Our Story

Over a Century of Belgian Chocolate

Since 1913, Leonidas has sought to make the pleasure of quality chocolate accessible to everyone. What began as a family-run confectionery business has grown into an international chocolate brand, shaped by generations of the Kestekides family.

The Beginning

A Confectioner's Journey

Leonidas Kestekides was a passionate confectioner whose journey eventually brought him to Belgium. In 1913, he opened a tearoom, laying the foundations for the family chocolate business that would carry his name for generations to come.

Leonidas Kestekides signature
Founder
Our History

A Journey Through Time

1913

The Story Begins in Belgium

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

1922

A Family Craft Takes Shape

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

1935

An Idea That Changed Everything

Basilio begins selling chocolates directly through the sash window of a small Brussels shop — an ingenious concept that becomes one of the defining features of Leonidas.

1937

The Leonidas Name Is Born

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

1950

Chocolate Within Everyone's Reach

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

1980

The Manon Is Reinvented

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

2013

A Royal Honour

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

2026

A New Chapter

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

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Historic Leonidas shop in Cork
Cork, 1990s
Ireland · Since 1986

From Cork to Today

Leonidas first opened its doors in Ireland in Cork in 1986. From those early beginnings, Leonidas has continued to be part of chocolate gifting and everyday moments across Ireland.

1986
Ireland
11
Locations Nationwide
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Leonidas shop in Cork today
Cork Today

From Belgium to the World

What began as a family chocolate business in Belgium has grown into an international brand enjoyed around the world. Across generations, Leonidas has remained rooted in its Belgian heritage and its ambition to make quality chocolate accessible to as many people as possible.

Leonidas family history
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Sustainability

Chocolate with Tomorrow in Mind

Discover the commitments shaping a more responsible future.

Our Commitments