Today, July 7th, Marks World Chocolate Day celebrates one of our most beloved snacks, when Spanish explorers began their journey to Europe after bringing cocoa beans from the Americas in the 16th century. But while chocolate continues to be delighted around the world, Spanish consumers, especially now, are currently facing historically high prices.
Chocolate roots date back to the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations (they are serious long roots) that praised cacao as both currency and ritual beverages for over three,000 years. The Spaniards probably introduced it to Europe on this day in 1550, where by the 19th century it evolved into a luxurious drink, then solid bar. Since then, chocolate has grown from the elite dul to the mass market treat, and even the daily need for some of our girls! Unfortunately, in Spain (and most of the world), chocolate prices have reached record highs. This surge is linked to a global lack of cocoa beans. Most of the cocoa in the world comes from West African countries such as Ghana and Ivory Coast. A wide range of crop disease known as the cocoa swollen shoot virus has devastated production, but extreme weather patterns such as drought and volatile rainfall have further impacted supply.
As a result, cocoa prices have more than tripled in recent years, with futures exceeding $12,000 per tonne. These increases have been carried over to consumers, with chocolate bars shrinking, prescriptions changing, and prices rising all over the board. Many small chocolatiers have stopped operations due to exorbitant costs.
For today’s celebration, chocolate lovers need to taste each piece, but we also recognize that each bite reflects a complex chain from vulnerable farms to global markets. On this world’s chocolate day, this snack reminds us both of its rich cultural roots and the contemporary challenges that shape its prices and future. So remember the young man, if you want to buy her expensive things, get her chocolate!
