Hospitality history

In 1946, Pierre Draps Jr. perfected his Truffe Originale master piece, an intense dark chocolate mousse in fine dark chocolate, rolled in pure cocoa powder.

The Godiva brand then turned to North America and, in 1966, it opened its first store in the North America in Wanamaker, Philadelphia, which was one of the most elegant malls of the country.

In 1968, Godiva was appointed an official chocolatier to the Royal Court of Belgium.

Then the first Godiva boutique in the North America was opened in the Fifth Avenue, the classiest street of New York, in 1972.

In 1978, the company named a new president, Albert J. Pechenik, and under his leadership sales leapt from approximately $4 million to more than $22 million in four years.

In the summer of 1982, Albert Pechenik resigned as president to form a chocolate company of his own, Gourmet Resources International, and his position was taken by Thomas H. Fey.

By 1988, Godiva was operating 56 stores in the United States alone and taking in revenues of approximately $100 million worldwide, with the bulk of earnings continuing to be derived from sales to department stores and other specialty retailers.

Brand-building efforts continued during 1993 with the introduction of the Café Godiva line of gourmet coffees and a chocolate liqueur made in conjunction with Seagram's, as well as a number of new single-serving chocolate treats and a line of biscotti cookies.

In 1995, the company gained Kosher certification, with most of its chocolates now manufactured in accordance with Jewish dietary laws.

The year 1996 saw the company redesign its Web site and experiment with the idea of creating small retail kiosks in shopping malls.

1997: Valentine's Day Chocolate & Diamonds promotional giveaway debuts.

Within six months of its introduction in March 1999, the line had come to account for 7 percent of the super-premium category's sales, with annual revenues projected to reach $20 million or more.

In January 2001, Godiva began its 75th anniversary year by announcing that the annual Valentine's Day giveaway would include a 7.5 carat diamond ring and 75 diamond bracelets worth $3,500 each.

2003: Norman Love's G Collection of chocolates is added.

Since 2004, Godiva has been implementing a global revival in order to improve its understanding of innovativeness and to increase its diversity of presentation beside its traditional gift choices.

Possessing the leader premium brand of the world in the field of chocolate and chocolate containing products since its establishment, Godiva joined Yıldız Holding, which is the leader food organization of Turkey, in 2007.

Godiva’s founder Pierre Draps created delicious chocolates until his very last days in 2012.

In February of 2016, Godiva celebrated its ninetieth anniversary, and feted media in Brussels from around the world as part of a gala celebration.