{"id":1616,"date":"2016-06-30T02:54:52","date_gmt":"2016-06-30T02:54:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hkmvc.mediazone.com.hk\/?p=230"},"modified":"2017-10-09T06:34:11","modified_gmt":"2017-10-09T06:34:11","slug":"from-legend-to-market-leader-godiva-chocolatier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mediazone.com.hk\/hkmvc\/2016\/06\/30\/from-legend-to-market-leader-godiva-chocolatier\/","title":{"rendered":"From Legend to Market Leader | GODIVA CHOCOLATIER"},"content":{"rendered":"

Created in 1926 in Brussels by Pierre Draps, GODIVA CHOCOLATIER has grown into one of the most prestigious chocolate brands globally. CARMEN CHIU Marketing & Merchandising Director, China & Pacific Rim speaks on the brand\u2019s growth after 90 years of global success!<\/h2>\n
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Carmen Chiu: \u201cEverything we do is aimed at respecting our Belgian heritage, our commitment to quality and our company values.\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n

GODIVA Chocolatier has a presence in more than 100 countries with distribution in over 600 boutiques, Global Travel Retail, department and specialty stores, and online. A clear success globally, the brand has significant expansion plans in Greater China.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Carmen Chiu, its Marketing and Merchandising Director, China & Pacific Rim is keen to share the brand\u2019s goodness in Asia on the occasion of its 90th anniversary.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs for our Asian mission, we are committed to establishing GODIVA as the world\u2019s ultimate chocolate indulgence. We have big plans to expand our number of stores across the region to deliver the full experience to all chocolate lovers. Since our debut in 1997 in Hong Kong, we\u2019ve launched 19 stores and many more to come.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Premium Market <\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cChina market has the fastest growth. Since our debut in 2009, Godiva has launched almost 70 stores in 19 cities, including flagship chocolate cafes in Shanghai & Beijing. These outlets are not only a place for people to buy our chocolate, but also a place for customers to sit down and enjoy chocolate pastries, desserts and chocolate beverages made of premium GODIVA chocolate. We will keep strengthening market network and brand awareness,\u201d says Chiu.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll retail stores are owned by\u00a0GODIVA, and are a very important tool to build brand image, and to ensure customers have a full experience of our service and products, while e-commerce offers fans accessibility to premium chocolate nation wide.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have recently expanded into existing markets like Singapore and Taiwan, some are with new market entry where we see high potential with the right consumer behavior and cultural fit. Things are definitely not slowing down here.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Success Secret <\/span><\/h3>\n

As the leading premium chocolate brand that offers a luxury lifestyle to Chinese chocolate lovers, GODIVA\u2019s vision is to deliver the ultimate chocolate experience worldwide.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEverything we do is aimed at respecting our Belgian heritage, our commitment to quality and our company values. Inspired by the values of Lady GODIVA \u2013 her passion, generosity, and pioneering spirit – GODIVA\u2019s legendary name has become a universal symbol of luxury, quality and the most delicious chocolate.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

GODIVA offers a wide range of chocolate creations and is dedicated to innovation and excellence in the Belgian tradition, all aimed at creating an exceptional experience for our customers. <\/span><\/p>\n

Brand consistency is key across the GODIVA product range from enticing gifts that complement any occasion to indulgent treats for oneself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe main challenge is to create chocolates that can respond to most expectations of the different markets, while retaining our true quality, Belgian chocolate heritage.\u201d<\/em><\/h3>\n

Staying Ahead<\/span><\/h3>\n

Asked about competition and setbacks, Chiu believes challenge brings opportunity. \u201cTo stay ahead as a market leader, we need to be innovative, adaptable, flexible and constantly evolving \u2014 yet still true to our brand heritage and traditional Belgian style. There will always be hurdles, especially due to globalisation, competitors, economic forces, and such. But, as our foundation is fundamental and strong, we are confident that GODIVA will overcome any challenges that come our way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo satisfy consumers\u2019 taste buds, which are growing more demanding and sophisticated, we are constantly evolving our recipes and creating new ideas with our top Global Chef Chocolatier team. We stand uniquely placed because; <\/span><\/p>\n