On a sunny, crisp day in Ascona, Switzerland, Yıldız Holding’s Board Chairman Murat Ülker, Godiva International General Manager Mohamed Elsarky and Godiva Executive Chef Thierry Muret met with Draps. He is originally from Brussels but has lived in Ascona for nearly 30 years. At the age of 92 he has a lifetime of experience and is still able to recall the early days of a little family company that was started by his father 85 years ago. The meeting was requested by Ülker, who says he wanted to meet the man who is such an integral part of the company that he purchased nearly four years ago. The past and the present came together to speak about their love of chocolate, and to share the challenges and triumphs of being a part of a family business. “You could see a sparkle in his eye when he spoke about chocolate,” said Ülker, recalling his visit with Draps. Both Draps and Ülker spoke in German, a shared language, which increased their bond. The mutual respect and admiration was very visible when they talked. “I like you; my Godiva is in good hands,” said Draps to Ülker, leaning towards him at one point during their meeting.
Godiva’s journey began in Draps’ father’s home, where the family started the business by taking orders and filling them for friends and local department stores. Pierre Draps Sr. passed away in 1937 and the family decided to continue the business and eventually had enough demand to open a shop in Belgium. They opened this shop in the home of the manager of the Bank of Belgium, a family friend. Together with his brothers Joseph and François, Draps ran the business. One memory that sticks in his mind is standing with his brother Joseph at the opening of the Godiva boutique on Fifth Avenue in 1972 and saying to him, “Who would’ve believed we’d be here seeing this?” referring to the humble beginnings that turned into such an immense success story. Other pivotal moments from the history of the company were sprinkled throughout the meeting. Many of those nostalgic memories were triggered by a photograph album presented to Draps from Mohamed. This included many old photographs kept at the Belgium plant. Those pictures also included the company’s stores in Japan, Turkey and the original shop in Belgium.
