Ciao Bella Gelato Taps Industry Expert to Helm Emerging Brand

Business Wire, Feb 12, 2009

IRVINGTON, N.J. -- Ciao Bella[R], America's favorite gelato and sorbet brand, announced today that it has named Stan Fabian, former Dreyer's senior vice president, as chief executive officer.

Fabian's appointment culminates Ciao Bella's six-month search, following the ultra-premium dessert brand's private equity infusion last summer in support of its rapid growth. The new leadership represents the latest step in aiding continued expansion into consumer retail for the company, which experienced almost 20 percent top line growth and was named one of Brandweek's "Brands on the Verge" over the past year.

"I am thrilled to join Ciao Bella, a brand that represents the best of the best in premium ice creams and sorbets and has captured the attention of consumers across the nation," Fabian said. "I look forward to growing Ciao Bella's passionate tradition of providing ultra-premium desserts to an increasing consumer audience who demand taste, quality and simplicity in an all natural product."

Fabian comes to Ciao Bella after nearly 20 years with Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, a division of Nestle[R]. Most recently, Fabian oversaw eastern operations as the senior vice president of sales and distribution for Dreyer's, which owns brands including Edy's[R], Haagen-Dazs[R], Nestle[R] Ice Cream, and Skinny Cow[R].

Prior to Dryer's, Fabian served as vice president and division manager for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of California, overseeing regional sales, marketing and account development for the South Bay Division. Following that, he worked as a consultant for the brand's global sales and distribution companies in Japan and Germany.

"As a dynamic leader in the frozen desserts industry, Mr. Fabian's passion, knowledge and experience make him a natural fit for our brand," said Ciao Bella's President Charlie Apt. "We are excited for him to join the Ciao Bella family as we continue our mission to share affordable, ultra-premium desserts with consumers everywhere."

The only nationally-available gelato brand, Ciao Bella has built its strong reputation on creating all natural, ultra-premium ice cream and sorbet to become a leader in the gourmet category. The company, which began 25 years ago as a single storefront in New York's Little Italy, supplies restaurants and their branded gelato bars with more than 500 original flavors the brand has created to date, 25 of which are available at consumer retail locations across the nation.

About Ciao Bella[R]: Fondly called America's Gelato, Ciao Bella began in New York's Little Italy in 1983. Ciao Bella has set the dessert standard for innovation and supreme indulgence with its collection of ultra-premium ice cream and sorbet pints. Offering unique and intense flavors like Blood Orange Sorbet and Key Lime Graham Cracker Gelato, Ciao Bella uses only the most elite and pure ingredients, resulting in ultra premium frozen specialties which embody both classic Italy and modern America. The brand has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and on AOL's home page for its captivating and mouthwatering creations.