The beginning, the legend.

Pierre Draps first dreamt up GODIVA in 1926, meticulously crafting pralines from his home kitchen in Brussels. His children soon became collaborators, in their own words, they were β€˜born into chocolate.’

Indeed, even the GODIVA name is rooted in legend. Pierre Snr’s wife had such long, lustrous hair that her hairdresser anointed her β€˜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.

We’ve been crafting chocolate to mark special moments since Pierre Draps Snr. made his very first praline back in 1926.

Like the Truffe Mathilde, a classic coffee ganache complete with a regal handcrafted β€˜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.

At GODIVA, your time with us is as unique as you are. Curate your own experience with individual melt in your mouth chocolates, luxurious boxed treats, or your choice of toppings dripped over creamy soft- ice cream proudly presented to you at your table.

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

A history as rich as our chocolate

GODIVA

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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 andΒ rich in flavour, these evocative coffee truffles continue to inspire wonder in chocolate lovers around the world.

image

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.

image

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.