http://www.chocorific.com/chocolates/godiva-chocolates/ Godiva chocolates did not get their reputation for nothing. For decades Godiva chocolates have set the standards for truly fine, gourmet chocolate. en-us Mon, 12 Dec 2005 21:41:54 EST Mon, 12 Dec 2005 21:41:54 EST Weblog Editor 2.0 Way back in 1926, a chocolatier by the name of Joseph Draps started a small chocolate company that he named in honor of legendary woman, Lady Godiva. He had learned the trade through his own family's business that he had helped with since he was age 14. From the beginning Mr. Draps produced a unique and smooth formula for making his Godiva chocolates that continues, albeit on a much bigger scale, until the present day. Godiva chocolates see the world Slowly but surely his small shop got bigger and bigger as word got out about his exquisite Godiva chocolates. The world, at that time, had not know such fine chocolate as much of the best chocolate that was being produced in the world still remained very localized. But, Godiva chocolates were so distinct that they pushed ahead, far beyond where any Belgian chocolatier had gone before him. Godiva chocolates quickly became very sought after, any visitor that came to Brussels had to make a stop at the Godiva shop. Remarkably though, Godiva chocolates did not show up in the United States until 1966. But, from that time their popularity has only grown and never faltered. The reason for their success is easy, they have never deviated from their original high standards of quality. There are now more than 200 boutiques in cities throughout the Unites States alone. There are another 1000 places to buy Godiva in selected department stores and specialty shops. Godiva does not allow just anyone to sell their product, instead they select who can distribute their products - find chocolates such as those from Godiva require special handling both while they are being stored and as they are displayed. Even though they can be found all over the world, the bulk of their products are still manufactured in Brussels which is also supplemented with a production facility in the US. cc Mon, 12 Dec 2005 21:41:54 EST