St. Paul, MN  August 27, 2004 -— Chocolat Celeste, best known for their luxury gift giving chocolate delicacies, has entered into a strategic business partnership with France 44 to allow the consumer and business marketplace convenient access to their gourmet chocolate.

On August 27th, France 44 will provide Chocolat Celeste a store presence within their store and co-market their product offerings in a collaborative and mutually beneficial partnership. Outside signage will announce the presence of the new offerings at France 44 and Chocolat Celeste’s store locations. Select staff members of France 44 will receive a chocolate education and background on the hand dipped European Cream truffles Chocolat Celeste has become well known for over the past two years. Chocolat Celeste will promote and sell some of France 44’s select gourmet food and wine at their St. Paul boutique location as well.

“I’m thrilled to partner with France 44’s gourmet offerings. Our chocolate appeals to the discriminating consumer and we think the France 44 client will appreciate the fact that they can get these luxury treats at a convenient location”, said Chocolat Celeste Owner, Mary Leonard. “Overnight my shop will offer exponentially more gourmet offerings that will appeal to our core customer base. I see this as truly a win-win business alliance.”

Rick Anderson, Vice President of France 44 remarked, “This business alliance will be appreciated by our clients who have come to expect the finest of gourmet products from our store. Our wine and chocolate tasting events will especially benefit by having a nationally recognized Artisanal Chocolatier present to educate and recommend pairings.”

France 44 is a retailer of wines, spirits, cheeses and gourmet items. Located in the heart of Edina, MN, France 44 offers a bistro for lunch and dinner as well as wine tasting and gourmet education. Please visit them at 4351 France Avenue South, Edina, MN, or on line at www.france44.com.

Chocolat Celeste is an artisan inspired chocolatier that creates gourmet chocolate products, with a primary focus on the chocolate dipped in chocolate delicacies referred to as “truffles.” Focused on providing a luxury chocolate experience, Chocolat Celeste has been nationally recognized as a top emerging artisanal chocolatier. The products are sold at its boutique as well as through the business-to-business and e-commerce markets. Please visit them at www.chocolatceleste.com.