History of Godiva
A history as rich as our chocolates.
THE LEGEND OF LADY GODIVA
11th Century
As English legend tells it, the fearless Lady Godiva protested her husband’s taxation of Coventry’s townspeople by riding her horse through the streets with only her flowing locks covering her modesty. Centuries later, this became the nickname of founder Pierre Draps Snr’s longhaired wife, inspiring the GODIVA moniker.
Belgium, 1926
Intrepid chocolatier Pierre Draps Snr. began perfecting the delicate art of pralines from his confectionery workshop in Brussels. Born into the world of chocolate, Pierre’s sons, Joseph, Francois and Pierre Jnr. honed their skills alongside their father. They would later go on to build his dream of crafting Belgium’s (and some say, the world’s) finest chocolates.
SIGNATURE LAIT
1939
In a trademark showcase of style and innovation, Pierre Draps Snr. created the Signature Lait chocolate for the film premiere ofGone With The Wind– meticulously handmade to match actress Scarlett O’Hara’s iconic hat.
FIRST GODIVA STORE
1945, Brussels
In what can only be described as the perfect setting, GODIVA opened its first boutique in the picturesque hometown of founder Pierre Draps Snr, Brussels, Belgium.
TRUFFE ORIGINALE
1946
Ever the artist, Pierre Draps Jnr. perfected the famed GODIVA Truffe Originale. A delicious masterpiece, intense dark chocolate mousse is encased in (even more) dark chocolate and then rolled in pure cocoa powder. This innovative approach changed the industry forever.
ROYAL WARRANT
1968
In recognition of chocolate mastery, GODIVA was honoured as the official chocolatier of the Royal Court of Belgium. The prestigious Royal Warrant not only acted as the ultimate stamp of approval, but confirmed GODIVA’s position as the purveyor of high quality Belgian chocolate around the globe.
INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION
1972
From humble beginnings in the streets of Brussels, GODIVA boutiques soon opened in the world’s most sought-after shopping destinations – from the glittering boulevards of Paris to New York City’s Fifth Avenue and the acclaimed Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi department store in Tokyo.
ROYAL WEDDING
1999
Specially created to mark the wedding of Belgium’s Crown Prince Philippe to Princess Mathilde, the eternally delicious Truffe Mathilde and Truffe Philippe have stood the test of time. Complex and rich in flavour, these evocative coffee truffles continue to inspire wonder in chocolate lovers around the world.