Godiva chocolates were originally found only in very exclusive "boutiques", but they can now be found worldwide. Still highly exclusive, these chocolates can now also be found in department stores, and even online.
Founded as an individual shop in 1926 in Brussels, Belgium, by master chocolatier Joseph Draps, and named in honor of the legend of Lady Godiva, Godiva has always been focused on luxury chocolates. In 1958 the company expanded beyond Belgium by adding a boutique in Paris, which was soon followed by boutiques in the UK, Germany, and Italy. The first Godiva boutique in North America was established on Fifth Avenue in New York in 1972, the same year of the first boutique in Asia (Tokyo).
There are now over 275 boutiques in North America, and more than 450 boutiques in 80 countries world wide. Godiva is also available in department stores, sales catalogues, and by internet sales.
Dark chocolates are a major component of the Godiva selection, and include:
Godiva is definitely a gourmet, luxury brand that has always lived up to founder Josephs Draps' vision "to create the world's most elegant, handcrafted chocolates for discerning consumers."