Facts & figures
Chocolate originated thousands of years ago in a tropical rain forest located in Central America. It was the cacao tree that produced the beans required to make this tasty treat. Chocolate was first enjoyed as a drink and, as many of us know is now available in a variety of different forms, and is loved and enjoyed by millions of people throughout the world.
Chocolate starts to melt at 34°C which is body temperature, that's why it melts in your mouth.
The word Chocolate comes from the Aztec word xocolatl, meaning, bitter water.
The largest Chocolate Easter Egg was made by Chocolaterie Guylian
The Swiss consume more chocolate per capita than any other nation on earth. That is 22 pounds (10 kg) each compared to 11 pounds (5 kg) per person in the United States.
Today the world production of cocoa beans is about 3 million tons, against approximately 10 000 tons in 1830.
80% of the production of chocolate is in Europe and North America. 80% of the cultivation of cocoa is concentrated in 9 countries: Ghana, Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria, Cameron, Ecuador, Malaysia and Ivory Coast.
Chocolate makers use 40% of the world's almonds and 20% of the world's peanuts.
A farmer must wait four to five years for a cacao tree to produce its first beans.
The French celebrate April Fool's Day with chocolate-shaped fish, or "Poisson d'Avril."
Chocolate is a natural anti-depressant. When we feel down we like to reach for a piece of chocolate. Chocolate contains serotonin which is a feel good chemical that gives us a sensation of well-being and happiness. A piece of chocolate is therefore ideal to brighten up a dark autumn day.