World Chocolate Day is celebrated to highlight the evolution of chocolate. What can chocolates do? You can choose from some of the most popular chocolate bars that are plain and simple, or you can also go for a low sugar option or even dark chocolate.
Tracing the history of chocolate, it goes back around 2,500 years; when the Aztecs loved their liquid chocolate, to the extent that they believed the god of wisdom, Quetzalcoatl, literally presented it to them!! Cocoa seeds even acted as a form of currency!! At that time, the chocolate was bitter, as it was long before sugar was added.
In the film ‘Chocolat’, feeling pleasure while eating chocolate was something prohibited by the Church and the Mayor, a faithful Shepherd of morality, and moreover, it was seen as a forbidden act (against what was advocated by religion)!!
Once chocolate took a ‘sweet’ turn in 16th Century Europe, chocolate really caught on as one of the most favorite treats. Plus, the current chocolate organizations began operations in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Cadbury began in England by 1868. Nestlé began in the 1860s too, which is one of the largest food conglomerates in the world today.
Fine chocolate making is a genuine art – and it takes confectionery manufacturing to the next level. Create delicacies and your consumers will go out of their way to buy!!
Take the range – chocolate-covered peanuts and raisins, chocolate caramels, chocolate fountains and toffees, milk and dark – everyone has their favourite. Statistics reveal that the annual global chocolate consumption in 2022 was roughly 7.5 million tons. The average cost of a chocolate bar in 2023 is up 8%. Online chocolate shopping now accounts for 40% of consumer behavior. In 2021, sales of premium chocolates grew 23% over earlier three years.
Empowering ‘chocopreneurs’
Starting a chocolate business can be an impactful business venture – as there is demand for high-quality. The chocolate industry continues to grow, and consumers are increasingly seeking out products, that offer a different ‘taste’ experience. So, if you as a ‘çhocopreneur’ develop a unique product, a high- quality customer experience, in a carefully-targetted market, and there may be opportunities to succeed in the chocolate business.
One of the key advantages of starting a chocolate business is the potential for high margins. Premium chocolate products can command higher prices, which can lead to high profits. Additionally, starting a chocolate business provides opportunities to be creative and also explore new, unique flavor combinations, which can set your brand apart from competition. Starting a chocolate business can be a challenging but rewarding venture. Another key factor to consider when starting a chocolate business is market demand. And, in the realm of chocolates, flavour is everything!
To pursue a career in chocolate-making one must be passionate, creative, and enterprising. So, on Chocolate Day, stock up on chocolate biscuits, ice-cream & enjoy a day of indulgence…or plan to open your “chocolaterie”!!!
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
