Leonidas (chocolate maker)

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Leonidas is a chocolate manufacturer based in Belgium, with an international presence. The company's focus is pralines (chocolate shells with soft fillings); it also sells marzipan, solid chocolates, and other confections.

The company is named after its Greek founder, Leonidas Kestekides. A confectioner in the US since the early 1900s, in 1910 he travelled to Belgium for the first time to attend the 1910 World Fair in Brussels as a member of the Greek delegation from the United States. He was awarded the bronze medal for his chocolate confectionery, and the gold medal for his patisserie. He also attended the 1913 World Fair in Ghent.

Kestekides met a young woman from Brussels during his visit, and settled permanently in Belgium. He opened tea-rooms in Brussels, Ghent and Blankenberge, and the business expanded from there.

In 1935, the founder’s nephew Basile Kestekides took over. He incorporated the logo of an effigy of the king of Sparta, Leonidas, in honour of his uncle. Basile was also responsible for the Leonidas Manon - the innovatory idea was to replace the traditional fondant sugar coating with white chocolate and the walnut with a grilled hazelnut. Basile was head of Leonidas until 1970.

Leonidas continues to be headed by family members. In 1970, Yanni Kesdekoglu headed the company until 1985. In 1985, his daughter, Maria Kesdekoglu took over, and was joined in 1992 by her cousin, Vassiliki Kestekidou, who became President of the Board of Directors in 2003.

Leonidas has over 1400 retail outlets all over the world.