Droste Chocolate

Droste is a classic Dutch chocolate brand best known for its iconic pastilles and its association with the 'Droste effect.' Founded in 1863 by Gerardus Johannes Droste in Haarlem, the brand quickly became a household name in the Netherlands and gained international recognition. Its famous 'nurse' illustration, holding a tray with a cup of cocoa, became a legendary piece of marketing that defined the brand's visual identity for over a century.

Throughout its history, Droste has transitioned from a family-owned business to being part of larger food conglomerates. In the 1970s, it was acquired by Van Nelle and later became part of the American company Standard Brands. In the late 1980s, production was moved from Haarlem to its current facility in Vaassen. After a period under the Dutch group CSM, the brand was acquired in 1997 by the German confectionery company Hosta. Today, Droste B.V. operates as an independent business unit within the Hosta Group, maintaining its traditional Dutch heritage and manufacturing standards.