| Name | Godiva: Pursuit of Everlasting Happiness |
Godiva: Pursuit of Everlasting Happiness
People are becoming more educated in chocolate, so the quality of the product is essential.
With approximately 250 boutiques in North America, and dozens more in sophisticated capitals such as Paris, London, Rome and Tokyo, Godiva has realized Joseph Draps' vision of introducing the world to Belgium's unique style of elegant, sophisticated chocolates capable of pleasing the most discerning palates. With production facilities in Belgium and the U.S., Godiva Chocolatier is recognized around the world as the leader in fine chocolates. From its famous truffles and shell-molded chocolate pieces to its European-style biscuits, gourmet coffees and hot cocoa, Godiva Chocolatier is dedicated to excellence and innovation in the Belgian tradition.
Why Belgium were so famous for its legendary chocholatier
It's not surprising that Godiva Chocolatier originated in Belgium. For generations, Belgium has upheld a tradition of perfectionism, from Rubens paintings and gothic architecture to products made of intricate lace and glittering crystal to fabulous cuisine.
While the raw materials used in chocolate production do not originate in Belgium, the country has an association with the chocolate that dates to the early 17th century. The industry expanded massively in the 19th century, gaining an international reputation and, together with the Swiss, became one of the commodity's most important producers in Europe.
Founder Jean Neuhaus II at 1912 is responsible in making chocolate increasingly popular. Since then, he invented the real Belgian Praline. Belgian chocolate is considered as high-quality chocolate because it meets all standards for confectionary products. A unique “couverteur” are making the different due to its fine quality of raw material and cooking techniques that inherit traditionally. In Belgium, chocolate are original hand-made and using traditional equipment.
When we are talking about “couverteur” we are certain understand about tasting the real chocolate flavour.
Couverture chocolate is a very high-quality chocolate that contains a higher percentage of cocoa butter (32–39%) than baking or eating chocolate. This additional cocoa butter, combined with proper tempering, gives the chocolate more sheen, a firmer "snap" when broken, and a creamy mellow flavor.
In order to be properly labeled as "couverture", the product must contain not less than 35% total dry cocoa solids, including not less than 31% cocoa butter and not less than 2.5% of dry non-fat cocoa solids. Couverture is used by professionals for dipping, coating, molding and garnishing.
“The more cocoa butter contains, the liquid firm can have and expensive chocolate can be. On the other hand, the more solids that contain, the bitter and lower price its selling”.
Due to its quality of raw materials and workmanships that requires detailed for each stage, it seems we are all agreed that none can be compared to the best Belgian Praline.
GODIVA: the Beginnings
Godiva Chocolatier traces its roots to 1926, when Pierre Draps started making chocolates in Brussels, Belgium, for sale to local shops. His son Joseph began working for the family business at the age of 14 and shortly after World War II took control of it. When he decided to open a shop of his own, he sought a distinctive name to give it and turned to his wife for ideas. She suggested Godiva, after the legendary countess who had protested high taxes by riding nude through Coventry, England, and Draps chose it for the new endeavor.
His shop in Brussels' Grande Place was a success, and over the next decade several other outlets were opened around Belgium. Joseph Draps was both a talented chocolate-maker and a skilled businessman, and under his guidance the firm built the Godiva brand into a leader in the super-premium chocolate category through the use of sophisticated advertising and elegant packaging, as well as by limiting distribution to select locations.
After years of being exclusive to Belgium, Draps began the international GODIVA expansion in 1958 by opening a Godiva boutique in Paris on the fashionable Rue St. Honoré. Openings in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and more soon followed.
Then in 1966, Godiva traveled across the pond to the United States, where Godiva became available at one of the country’s most elegant department stores, Wanamaker’s in Philadelphia. Six years later, the first stateside GODIVA boutique opened on New York’s fashionable Fifth Avenue.
Expansion also extended into Asia, where in 1972 Japan’s prestigious Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Department Store in central Tokyo became the first to carry Godiva. In 1998, the first Godiva store in Hong Kong opened in the upscale Sogo department store, followed later by locations in Taiwan and Singapore, and then China in 2009.
In September 2010, Godiva opened its first store in Turkey in the heart of Istanbul. Located in the luxury shopping area of Nisantasi, this beautiful flagship store is a significant achievement in expanding our presence globally and exemplifies a strategic entry into a new market for Godiva.
Most recently, Godiva opened a Café Godiva in London’s esteemed Harrod’s Department Store. The 40-plus table venue features Godiva’s one-of-a-kind chocolate beverages, pastries, and, of course, Godiva chocolates.
Today the GODIVA brand is known – and loved – in over 80 countries around the world. Godiva owns and operates more than 450 boutiques and shops worldwide, where you can find a comprehensive selection of Godiva offerings. Godiva products are also available at finer department and specialty stores. Additionally, Godiva issues seasonal mail-order catalogs in North America and accepts phone and internet orders. From New York to Paris, Tokyo to Dubai, it is GODIVA that brings the best of Belgium to the world.
Godiva’s Signature
Straight to Belgian Praline. Belgian pralines consist of a chocolate shell with a softer, sometimes liquid, filling, traditionally made of different combinations of hazelnut, almonds, sugar, syrup, marzipan, salted caramel, coffee, cream liqueur and often milk-based pastes that contrasts with the outer shell. These high-fat, low-melting point chocolates are at the luxury end of Belgian chocolate and represent an important product of many Belgian chocolatiers.
Godiva, which remain in place today: quality ingredients, elegant styling, innovative selection, and beautiful packaging. Handcrafted seasonal packaging Ballotins, a famous rectangular box, cheriches Belgian chocholates all over the world.
For your information, since early 17th century, Praline becomes primary choices for many noble and royal family gifts giveaway to express their sincerity for every people considered important in their lives. Over time, chocolate praline later developed into premium chocolate and exclusive.
The Ultimate Chocholate Experience
Each space is unique, yet, wherever it is located in the world ranging customers from Turkey to Taiwan are able to gain a strong sense of Godiva heritage. Every Godiva boutique has been carefully designed to respect its country’s environment and culture, while creating a look and feel that is still 100% “Godiva”.
The very moment you step into Godiva boutiques, you are transported into an environment that invokes a sense of sheer indulgence, luxury and joy. It is believe that the ritual of enjoying chocolate should begin from the first momment you enter a Godiva boutique store.
The customer at a Godiva boutique, as the firm termed its outlets, was treated like a buyer at a fine jewelry store. Once a selection of chocolate pieces had been made from the display case and weighed, the candy was placed in a golden box, tied with imported golden string, and then put into a golden bag for transport.
Godiva’s chef also whip up delicious chocolate recipes to suit the unique ingredients and tastes of the country they are based in.
For example, Asian Region. Asians – particularly Chinese consumers – prefer chocolates that are less sweet, preferably with nutty and fruity flavours. Creamy fillings are popular and strong cocoa is also well received nowadays. Roasted nuts are favourites, as well as Asian fruits. Ginger, on the other hand, is a winner throughout the whole region.
The Sichuan Pepper piece for the Chef’s Collection 2015, ginger hot chocolate, caramelised sesame milk chocolate tartlet and lychee chocolixir, as well as the yearly Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival collections.
World Famous: Universally Adored
“ I bought the Gold Ballotin for my mother. She was so happy that she decided she would not share them with my father. The Smile on her face was priceless!” (Raoul Duke, IA)
“Supreme deliciousness! Every chocolate in the collection is fantastically decadent and delicious. A great gift or a fabulous treat for yourself. You won’t be dissapointed!” (Chocochippy, MO)
“I have bought this cocolate for years and it is always delicious! I have never met anyone that douesn’t like it. The packaging is also beautiful. You can’t go wrong giving it as a gift, that is if you don’t eat them first!”. (Donita33, CA)
“I have been sending my mother (90 years young) Godiva Chocolate for years. She loves the selections and my father sneaks his pieces too! Thank for the wonderful service and most importan, the quality chocolate! (Donny, TX)
“ When arrived from US, my boss giving me some Godiva’s Praline. It was an expensive ones, I ever ate, perhaps! First bite, the praline melt in my mouth, and second bite, i close my eyes to deep the savor. Till the last bite, I swore I will only buy chocolate with the original taste. Trust me, the best chocolate experience comes from the fine chocolates too. Godiva Praline, may one of the best.” (Anindya, ID)
References:
Godiva’s website www.godiva.com
Wikipedia www.eng.wikipedia.org
Business Review www.referenceforbusiness.com
Blog Traveller at Kompasiana Review : Pipit Apriani
