Godiva Belgian chocolates are quite famous all around the world. But have you ever wondered how this famous brand started and what’s behind the name? In this article, we will take you on a time machine to discover all about Godiva chocolates.
How and where did Godiva Belgian chocolates start?
Founded in 1926 by Pierre Draps, GODIVA is a renowned Belgian chocolate company that embarked on a journey of sweetness and success. Pierre Draps Sr. began crafting pralines in his home workshop in Brussels, with his sons Joseph, Francois, and Pierre Jr. joining the family business at a young age. After Pierre Draps’ passing, his sons took the reins, deeply inspired by the legend of Lady Godiva and naming the company in her honor. Lady Godiva’s values of boldness, integrity, and a pioneering spirit continue to shape GODIVA’s ethos to this day.
The year 1968 marked a significant milestone as GODIVA was appointed as an official chocolatier to the Royal Court of Belgium, an esteemed recognition that established the brand as an ambassador of its home country and a purveyor of exceptional Belgian chocolate. By 1972, GODIVA had expanded its presence globally, opening luxurious Boutiques in renowned locations such as Paris, New York City’s Fifth Avenue, and Tokyo’s prestigious Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi department store.
Today, GODIVA stands as the epitome of premium chocolate, captivating chocolate enthusiasts in over 100 countries. With a mission to create a more wonderful world, GODIVA aspires to delight and inspire, sharing their exquisite creations with chocolate lovers everywhere. From its humble beginnings in a home workshop in Brussels more than 95 years ago, GODIVA’s legacy of greatness continues to flourish. The brand is now poised for the next chapter, driven by the vision of making their premium chocolate accessible and available to fans whenever and wherever their cravings arise.
The story behind the name
The name and logo of Godiva Belgian chocolates as mentioned above was inspired by the story of Lady Godiva that dates back to the 11th century. She was a noblewoman married to Leofric the Lord of Coventry. Godiva cared about the citizens of Coventry and was against the taxes Leofric had levied on them. She repeatedly asked him to lessen those taxes until Leofric finally agreed but under one condition. He challenged Godiva that he would lessen the taxes if only she rode naked on horseback through the town. Surprisingly, Lady Godiva agreed and climbed on her horse roaming through the market square with only her long hair to cover herself. She asked the people of Coventry to remain inside their homes and not peek and the people did so. Upon finishing her ride, Leofric reduced the people’s debts and lessened the taxes.
More about Godiva Belgian chocolates
GODIVA comes up with 30 to 40 new recipes every year although some of the founder’s original recipes are still being served. Along with truffles, GODIVA is known for its chocolate-dipped strawberries, where they serve strawberries dipped in white, milk and dark chocolate. Frozen drinks and soft serve are also some of Godiva’s specialties. GODIVA now owns and operates more than 600 shops in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, GODIVA Belgian chocolates are also available by over 10,000 specialty retailers.
If you’re looking to try GODIVA chocolates or you are one of the brand’s fans, order all Godiva chocolate goodies from Joi. At Joi Gifts, you will find a wide selection of Godiva chocolates with all their amazing flavors, sizes and even chocolate boxes for special occasions like Diwali, Christmas, and more. With Joi Gifts, you can conveniently order all your favorite Godiva chocolate goodies and elevate your gifting or personal indulgence experience to new heights. Treat yourself or surprise someone special with the unparalleled delight of Godiva chocolates, delivered right to your doorstep.
