Godiva Chocolatier

Godiva Chocolatier is a well-established chocolate maker known for its Belgian roots and focus on premium confections. The company began in Brussels in 1926, founded by Pierre Draps, and quickly built a reputation for quality and craftsmanship. One of its early milestones was being named the official chocolatier to the Royal Court of Belgium in 1968, a distinction that helped cement its reputation in the luxury chocolate market.

As of November 2025, Godiva operates around 600 stores worldwide. While the company once had a notable boutique presence in North America, it made a significant shift in early 2021 by closing all U.S. retail boutiques. Today, Godiva’s U.S. business centers on e-commerce, grocery, and travel retail channels, reflecting a broader change in consumer shopping habits. Internationally, the brand continues to expand, opening new boutiques and cafés in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Airports and luxury retail environments remain important venues, and Godiva has actively pursued strategic partnerships to strengthen its global footprint.

Godiva is part of Pladis Global, under the ownership of Yildiz Holding, and continues to manufacture chocolate in Reading, Pennsylvania, where more than 200 employees support U.S. operations. Over the past five years, the company has evolved from a traditional retail model to a more flexible, multi-channel approach, adapting its formats to suit different markets and consumer preferences. This evolution has allowed Godiva to maintain its relevance and credibility, offering a mix of flagship boutiques, cafés, and travel retail kiosks in high-traffic locations. For commercial real estate professionals, Godiva’s scale, brand strength, and adaptable store concepts make it a notable presence in premium retail environments, especially in regions where luxury and experiential retail are in demand.