About Chocolates

The Lady Godiva Legend

Many hundreds of years ago, a woman of great generosity and beauty left an indelible impression upon the people she reigned over in Coventry. Known for her lustrous hair and bountiful nature, she dedicated her life to the impoverished and stricken.

Her husband, Lord Leofric, was a powerful ruler, unsympathetic to the citizens of his kingdom. When he imposed a heavy burden of taxation upon his subjects, Lady Godiva protested. Lord Leofric boomed forth a challenge: If Lady Godiva rode naked through the streets, and if the people of the city remained inside, the taxation would be lifted.

Lady Godiva agreed to this bargain. Although she was demure in spirit, she was always most generous in action. Then finally, it was the morning of the event. Dawn rose, and the clock struck seven, ringing through the cobbled streets. The people closed their shutters, as promised. Lady Godiva's velvet gown dropped to the ground, her luminous skin shimmering.

The ride began.

Throughout the streets echoed the foreign sound of hooves galloping, yet not a single glance flew her way.

Upon her finish, the thunderous cheers were heard throughout the town. Lady Godiva had braved modesty and convention to win the hearts of all who knew her. As promised, Leofric eased his taxation of the poor, and her place in history was immortalized.

The legend of Lady Godiva has not diminished, but instead has grown and deepened. Centuries later, Joseph Draps, a renowned Belgian chocolatier, created a line of chocolates with extraordinary richness and design, a collection of passion and purity. He sought a name that embodied the timeless qualities of passion, style, sensuality and modern boldness. His choice?

It's not surprising that Godiva Chocolatier, 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, Joseph Draps introduced Godiva chocolate to Belgium in 1926. Draps opened the doors to his shop on a cobblestone street on Grande Place, selling his unique formula of rich chocolate with unparalleled smoothness. With a remarkable eye for detail, he set forth the standard at Godiva for 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.

Global Expansion

As the success of Godiva Chocolatier grew in Belgium, Joseph Draps sought to expand the company into international horizons. The first Godiva boutique outside of Belgium was opened in 1958 in Paris on the fashionable Rue St. Honoré. Openings in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and more followed.

The Godiva brand then looked to North America. Godiva made its North American debut in 1966, at one of the country's most elegant department stores, Wanamaker's in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1972, the first Godiva boutique in North America opened on New York's fashionable Fifth Avenue. Today there are over 275 Godiva boutiques in North America.

Expansion also continued into Asia. The first Godiva chocolates became available in Japan in the prestigious Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Department Store in central Tokyo in 1972. In 1998, the first Godiva store in Hong Kong opened in the upscale department store Sogo. Locations in Taiwain and Singapore exist today.

Godiva is now available from Belgium to Singapore, from Denver to Dubai, making the Godiva brand known - and loved - in over 80 countries around the world.

Godiva Now

Since its introduction to America in 1966, Godiva continues to be the leader in the premium confectionery category. Godiva Chocolatier owns and operates more than 450 boutiques and shops worldwide where consumers can find a comprehensive selection of Godiva offerings. Godiva products are also available at finer department and specialty stores. Additionally, the company issues six seasonal mail-order catalogs a year in North America and accepts phone and internet orders.

From New York to Paris to Tokyo, it is Godiva that brings the best of Belgium to the world.