History of GODIVA

History of GODIVA

Immerse yourself in GODIVA's rich history and learn how exquisite craftmanship and popular legend blended to make the story of GODIVA truly unique.

Beginnings in Brussels

In 1926, GODIVA began as a small praline-making business run by the Draps family out of their home in Brussels, Belgium. The company was called Chocolaterie Draps until Joseph Draps decided he wanted to produce a more exclusive chocolate and open up a chocolate shop. One of the first GODIVA shops still stands in the beautiful, historic Grand Place in Brussels.

Lady GODIVA Story

Draps selected the name GODIVA for his chocolate company. His inspiration came from the well-known Saxon legend of Lady GODIVA who rode unclothed through the streets of Coventry to entreat her husband, Leofric the Dane, to lower taxes. Her courage prevailed, and in Europe she was celebrated in countless works of art. Little did Joseph Draps realize that over time his chocolate would become as legendary as the lady herself.

Coming to China

Today, GODIVA Chocolatier has grown from a small boutique in Brussels Belgium to a multinational business recognized as the leader in the premium confectionery category. It now owns and operates more than 450 boutiques and specialty stores worldwide, offering chocolate lovers from all over the world a unique and comprehensive selection of GODIVA offerings.It entered China in 2009 with a chocolate shop in Shanghai.

GODIVA Today

The company has continued to grow and expand over the years. The U.S. plant in Reading, PA, now produces the same amount of chocolate for the U.S. market as the Belgian plant produces for the rest of the world. There are now over 270 Retail locations as well as over 2000 Wholesale doors. In addition to retail and production, GODIVA runs a direct business (www.godiva.com and 1-800-9-GODIVA) and a wholesale merchandising sales force across the country. GODIVA's world headquarters are located in Midtown Manhattan.