In celebration of Baci's 90th anniversary, Perugina, Edison, N.J., known worldwide for its iconic Baci line, debuts Baci White, distributed in the U.S. by Colavita USA. Perugina's master chocolatiers have crafted this new, white chocolate enrobed confection in the spirit of the legendary Baci chocolate which was first crafted in 1922. Just like the traditional Baci, Baci White is filled with gianduia, a sensuous whipped chocolate filling blended with finely chopped hazelnuts, crowned by a crunchy whole hazelnut and then enrobed in a smooth, vanilla scented layer of white chocolate. Perugina white chocolate is made with cocoa butter and milk solids. What may be surprising is that white chocolate contains a higher percentage of cocoa butter than either milk or dark chocolate. It is the quantity of cocoa butter that is responsible for the alluring texture and subtle flavor that has led to the increasing popularity of white chocolate. Luisa Spagnoli, co-Founder of Perugina in 1922, wanted to create a unique confection as grand as her love for a special someone. She named it Baci, which is the Italian word for kisses. Once introduced to the public, Baci became extremely popular and 90 years later is still one of the most widely recognized confections around the world. Perugina's founding partners would express their sentiments and love for each other by passing love notes hidden in Baci wrappings and to this day, each Baci is hugged by a special message of love. "Perugina continues to delight the senses with a ‘Kiss from the Heart of Italy'," says Federico Giorgio Marrano, Perugina export manager for the U.S. "The new Baci White was specially created by master chocolatiers at Perugina's legendary Scuola del Cioccolato in Perugia to mark the 90th anniversary of this celebrated confection." The Baci White line consists of 5-oz bags, 8-oz and 1-lb pound boxes, and the Baci White Purse, a uniquely designed package that holds three Baci White confections. The purse offers consumers an option in the small gifts segment, and is being heavily marketed to the bridal industry as an item that can be purchased in bulk. With its heritage strongly tied to themes of love and affection, Baci White are the perfect compliment to any Bridal concept and Perugina anticipates a strong demand for use at engagement parties and bridal showers as well as favors for the big day. Suggested retail price for a 5-oz bag is-$4.99, an 8-oz box is $6.95, a 1-lb. box is $10.99 and three-piece purse is $2.89.