Godiva Chocolate
A heritage as rich as our chocolate.
The beginning, the legend.
Indeed, even the GODIVA name is rooted in legend. Pierre Snr’s wife had such long, lustrous hair that her hairdresser anointed her ‘Lady Godiva’ – referring to the 11th century English heroine who famously rode her horse through the streets of Coventry in protest of excessive taxes, wearing nothing but her flowing locks.
Timeless chocolate.
Like the Truffe Mathilde, a classic coffee ganache complete with a regal handcrafted ‘M’ to celebrate the wedding of Belgium’s Crown Prince. Or the Signature Lait, created to match Scarlett O’ Hara’s iconic hat in the film Gone with the Wind. Loved around the world and recognised by the Belgian Royal Warrant, every piece of GODIVA brings you an unparalleled level of European sophistication. As exquisite today, as it has always been.
Every moment, beautifully bespoke.
You can always discover something new, pralines, pearls, our legendary Soft Ice Cream and Chocolixir in stores. Whatever you desire, we’re here to help you create your very own Belgian masterpiece.
GODIVA is exceptional chocolate
Chocolate Perfection
From our handcrafted chocolate delicacies to our superbly designed stores and gold adorned packaging, our obsession with the smallest of details is a pure labour of love.
An Exceptional Experience
Whether you experience GODIVA online or you visit one of our stores, you'll experience chocolate and service like nowhere else.
Innovative & Exciting Flavours
Inspired by our innovative founder, we’re always seeking different ways to tell our story, experimenting with new recipes and perfecting old ones.
A history as rich as our chocolate
GODIVA
11th Century
THE LEGEND OF LADY GODIVA
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.
1926
Belgium
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.
1939
SIGNATURE LAIT
In a trademark showcase of style and innovation, Pierre Draps Snr. created the Signature Lait chocolate for the film premiere of Gone With The Wind – meticulously handmade to match actress Scarlett O’Hara’s iconic hat.
1945
FIRST GODIVA STORE
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.
1946
TRUFFE ORIGINALE
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.
1968
ROYAL WARRANT
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.
1972
INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION
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.
1999
ROYAL WEDDING
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.
2012
THE LEGACY LIVES ON
In his endless pursuit of artistry, Pierre Draps Jnr. crafted GODIVA chocolates until his very last day in 2012. The proud family legacy is now continued by our five chief chocolatiers across the globe, who are tasked with bringing the GODIVA legacy into the 21st century.
2017
AUSTRALIAN EXPANSION
Bringing the exquisite taste of Belgian chocolate to the rest of the world, GODIVA opened its first store in Australia at Emporium, Melbourne.
Now, it’s your turn to become part of our story.
AND WHILE YOU'RE HERE
Browse our chocolate
Treat yourself wonderful, or, if you're shopping for gifts, impress your loved ones, friends and family with world-class Belgian chocolate by GODIVA.
Try the Legend
