to this dark chocolate

Hazelnut praline and cinnamon ganache

pumpkin ganache and perfectly accented

confection.

inspire dreams of a white Christmas.

with fresh ground spices.

Candy Cane

Snowflake

White Chocolate

Cool and creamy peppermint candy ganache

Buttery snowflake cookies with creamy

evokes holiday memories as you bite into the

almond icing fill this white chocolate delight.

delicious white chocolate shell. Caramel Pear S’more Truffle

Milk Chocolate

Fresh pureed pears are simmered in sweet

There is S’more to this milk chocolate treat

buttery caramel for an exquisite ganache,

- a filling fluffy marshmallow and toasted

covered in milk chocolate.

graham cracker.

Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is next door to the Fort Myers salon, off Daniels Parkway east of I-75. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www. normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215. ### Contacts: Holly Boldrin, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-887-9335 (cell) or Holly@PriorityMarketing.com Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-849-3300 (cell) or Teri@PriorityMarketing.com

UNWRAPS ITS 2015 LIMITED-EDITION HOLIDAY COLLECTION

Nov. 17, 2015

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Norman Love Confections and Southwest Florida chefs partnered to present culinary delights at James Beard House FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2015) – Norman Love, the acclaimed chocolatier, pastry chef and founder of Norman Love Confections, recently partnered with a team of Southwest Florida chefs to bring a meal of culinary excellence to the illustrious James Beard House in New York on Oct. 2. The all-star team of chefs presented a six-course meal to 83 food enthusiasts, of which nearly half were Southwest Florida residents. Norman Love hand-selected a team of chefs to present a six-course meal, showcasing Southwest Florida native ingredients. The team of accomplished chefs consisted of Fabrizio Aielli, chef/owner of Sea Salt in Naples and St. Petersburg; Harold Balink, chef/owner of Cru in Fort Myers; George Fistrovich, executive chef of The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples; Todd Johnson, chef/owner of Rumrunners in Cape Coral; and Ryan Love of Norman Love Confections. “We are grateful for the opportunity to bring our unique tastes and talents together for a special evening of culinary distinction, and this experience was made all the better by working with a team of such phenomenal chefs and friends,” Norman Love said. “It is a privilege to serve the guests of the James Beard House, and we are especially honored to have so many Southwest Florida natives in attendance to enjoy our tribute to Florida.” The exclusive evening of fine dining included hors d’oeuvres and six culinary courses that paid homage to the chefs’ hometown through the incorporation of Florida native produce and meats provided by Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm. Balink kicked-off the evening with a Rosy Tomorrows chicken pâté and port gelée starter, followed by the first main plated course of pan-seared black grouper, flash-sautéed Rosy Tomorrows Everglades tomatoes, crispy oyster and buttery Florida orange sauce, served with a 2013 Mauritson Sauvignon Blanc. Aielli plated a savory Murray River Salt macaroon with Florida spiny lobster and foie gras as his hors d’oeuvre, followed by a second course of Pine Island octopus ink ravioli stuffed with free-range chicken, white truffles, homemade ricotta, Venus clam ragù and liquid egg yolk, paired with a 2012 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay. Johnson began with a savory sesame cone topped with red wattle pork rillettes and mascarpone mousse. He then prepared a succulent Rosy Tomorrows heritage pork belly, joined with mint marigold saltimbocca tenderloin and pig shoulder confit with butternut squash, paired with a 2011 Evenstad Reserve Domaine Serene Pinot Noir. Fistrovich’s hors d’oeuvre was a spaghetti made from Gulf shrimp mousse, combined with cabbage Fistrovich grew himself, and topped with Sarasota Mote sturgeon caviar. The starter was followed by Jackman Ranch beef cheeks, barbecued hearts of palm, charred corn cloud in the flavors of esquite (a Northern Mexican dish), boniato and preserved chop box cabbage leaves, paired with a 2011 Cal White Toro Tempranillo. Norman Love Confections’ father and son duo created a pre-dessert of chilled Florida strawberry consommé, crème fraiche panna cotta and lemon basil macaron glace, showcasing the fruits of Florida. The evening was concluded with a

Bittersweet Chocolate and Tropical Experience, a collaboration between Norman and Ryan Love, served with an Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove 2012 Bolgheri. Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers. The awardwinning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is next door to the Fort Myers salon, off Daniels Parkway east of I-75. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www. normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215. About the James Beard Foundation (JBF) Founded in 1986, the James Beard Foundation celebrates, nurtures, and honors America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire. A cookbook author and teacher with an encyclopedic knowledge about food, James Beard, who died in 1985, was a champion of American cuisine. He helped educate and mentor generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts, instilling in them the value of wholesome, healthful, and delicious food. Today JBF continues in the same spirit by administering a number of diverse programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards, scholarships for culinary students, publications, chef advocacy training, and thought-leader convening. The Foundation also maintains the historic James Beard House in New York City’s Greenwich Village as a “performance space” for visiting chefs. In September of 2012, JBF launched the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Protocol and helped create the American Chef Corps as a way to champion American chefs abroad, promote American food products, and foster an interest in American culinary culture and history through international programs and initiatives. One such project is the next World’s Fair, Expo Milano 2015, for which the James Beard Foundation is co-leading the effort for the State Department to design and produce the USA Pavilion, a global gathering of 147 countries addressing the challenges of how we will feed ourselves in the future. The Pavilion, whose theme will be “American Food 2.0: United to Feed the Planet,” will showcase America’s contributions to global food security and gastronomy. For more information, please visit jamesbeard. org. Find insights on food at the James Beard Foundation’s blog Delights & Prejudices. Join the James Beard Foundation on Facebook. Follow the James Beard Foundation on Twitter and Instagram. ### Contacts: Holly Boldrin, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-887-9335 (cell) or Holly@PriorityMarketing.com Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-849-3300 (cell) or Teri@PriorityMarketing.com

PARTNERED TO PRESENT CULINARY DELIGHTS AT JAMES BEARD HOUSE Oct. 13, 2015,

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Norman Love Confections ranked among top 10 shops in the world for chocolate lovers FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2015) – Norman Love Confections was recently listed as one of the 10 most amazing shops in the world for chocolate by U.K. media outlet Daily Telegraph. Norman Love Confections is one of only two U.S. chocolate salons featured on this list. According to the Daily Telegraph article, “Norman Love has been satisfying connoisseurs of fine chocolates since 2001. At his shops in Fort Myers, Naples and Estero, you can gorge on chocolates till your heart’s content, as well as artisan gelato, waffles, crepes, coffees and pastries. Best of all is the $10 late night dessert menu available at the Naples Salon, which includes a gelato sundae, molten chocolate cake, vanilla bean crème brulee and Florida key lime pie, served with a creamy gelato or fruity sorbet of your choice.” “We are honored to be recognized as one of the top shops in the world for chocolate lovers,” said Chef Norman Love, founder, owner and president of Norman Love Confections. “We enjoy offering our valued guests a wide array of delicious confections and we are very grateful to be so highly esteemed by our peers.” In addition to its handcrafted artisanal chocolates, Norman Love Confections also offers a selection of house-made pastries, gourmet coffees, lattes and smoothies at its chocolate salons located in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples. For more information, visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215. Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is next door to the Fort Myers salon, off Daniels Parkway east of I-75. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www. normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215. ### Media Contacts: Holly Boldrin, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-887-9335 (cell) or Holly@PriorityMarketing.com Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-849-3300 (cell) or Teri@PriorityMarketing.com

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Norman Love Confections chefs take home 2015 Chocolatier of the Year FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2015) – Norman Love Confections is pleased to announce that chefs Brittany Mateika and Molly Rothermel of Norman Love Confections have received national recognition as first and second place winners of Pastry Live’s 2015 Chocolatier of the Year competition. Sixteen chocolate artisans from across the country participated in the 2015 Chocolatier of the Year competition, held in Atlanta. Each contestant entered two different types of handcrafted chocolate creations to be evaluated by judges and an audience. Mateika received first place in the 2015 Chocolatier of the Year competition. Her first piece was an “Apricot Lavender Shortbread,” which consisted of a shortbread base with layers of vanilla-lavender ganache and apricot ganache, surrounded by white chocolate. Mateika’s second entry was her “Banana Almond Praline,” which contained an almond praline and feuilletine layer, filled with banana and milk chocolate ganaches and covered in milk chocolate. Rothermel received second place in the competition with her “Cassis-Pistachio,” which contained cassis jam, vanilla ganache and pistachio praline wrapped in dark chocolate, and her “Coffee-Hazelnut,” which featured hazelnut crunch, gianduja and coffee ganaches, encased in a dark chocolate shell. The 2015 Chocolatier of the Year competition is designed to offer chocolate artisans from around the country the opportunity to exhibit their knowledge and talent for chocolate artistry. Each contestant must enter a signature-molded chocolate and a creatively enrobed chocolate that demonstrates enrobing skills, flavor profiles and creative flair. Winners are carefully selected according to their expertise and abilities through the judging of taste and appearance. The highlyesteemed title of Chocolatier of the Year title is awarded to the creator of the highest-quality of handcrafted chocolate. Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is next door to the Fort Myers salon, off Daniels Parkway east of I-75. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www. normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215. ### Media Contacts: Holly Boldrin, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-887-9335 (cell) or Holly@PriorityMarketing.com Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-849-3300 (cell) or Teri@PriorityMarketing.com

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Norman Love Confections unveils new chocolates into Signature Collection FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 5, 2015) – Norman Love Confections introduces 11 new hand-crafted chocolates into the award-winning chocolatier’s Signature Collection, the brand’s core product line. The 36-flavor Signature Collection features 11 new flavors including: Lemon Hazelnut, Butterscotch Truffle, Sea Salt Caramel Truffle, Vanilla Marshmallow, Almond Praline, German Chocolate Cake, Strawberry Cheesecake, 91% Nocturne, Peanut Butter Cup, Passion Orange and Carrot Cake. In addition, Norman Love Confections has updated the aesthetics of two existing flavors: Bananas Foster and Caramel Macchiato. The Signature Collection includes white, milk and dark chocolate confections and truffles with 36 different fillings, or flavors. Each flavor also has a distinctive appearance, shape and color so it can be identified via the flavor map included in each box of chocolates. The gourmet chocolates are made fresh daily with premium ingredients and contain no preservatives. They are packed and delivered with the utmost care to ensure they arrive fresh and in excellent condition. The chocolates in the Signature Collection, including the 11 new flavors, can be ordered individually online and in stores. Each Signature Gift Box by Norman Love Confections contains an assortment of flavors from this collection. “Many of the flavors in the current Signature Collection have been part of the collection from the beginning, but new ideas are what make us who we are,” said Chef Norman Love, Founder, Owner and President of Norman Love Confections. “When inspiration strikes, we develop new flavors, refining and perfecting until they are ready to be added to the collection.” The following new flavors are now available at www.NormanLoveConfections.com, at the chocolatier’s three Chocolate Salons in Southwest Florida, and through independent retail partners throughout the U.S.:

Lemon Hazelnut

Almond Praline

Peanut Butter Cup

White Chocolate

Dark Chocolate

Sweet roasted hazelnut praline layered with

Caramelized almonds add a delicious crunch

A pure American favorite in all its glory,

a tart lemon ganache and enrobed in a white

to this creamy milk chocolate ganache,

creamy peanut butter mixed with smooth milk

chocolate shell.

covered in a rich dark chocolate shell.

chocolate and encased in a thin bittersweet

Butterscotch Truffle

German Chocolate Cake

Milk Chocolate

Passion Orange

Beautifully nostalgic butterscotch resonates

Enjoy a bite of German Chocolate Cake

Dark Chocolate

in this milk chocolate truffle with a buttery

in this confection featuring a delicious

The sweet flavors of tropical sunshine, tart

white chocolate and caramel center.

combination of milk chocolate, brown sugar

passion fruit and fresh squeezed orange

and coconut.

juice, with a touch of vanilla in a creamy

shell.

Sea Salt Caramel Truffle

white chocolate ganache.

Dark Chocolate

Strawberry Cheesecake

This perfectly balanced dark chocolate

White Chocolate

Carrot Cake

truffle is filled with sweet golden caramel and

Rich New York style cheesecake topped

Milk Chocolate

topped with red and pink sea salts.

with fresh vanilla infused strawberry jam and

Layers of cream cheese icing and carrot

covered in white chocolate.

cake spiced ganache is deliciously satisfying

Vanilla Marshmallow

in a gourmet milk chocolate shell.

Dark Chocolate

91% Nocturne

The classic and dreamy pairing of delicious

Dark Chocolate

dark chocolate with a vanilla marshmallow

A dark chocolate lover’s dream come

cream center.

true, we’ve covered silky deep 91% dark chocolate ganache in a dark chocolate shell.

UNVEILS NEW CHOCOLATES INTO SIGNATURE COLLECTION

Oct. 5, 2015

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Norman Love Confections supports breast cancer awareness, offers special limited edition pink heart box during October FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 25, 2015) – Norman Love Confections is observing Breast Cancer Awareness month with a special promotion, offering the community a sweet way to raise breast cancer awareness and support those who are currently fighting against breast cancer. During the month of October, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each pink heart gift box will benefit Lee Memorial Health System’s Women’s Breast Care Center at the Regional Cancer Center. The special pink gift box will feature a 20-piece selection of Norman Love Confections’ signature pieces. The pink heart boxes are available at Norman Love Confections’ three chocolate salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, as well as online at www.normanloveconfections.com. The heart-shaped boxes can only be shipped within the continental U.S., as the gourmet chocolates created by Norman Love Confections’ are preservative-free with a shelf life of no more than three weeks. Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisan chocolates from its corporate headquarters in Fort Myers that encompasses both production and retail operations. The three chocolate salons are stylish retail shops that offer an intimate ambience in which customers may purchase chocolates or linger over house-made pastries, gourmet coffees, lattes and smoothies. The Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded 13 times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates. Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is next door to the Fort Myers salon, off Daniels Parkway east of I-75. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www. normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215. ### Contacts: Holly Boldrin, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-887-9335 (cell) or Holly@PriorityMarketing.com Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-849-3300 (cell) or Teri@PriorityMarketing.com

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Norman Love Confections launches Mother’s Day contest, seeks flavors inspired by real moms for 2016 Mother’s Love Collection FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 11, 2015) – There’s nothing sweeter than a mother’s love. With the goal of designing its 2016 Mother’s Day collection around real moms, Norman Love Confections is launching a contest, seeking flavors inspired by moms, for moms. With mom in mind, Norman Love invites the public to submit flavors for its 2016 Mother’s Love Collection. Based on submissions, chefs will select ten flavors as the inspiration to create a Norman Love confection to become part of the 2016 limited-edition Mother’s Love line. Those selected will receive a free 25-piece Mother’s Day gift box delivered to the recipient of their choice for Mother’s Day. “Well in advance of Mother’s Day, our chefs at Norman Love Confections are already planning for the flavors of Mother’s Day,” said Norman Love, founder and president of Norman Love Confections. “Whether it’s a flavor that reflects a special childhood memory, or based on mom’s sweet tooth, we will create and offer a special line of artisan confections inspired by real moms.” Submissions are accepted online at www.normanloveconfections.com, or ballots can be completed and dropped off in stores. One submission per person, will be accepted. Entries are being accepted now through Oct. 9. For a complete list of submission guidelines, visit www.normanloveconfections.com. Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from the Fort Myers corporate headquarters that encompasses both production and retail operations. The Fort Myers and Naples chocolate salons are stylish retail shops with an intimate ambience in which customers may purchase chocolates or linger over house-made pastries, gourmet coffees, lattes and smoothies. Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers. The award-winning Fort Myersbased chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is next door to the Fort Myers salon, off Daniels Parkway east of I-75. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215. ### Contacts: Holly Boldrin, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-887-9335 (cell) or Holly@PriorityMarketing.com Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-849-3300 (cell) or Teri@PriorityMarketing.com

FACT SHEET: SIGNATURE CHOCOLATES

The artistry of chocolate means everything to us at Norman Love Confections. Like all discerning chefs, we begin with superior ingredients, including the world’s finest chocolate, and in reverence to flavor we leave out the preservatives. Then we proceed with an uncommon blend of creativity and precision to transform simple but wonderful ingredients into true culinary works of art. The result is excellence in every detail, in every chocolate we produce.

Dark Chocolates 91% NOCTURNE A dark chocolate lover’s dream come true, we’ve covered silky deep 91% dark chocolate ganache in a dark chocolate shell.

MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP The classic ice cream parlor recipe of rich dark chocolate and creamy vanilla mint filling comes complete with tiny chocolate chips.

66% VENEZUELAN DARK This delicious blend of Nobel Criollo Venezuelan bean is a well balanced dark chocolate with a slightly enhanced flavor of plum, coffee, and sweet raisin.

PASSION ORANGE The sweet flavors of tropical sunshine, tart passion fruit and fresh squeezed orange juice, with a touch of vanilla in a creamy white chocolate ganache.

ALMOND PRALINE Caramelized almonds add a delicious crunch to this creamy milk chocolate ganache, covered in a rich dark chocolate shell.

PEANUT BUTTER CUP A pure American favorite in all its glory, creamy peanut butter mixed with smooth milk chocolate and encased in a thin bittersweet shell.

COCONUT Sweet coconut flake and rich coconut cream go into the white chocolate filling within this dark chocolate confection.

RASPBERRY The yin and yang of flavor pairings, fresh tart raspberries lend a luxurious berry flavor to this irresistible dark chocolate confection.

COOKIES ‘N’ CREAM The fine dark chocolate crunch and smooth white filling you’d expect from this all-time favorite gourmet treat.

TIRAMISU Ciao down on creamy vanilla mascarpone and rich espresso ganache enrobed in a dark chocolate shell.

HOT DARK CHOCOLATE Intense dark chocolate infused with jalapeño pepper for a delightfully spicy sweet combination.

VANILLA MARSHMALLOW The classic and dreamy pairing of delicious dark chocolate with a vanilla marshmallow cream center.

Truffles

BUTTERSCOTCH TRUFFLE Beautifully nostalgic butterscotch resonates in this milk chocolate truffle with a buttery white chocolate and caramel center.

HAZELNUT PRALINE TRUFFLE Pure and delicious Hazelnut praline is better than ever in this luscious milk chocolate truffle.

CHERRY CORDIAL TRUFFLE Sweet cherry jam and dark chocolate Amarena ganache create a decadent combination within a dark chocolate shell.

MILK CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE Chocolate purists rejoice! This decadent enrobed truffle contains nothing but fine, rich Swiss milk chocolate for an intense rush of flavor.

DARK CHOCOLATE CREAM TRUFFLE A 49% dark Venezuelan chocolate made from Criollo beans and blended with cream and butter.

ROASTED ALMOND TRUFFLE This milk chocolate truffle is sweet perfection from the milk chocolate shell to the creamy milk chocolate and almond center.

FRENCH VANILLA TRUFFLE A bittersweet truffle filled with creamy, white vanilla bean ganache makes a simply perfect combination.

SEA SALT CARAMEL TRUFFLE This perfectly balanced dark chocolate truffle is filled with sweet golden caramel and topped with red and pink sea salts.

Milk Chocolates BANANAS FOSTER Cinnamon-infused brown sugar and fresh bananas are caramelized with a touch of citrus and blended into white chocolate and butter to create this classic dessert flavor, wrapped in a milk chocolate shell.

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA Back by popular demand, this confection honors a classic flavor combination with a blend of creamy peanut butter and fresh banana covered in milk chocolate.

CARAMEL MACCHIATO Rich caramel cream and fresh espresso are swirled with sweet white chocolate and captured in a milk chocolate shell.

PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY Fresh strawberry jam and creamy peanut butter coated in Swiss milk chocolate bring out the child in everyone.

CARROT CAKE Layers of cream cheese icing and carrot cake spiced ganache is deliciously satisfying in a gourmet milk chocolate shell.

PISTACHIO CHERRY Fresh tart cherry and vanilla jam layered on top of Sicilian pistachio ganache with a touch of amaretto coated in milk chocolate.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE Enjoy a bite of German Chocolate Cake in this confection featuring a delicious combination of milk chocolate, brown sugar and coconut.

TAHITIAN CARAMEL It begins with a layer of creamy milk chocolate and a buttery caramel center accented with the essence of vanilla beans.

White Chocolates KEY LIME SHELL This tangy classic is made with fresh key lime juice for a feeling of Florida sunshine with each bite.

STRAWBERRY A heavenly couverture saturated with fresh strawberries make a creamy filling ripe with temptation.

LEMON BAR A fresh tart lemon ganache is swirled with buttery streusel and enclosed in a white chocolate shell.

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE Rich New York style cheesecake topped with fresh vanilla infused strawberry jam and covered in white chocolate.

LEMON HAZELNUT Sweet roasted hazelnut praline layered with a tart lemon ganache and enrobed in a white chocolate shell.

VANILLA CUPCAKE Sweet cream and vanilla frosting ganache mixed with tiny cake pieces in a perfect little bite.

PASSION PANNA-COTTA A light buttermilk ganache layered with passion fruit and vanilla jam covered in white chocolate.

WHITE CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY This popular flavor from our Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day collection has taken a permanent place in our hearts with its delicious combination of tart fresh raspberries swirled into sweet creamy white chocolate.

FACT SHEET: PRODUCTS

GOURMET GIFT ORDERS

ARTISAN CHOCOLATES FOR GIFTING! Our fine gourmet chocolates are available for gift orders in 2, 4, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50 piece boxes. Our chocolatiers will hand select a beautiful assortment of fine dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, and gourmet chocolate truffles from our freshest daily selection, providing you with a tantalizing variety of our flavorful creations. Each chocolate gift box is beautifully tied with our signature ribbon year-round or special seasonal ribbon for the holiday seasons.

A new upscale twist on an all-time favorite dessert, S’more LOVE ® by Norman Love Confections improves upon tradition with fresh, homemade ingredients of the finest quality. Enrobed in dark chocolate, S’more Love® is filled with a crunchy freshly baked graham cracker, light and fluffy homemade marshmallows and salted bourbon vanilla caramel for that decadent melt-in-your mouth sensation.

SOMETHING EVERYONE WILL LOVE!

CHOCOLATE GIFT BASKETS CORPORATE PROMOTIONS

A TWIST ON TRADITION

Our lovely gift baskets are filled with ultrapremium chocolate creations and more, freshly made and beautifully packaged for a simply stunning presentation. *Actual containers may vary from what is pictured here. Please allow 24 hours to fill orders for baskets containing baked goods.

Norman Love Confections introduces four gourmet cookie kits: Chocolate Chip Cookie, featuring crisp edges, soft buttery center, and semisweet chocolate chunks mixed throughout; Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie, with milk and dark chocolates mix together to create a rich, chewy, chocolaty cookie loaded with pecans; Oatmeal Raisin Chip Cookie, featuring sweet raisins, chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon; and Mint Sugar Cookie, a buttery sugar cookie studded with colorful mint chips. Each package of Stir, Bake, LOVE contains all the premium ingredients needed to make the perfect batch of gourmet cookies, perfectly pre-measured for convenience. Simply add an egg and butter and bake as directed. Each batch yields 14 cookies, freshly baked in 20 minutes or less.

MAKE YOUR MARK WITH CHOCOLATE! Our gourmet custom chocolates make the perfect unique corporate gift for business clients, customer loyalty and promotional programs, vendors, holidays, or as incentives and rewards to valued employees. And for that very special touch, we can place your company logo in edible form on our beautiful chocolate creations – a gift of our chocolate proves that you can mix business and pleasure.

The idea for a cookie kit was inspired by the popularity of the homemade cookies sold exclusively at Norman Love Confections locations in Southwest Florida. The kit will allow Norman Love cookie fans to bake their own cookies whenever they want in the comfort of their own homes, and for customers outside of the area to experience the deliciousness of Norman Love cookies.

CHOCOLATE SPECIALTIES Explore an assortment of handcrafted chocolate specialties including everything from chocolate bars, nougats and sipping chocolates to special collections such as S’more Love®, Norman Love Potion™ and Love Origins®!

Norman Love Potion™

Love Origins®

Norman Love Confections Sipping Chocolate

Barks Milk, Dark, White and Sugar-Free

Norman Love Confections BLACK™ Chocolate Bars

Chocolate Shoes

Florida Chocolate Novelties

Toffee & Turtles

Cake and Brownie Pops

Chocolate-Covered Specialties

Chocolate-Covered Almonds

Specialty Bars 51

FACT SHEET: PRODUCTS

A DARK CHOCOLATE DELICACY Taste your way through the fine cocoa regions of the world as you indulge in Norman Love Confections BLACK™ - a collection of fine dark single-origin chocolate confections that truly surpass the connoisseur’s highest expectations. This ultra-premium dark chocolate collection consists of five chocolates, each made with cocoa beans from one of the world’s five premium growing regions. Rare Criollo & Trinitario beans – the pinnacle of quality cocoa – were selected, allowing you to experience the distinct flavor of these top quality beans while comparing the subtleties of each region. Norman Love Confections BLACK™ chocolates are a purely dark chocolate confection and are further distinguished by a high cocoa mass, ranging from 88% to 68%.

DECADENT CAKES

CELEBRATE WITH NORMAN LOVE CAKES! Celebrate with a cake that fits the importance of any occasion. Our talented artisan pastry chefs hand make every cake to achieve the same high standards as our world famous chocolates, using only the finest ingredients. Cakes are designed and made to order with personalized touches for your occasion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; resulting in a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for your wedding, birthday, anniversary and other special event.

HANDMADE PASTRIES

TREAT YOURSELF TO NORMAN LOVE PASTRIES! The stunning artistry of our lavish pastries add the utmost sophistication and flavor to any celebration. These culinary masterpieces are absolutely decadent in every respect. A rapturous journey for the sense, they are always as delicious to eat as they are beautiful to display. Available in an array of gorgeous designs, our artisan pastries also incorporate a variety of flavors with fine ingredients such as gourmet milk, white and dark chocolate, fresh ripe berries, crispy nuts, and handmade ribbons of caramel.

FACT SHEET: MORE SPECIALTIES

FRESH GOURMET CAKES

NAKED LOVE CAKES! Inspired by the desire to provide beautiful and delicious, fresh gourmet cakes, Norman Love Confections introduces Naked Love. Embracing classic American flavor combinations, these rich and flavorful cakes are handmade, packaged carefully for shipping, and ready-to-serve or refrigerate upon arrival. Adorned with polka dots on top, Naked Love cakes feature fresh, quality ingredients and seven flavors including banana, carrot cake, chocolate peanut butter, coconut, confetti, lemon raspberry and ultimate chocolate. By undressing the traditional layer cake, Naked Love cakes proves the “icing on the cake” is just as good on the inside!

Artisan Gel ato BY

N O R MAN

LOVE

ARTISAN GELATO

COME BY FOR A SCOOP OF LOVE! Norman Love began making gelato and serving it at the Naples Chocolate Salon in 2011. Soon, the demand was obvious and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love™ was born! This dedicated gelateria, located adjacent to the Fort Myers Chocolate Salon, serves rich handmade authentic Italian artisan gelato with the Norman Love American twist. Additionally, guests can enjoy an array of fresh handmade French crepes – sweet or savory – as well as artisan pastries and other sweet treats. Those familiar with our internationally acclaimed artisan creations know the quality and attention to detail we display as chocolatiers, and we apply the same standards to our gelato creations. Our award-winning chefs create everything fresh daily, using only the finest ingredients. In addition to the Fort Myers location of Artisan Gelato by Norman Love, our fine gelato is also served at the Miromar Outlets Chocolate Salon and the Naples Chocolate Salon. 54

“CHOCOLATE JOURNEYS” OFFERS PRINCESS’ GUESTS THE FOLLOWING SWEET EXPERIENCES Initial offerings available onboard Princess ships:

“Chocolate Journeys 2.0” Additions:

• Decadent Desserts

• International Café Treats

• Chocolate & Wine Pairings

• Horizon Court Breakfast Items

• Captain’s Welcome Reception Treats • Chocolate Libations

CHOCOLATE JOURNEYS PARTNERSHIP In July 2014, Princess Cruises and Chef Norman Love announced a partnership, “Chocolate Journeys,” a new chocolate experience to debut onboard all Princess’ 18 ships. Chocolate Journeys entices guests with an impressive array of onboard chocolate offerings among which are custom-crafted desserts, chocolate and wine pairings, and exquisite chocolate bites created by Chef Norman Love. Normans’ sea-going chocolate creations debuted in the fall of 2014 aboard Princess Cruises’ new Regal Princess for her inaugural Caribbean season and then rolled out to the rest of the Princess fleet throughout 2015. Norman personally trained Princess Cruises’ pastry team to deliver this unprecedented chocolate experience across the company’s fleet of ships. He has also attended special press events onboard to treat media and passengers to tastings of his delicious confections.

• Chocolate Dessert Demonstrations

• Horizon Court Evening Treats • Afternoon Tea Chocolate Soufflé • Chocolate Cookie

• Chocolate Petits Fours at Formal Night • Norman Love Renowned Boxed Chocolates (For Purchase) For more detailed information regarding each offering please visit News Release #001

In December 2015, Princess Cruises and Chef Norman Love announced a second phase of the program, based on popularity and a demand by passengers for more chocolate experiences onboard. This new phase, or “Chocolate Journeys 2.0,” is currently being rolled out fleet-wide.

MEDIA CONTACT Holly Boldrin, Priority Marketing Email: Holly@PriorityMarketing.com, Phone: (239) 267-2638 • Mobile: (239) 887-9335

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