"Truly fine chocolates have several characteristics in common: they are always fresh, contain high quality ingredients like premium cocoa beans and dairy butter, are usually less sweet and feature unusual textures and natural flavors. Consequently, their taste differs greatly from less expensive chocolates, which tend to use artificial flavors and preservatives to achieve a longer shelf-life." Thierry Muret, Master Chocolatier, Godiva Chocolatier.
The Story of Godiva Chocolatiers
Godiva's history began more than seventy-five years ago in Brussels, Belgium when master chocolatier Joseph Draps founded a chocolate company that was named in honor of the legend of Lady Godiva.
At the age of fourteen, Joseph Draps went into the family business. It was there that he developed both his ability and creative talent as a master chocolate maker as well as his business sense. He then decided to create a prestige range of chocolates and to give it an evocative name.
It's not surprising that Godiva Chocolatier Inc., one of the creators of the world's most elegant, hand-crafted chocolates, originated in Brussels, Belgium. For generations, Belgium has had a tradition of perfectionism, from its Rubens paintings and gothic architecture to products made of intricate lace, glittering crystal and its fabulous cuisine.
In keeping with this tradition, the Draps family introduced Belgium to Godiva Chocolate in 1926. Later, Joseph opened the doors to his shop on a cobblestone street on Grande Place . He named his family's chocolate company "Godiva". Draps perfected a unique formula of rich chocolate with unparalleled smoothness. With a remarkable eye for detail, he set forth the standard for Godiva's innovative selection of elegant, European shell-molded designs and beautiful packaging.
Through the years, these standards have been maintained as assiduously as Draps' recipes have been guarded. As a result of this adherence to Draps heritage, Godiva Chocolates evoke the greatest in confectionery excellence. The same careful attention to quality is apparent in the exquisite European-style gold ballotins and handcrafted seasonal packaging that have earned Godiva a reputation for design excellence.
Since its introduction to America in 1966, Godiva continues to be the leader in the premium confectionery category. There are more than 200 Godiva specialty boutiques in major U.S. cities, as well as over 1,000 additional outlets in fine department and specialty stores. From New York to Paris to Tokyo , it is Godiva that brings the best of Belgium to the world.
The Brand
Godiva was first to create the concept of premium chocolate. We did this by combining a fabulous product, stimulating advertising, sophisticated packaging and selective distribution. Godiva's standards of excellence include maintaining our product's high quality by requiring special handling during storage and display. Our growing popularity as a premium product is due to our innovative approaches in manufacturing, advertising and packaging.
Since Godiva Chocolatier NV is a wholly owned subsidiary, we do not publish a separate financial statement, and do not discuss total sales, advertising costs or financial performance.