| Dove | |
| Logo Alt: | The words "Dove chocolate" and "Silky Smooth" written in a glossy brown, melted chocolate font |
| Producttype: | Chocolate |
| Currentowner: | Mars, Incorporated |
| Producedby: | Mars |
| Country: | United States |
| Related: | Galaxy |
| Markets: | Worldwide |
| Previousowners: | Dove Candies & Ice Cream |
| Tagline: | Silky Smooth |
Dove (sold as Galaxy in the UK, Ireland, the Middle East, India and Australia) is an American brand of chocolate owned and manufactured by Mars. Dove produces a wide range of chocolate candies, as well as other chocolate products such as milks, cakes and ice creams.
The name comes from Dove Candies & Ice Cream, which were Chicago-based candy and ice cream shops owned by Leo Stefanos, a Greek-American in 1939.[1] In 1956, Stefanos created the Dove brand of ice cream bars, which were only sold locally throughout Chicago until 1985 when distribution began in selected cities around the country.[2] In 1986, the company was acquired by Mars, Incorporated.[3]
Dove chocolate bars were launched in test markets in the US in 1991.[4]
Beginning in 1960, Dove chocolate was originally sold under the Galaxy brand name in the UK.[5]
Dove produces a wide range of chocolates including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, caramel, fruits, nuts, Minstrels, Ripple (milk chocolate with a folded or "rippled" milk chocolate center), Amicelli, Duetto, Promises, Bubbles, and Truffle. Related brands in other parts of the world include "Jewels", and "Senzi" in the Middle East. Dove also produces other chocolate products including ready-to-drink chocolate milk, hot chocolate powder, chocolate cakes, ice cream and more. Dove is known for the messages written on the inside of the foil wrapper of each individual chocolate piece.[6]