Let's Celebrate World Chocolate Day!

According to Whitakers, "World Chocolate Day, also known as International Chocolate Day, is celebrated on July 7th each year. This day is dedicated to appreciating and indulging in one of the most popular treats in the world: chocolate. The celebration is believed to mark the year 1550, when chocolate was first introduced to Europe. 

In 1519, a Spanish explorer was served a chocolate-based drink by Aztec emperor Montezuma. The explorer took the drink back with him to Spain and added vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon to improve the taste. The drink gained popularity in England and France during the 1600s. Edible solid chocolates were created in the 1800s. Gradually, chocolate-based dishes appeared across the world. 

There is a famous quote from John Q. Tullius, "Nine out of ten people like chocolate. The tenth person always lies." Chocolate is known to raise serotonin and dopamine levels, contributing to an improved mood and overall sense of well-being."

Do you know the difference between CACAO and COCOA? Cacao is the defining ingredient in all chocolate and chocolate products. It refers to the raw, unprocessed version of the fruit and the seeds inside the fruit, whereas cocoa has been roasted at high temperatures.

And now, let's pivot to marketing and check out five famous chocolate brands.

HERSHEY'S

According to the brand's website, "Milton Hershey made his mark as a successful confectioner, philanthropist and innovator. But Milton was by no means an overnight success story, nor did his achievements come without their hardships. In fact, his first two candy companies were met with failure. It wasn't until his third business that Milton's hard work and talent paid off. From then on, Milton prospered as a successful businessman and generous humanitarian that improved the lives of thousands."

The Hershey's family of brands include: Hershey's Kisses, Reese's KitKat, Symphony, York, Milk Duds, Mounds, Hershey's Mr. Goodbar, and many more.

SHARE THIS: The first HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate bar was sold in 1900 by Milton S. Hershey and has been referred to as "The Great American Chocolate Bar." #FunFact #WorldChocolateDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

GODIVA

Recognizable by its gold boxes, this brand is currently celebrating its 100th anniversary. Started in a small Brussels (Belgium) workshop by Pierre Draps, Sr., in 1926, "GODIVA carries a legacy of artistry, craftsmanship, and indulgence. Inspired by Lady Godiva's bold and generous spirit, we create chocolates that awaken the senses and transform every moment into something extraordinary."

SEE'S CANDIES

Recognizable by its white boxes and stores, this brand is timeless. "In 1921, Mary and Charles See had one dream: to Bring Joy, One Bite at a Time. Today? We're still doing things the Mary way, crafting irresistible treats with only the best ingredients. Over a century later, we've expanded from one shop to over 250 worldwide! And though we continue to grow, our commitment to service and quality never wavers." Fun fact, Mary See's black and white kitchen inspired the interior of See's stores.

GHIARDELLI CHOCOLATE COMPANY

The brand's founder, Domenico Ghiardelli, was born in Italy in 1817, and saied to America in 1849. His first store was in Stockton, California, to offer supplies to miners. Reminder, gold was discovered in nearby Sutter's Mill in 1849. He forever changed the trajectory of chocolate with his second store in San Francisco. In 1893, the company bought a building on San Francisco's northern waterfront - this is the present site of Ghirardelli Square. Two interesting historical notes: "In 1906, the great San Francisco earthquake and fire destroyed much of the city, but the Ghirardelli plant was not damaged. Manufacturing operations resumed within 10 days after the disaster. And in 1923, the now-famous Ghirardelli illuminated light bulb sign was created. Visible for miles, the sign became a welcome sight to ships passing through the Golden Gate Strait." In 1965, San Francisco declared Ghiardelli Square an official city landmark; and in 1982, Ghiardelli Square received National Historic Register status. In 2012, the company celebrated its 160th anniversary.

NESTLE

The company began in 1866 with a production facility in Europe to create condensed milk. By 1905, the company had more than 20 factories and was selling in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Australia. By the end of World War I, the company had 40 factories. Over the years, the company has evolved with the times (like with the additions of refrigerators and freezers) and focused on health-conscious consumer needs and sustainable supply chains. Today, the company has an umbrella of brands in addition to chocolate.

SHARE THIS: Switzerland is the country that consumes the most chocolate; followed by Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. #FunFact #WorldChocolateDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

So, how will you celebrate today? You could watch a movie or read a book with a focus on chocolate. Here are some recommendations:

MOVIES:

*Wonka (2023)

*Lessons in Chocolate (2007)

*Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

*Chocolat (2005)

*Forrest Gump (1994)

*Like Water for Chocolat (1992)

*Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

FICTION:

*The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan (2013)

*The Chocolate Thief by Laura Florand (2011)

*The Chocolatier by Jan Moran (2020)

*Chocolat by Joanne Harris (1999)

*Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel (1989)

*Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (1964)

SHARE THIS: Snickers is a popular chocolate bar that was first introduced by the Mars, Inc. company in 1930 and was named after a horse owned by the Mars family. #FunFact #WorldChocolateDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Lastly, if today is not long enough for a chocolate celebration, there are other chocolate-themed days throughout the year. Chocolate is a popular gift for Valentine's Day on February 14th (sometimes even celebrated the entire month of February); National Hot Chocolate Day is celebrated on January 31st; and September 22nd is National White Chocolate Day.

SHARE THIS: Mama always said life was a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. ~Forrest Gump #MovieFan #WorldChocolateDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credit: Pinterest.

Want to be a chocolate taste-tester? Check out these tips from Ghiardelli:

https://www.ghirardelli.com/how-to-taste-chocolate

Learn more about CACAO and COCOA:

https://www.webmd.com/diet/difference-between-cocoa-and-cacao

RECIPE for DoubleTree by Hilton's Official Chocolate Chip Cookie:

https://stories.hilton.com/food-beverage/static-doubletree-reveals-cookie-recipe

RECIPE for Paula Deen's Decadent Chocolate Brownies:

https://www.pauladeen.com/recipe/maggies-decadent-brownies/