markets (with photo)
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Godiva Chocolatier ("Godiva"), maker of fine Belgium chocolates, will strengthen its presence in Hong Kong to further expand Godiva's business across Asia-Pacific.
In a launch event today (September 8) for the company's new Platinum collection, Godiva's Managing Director, Mr John Holmberg, shared his company's view of Hong Kong as a business location.
Mr Holmberg explained that, to reach out to untapped confectionery markets in the region, Godiva had decided to strengthen its presence here to make use of Hong Kong's leading position as the international hub of lifestyle in Asia. Planned expansions include openings of another outlet in Sogo's Tsim Sha Tsui outlet later this month, major renovation of current Hong Kong shops, and extending the offering of Godivaˇ¦s signature icy chocolate drink.
He said Hong Kong represented an enormous growth opportunity for Godiva. "Our Pacific Rim headquarters was established in Hong Kong 10 years ago as our door opener to the Pacific Rim. As our business grows to cover more markets in the region, we see an even more important role for the Hong Kong office in the future," he said.
Godiva Hong Kong Pacific Rim manages operations of 20 retail outlets in the region, including nine in Hong Kong, three in Singapore and eight in Taiwan. The regional headquarters is also responsible for co-ordinating marketing activities, logistics and finance for offices in the region.
"Hong Kong is truly an international city and an economic centre in Asia. Visitors come from around the world to experience the most premium and luxurious lifestyle. Godiva Chocolatier is delighted to introduce the Godiva Platinum Collection in this strategic market to satisfy our consumer's most passionate desires. We are confident that our strengthened presence in Hong Kong, with the Platinum launch and our distribution expansion plan, will assure the success of our operations in Hong Kong and across Pacific Rim," Mr Holmberg said.
The Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Simon Galpin, welcomed Godiva's decision to expand its operations in Hong Kong. "We are glad to see another premier international brand recognising the advantages of Hong Kong as a regional hub. With our strong retail sector and booming inbound tourism, international brands have found that Hong Kong is one of the most exciting markets in Asia. And we continue to see retail one of our strongest growth sector. We wish Godiva all the best in the future expansion of its regional headquarters in Hong Kong and network in Asia," he said.
Founded in Brussels, Belgium by Joseph Draps 80 years ago, Godiva Chocolatier was the first company to create the concept of premium chocolate. With production facilities in Belgium and the US as well as boutiques in major cities around the world, Godiva Chocolatier is recognised internationally as both a leader and an innovator in the production of fine chocolates for gift-giving and personal consumption. For more information on Godiva Chocolatier, please visit the website at www.godiva.com.hk.
Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with encouraging and facilitating inward investment into the city by providing all the support needed to establish a business presence here. For more information, please visit the website at www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, September 8, 2005
Issued at HKT 15:30
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