NOKA Chocolate's Retail Expansion Has International Flair

DALLAS, TX -- (MARKET WIRE) -- March 19, 2007 --NOKA Chocolate, ranked '#1 luxury chocolate in the world' by the food editors of TASTE, and 'Best chocolate in America' by The Nikkei, will be among the luxury brands greeting shoppers when Tokyo Midtown opens on March 30, 2007. NOKA's Tokyo Midtown boutique will join other notable names such as Harry Winston, Bottega Veneta and J.Lindeberg in Tokyo Midtown's Galleria, which developers describe as "a lifestyle museum."

Based in the Dallas area, NOKA Chocolate is a chocolatier whose goal is to return chocolate to its pure, luxurious state by creating the finest single-estate dark chocolate truffles and chocolates. The Tokyo Midtown location will be NOKA's first international retail venture. It is designed to satisfy the region's intense demand for luxury chocolates and high-end gift experiences.

Japanese consumers purchase 40 percent of the world's luxury goods every year, according to the Japanese External Trade Organization.

"Japan is one of the world's most important luxury goods markets and we expect our Tokyo Midtown location to serve as a gateway to other major markets throughout the Pacific Rim," said Noah Houghton, president of NOKA Chocolate. "Discerning Japanese consumers take true pleasure in purity, quality and presentation, all of which are hallmarks of the NOKA Chocolate Experience."

Tokyo Midtown is a stunning mixed-use development in the heart of Tokyo featuring the city's tallest building and the first Ritz Carlton in Tokyo. Situated in the Akasaka area of Minato-ku, Tokyo, the development includes luxury retail, offices, residences and commercial facilities, as well as an art museum and park.

NOKA Chocolate's couverture from which it handcrafts its truffles and chocolates is formulated to the Company's strict specifications and is made from the rarest cacao sourced from exclusive estates around the world. The Company's collections are presented in unique and elegant keepsake gift boxes, designed to encourage an appreciation by all the senses including the look, aroma, flavor and texture.

The Tokyo Midtown boutique will feature NOKA's Vintages Collection™, a compilation of the finest single-estate dark chocolates, and The Grand Cru Collection™, handcrafted truffles made with rare, single-estate dark chocolate and fresh organic cream.

Editor's Note: a high resolution rendering of NOKA's Tokyo Midtown boutique is available for download at: http://www.keeneypr.com/attachments/files/74/Japan_Rendering.jpg.

About NOKA Chocolate

NOKA Chocolate is an artisan chocolatier dedicated to handcrafting truffles and chocolates made with rare, single-estate dark chocolate. The Company was founded by passionate advocates for gourmet chocolate who are devoted to encouraging an appreciation for chocolate quality and purity as well as the optimal tasting and gifting experience.

See NOKA's recent announcement about its new flagship Dallas location at http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=208443 and its newly launched SKY Collection™ at http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=223837. For further information, visit NOKA's online boutique at www.nokachocolate.com.

About Tokyo Midtown

For further details on the Tokyo Midtown development please visit http://www.tokyo-midtown.com/english/.

Contact Information: Contact: Dan Keeney 214.432.7556 Email Contact