Since 1926 Godiva has been the premier maker of fine Belgian chocolate. Over 75 years ago, 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.
In 1966, the Draps family came to contact with the American company Campbell Soup Company, which acquired one-third of a stake in Godiva that year. Thus, the American operation of the company was the first to introduce premium chocolate to the American palette. By 1968, Godiva Chocolatier, Inc., had begun domestic production, using the executive Belgian recipes.
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.
Godiva's Mission Statement
Godiva's mission statement is to go global and to promote a high quality product and service. Godiva chocolate is made to bring sheer delight to their customers. Their slogan sounds like: "Look, smell, listen, feel and taste that's what Godiva chocolate is all about." The store locators can be in Godiva Boutiques, a total of 23 franchises as well as fine department stores, duty free locations and other gourmet shops that carry Godiva pralines a total of 277 stores.
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