Celebrating One of Life’s Best Indulgences.
Chocolates are unique, and everyone likes them. Many of us recall one thing everyone returning from abroad is to bring chocolates and share them with near and dear ones. July 7 is observed as World Chocolate Day. More than 1 billion people eat chocolate daily. Eating chocolates can boost one’s mood and make one happier. Chocolate brands come in a delightful variety, each with unique flavours and specialities. They are also a preferred gift choice for various festive occasions and celebrations. Switzerland has the highest per capita chocolate consumption. The world’s largest chocolate company is Mars. Chocolates can be expensive, too. Amedei Porcelana Chocolate Bar sold at $90. The consumption of chocolates in India has been on the rise. India imports chocolate primarily from countries like Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, the UAE, and Germany. There is a darker side to the chocolate industry. The enhanced mass production of chocolate led to dependence on labour. Many were paid poorly and often forced to work. Let us enjoy the delicious chocolates, but limit them so that you continue to be healthy and cherish them for long years. Â
Chocolates are one of the favourite treats
of the world.
Chocolates are unique, and everyone likes them. Also, many of the brands are not available in India too. Many of us recall one thing everyone returning from abroad is to bring chocolates and share them with near and dear ones. July 7 is World Chocolate Day. Established in 2009. The day was chosen to recall the anniversary of its entry into Europe in 1550. The seed of the Theobroma Cacao tree has chocolate. It is native to Mexico as well as South and Central America. 70% of the growing cacao trees are in Africa. Swiss-based Barry Callebaut processes over 20% of the global cacao crop. They are also a preferred gift choice for various festive occasions and celebrations. There are umpteen varieties of chocolates to choose from, such as chocolate milk (hot and cold), cake, brownies, candy bars, and so on. More than 1 billion people eat chocolate daily. Other days celebrating the chocolate are National Chocolate Days (October 28 and December 28) and International Chocolate Day (September 13). There’s often confusion between cocoa and cacao. English traders seem to have mixed the letters when labelling the beans for transport. Today, cacao refers to raw beans; cocoa is a comforting hot drink. Milk chocolates have their origin in Switzerland. Milton Hershey built an entire factory town dedicated to mass-producing chocolate in the USA. The city of Hershey still exists, as does the chocolate. Â
Chocolate is Delicious
Eating chocolates can boost one’s mood and make one happier. It is due to the release of endorphins in the brain eliciting a feeling of pleasure. Dark chocolate has antioxidants and minerals that help improve cognition and reduce inflammation. At one time (~19th century), chocolate used to be sold as a medicine. As most chocolates contain a higher sugar content, consuming more leads to tooth decay. The fat content in the chocolate is also harmful.
The world’s largest chocolate bar, created in the UK in 2011, weighed 5,792 kilograms. Thorntons made it to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Chocolates can be expensive, too. Amedei Porcelana Chocolate Bar (Italian brand Amedei), the high end of the bar, sold at $90.
The international chocolate market is ~109 billion dollars and is estimated to grow to ~145 billion dollars. Europe and North America have a value share of ~80%. The top four chocolate-producing countries are Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Poland, which account for over 40% of the chocolate exports. None of these are the major cocoa-producing countries. Switzerland has the highest per capita chocolate consumption (~8.8 kg). Austria, the US, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom follow in chocolate consumption. The consumption of chocolates in India has been on the rise. Indian chocolate market is estimated to be 2.3 billion $. India imports chocolate primarily from countries like Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, the UAE, and Germany.
Chocolate brands come in a delightful variety, each with unique flavours and specialities. Godiva Chocolatier, Cadbury, Hershey Company, and Nestlé are some of the famous brands. Vosges Haut-Chocolat remains the best gift globally. The world’s largest chocolate company is Mars (M&M’s and Snickers). Other popular brands include Toblerone and Nestlé. Still, some chocolate brands are not available in India.
There is a darker side to the chocolate industry. The enhanced mass production of chocolate led to dependence on labour. Many were paid poorly and often forced to work.
Next time you want to celebrate an occasion, special day, or success, the celebration is incomplete without chocolate. Let us enjoy the delicious chocolates, but limit them so that you continue to be healthy and cherish them for long years.
Chocolate Makes People Happy.
Toons: Advika and Anusha
Logs: M Sai Baba
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