Over a Century of Belgian Chocolate

Leonidas Kestekides opens his first tea room in Ghent after receiving a gold medal for his creations at the Ghent World's Fair.

Leonidas' nephew Basilio joins him in Belgium and learns the craft of pastry and confectionery, helping shape the growing range of Leonidas chocolates.

Basilio officially registers the Leonidas trademark in Brussels, naming the brand after his uncle and choosing the Spartan King Leonidas as its emblem.

The next generation expands production while continuing the ambition to make quality chocolate accessible to as many people as possible.

Yanni Kestekoglou transforms the Manon with white chocolate, hazelnut and Leonidas buttercream, creating the much-loved version known today.

In Leonidas' centenary year, the company is named among the Royal Warrant Holders of the Belgian Royal Court.

Leonidas relocates production to a new factory in Nivelles, supporting future growth while preserving its recipes, ingredients and chocolatier craftsmanship.