Droste

Droste is a Dutch chocolate brand renowned for its historical significance and distinctive packaging design. Established in 1863 by Johannes de Gruyter in the Netherlands, Droste gained international recognition for its high-quality cocoa products and innovative marketing. The brand became especially famous for its iconic tin containers featuring a recursive image of a nurse holding a tray with a package of Droste cocoa, which itself displays the same image, creating a visual loop known as a "circular" or "recursive" effect.

This recursive image, often referred to as the "Droste effect," has become a cultural icon and a term used in art and visual design to describe a picture recursively appearing within itself. The effect is achieved through a visual repetition that creates a sense of infinity and self-reference, and it has been utilized in various artistic contexts since the late 19th century.

Droste's product line includes cocoa powders, chocolates, and related confectionery. Over the years, the brand has maintained its reputation for quality and tradition while expanding its market beyond the Netherlands. Today, Droste remains a symbol of Dutch confectionery excellence and is recognized globally for both its historical packaging imagery and high-quality chocolate products.

The company and its signature design have influenced visual culture, inspiring artists, designers, and branding initiatives, making Droste an enduring symbol in both culinary and artistic fields.