04 Jul Historian and host of Condensed Histories podcast shares historical chocolate facts you need to know ahead of World Chocolate Day
Ahead of World Chocolate Day (July 7th), historian, author and host of the Condensed Histories podcast Jem Duducu shares his favourite historical chocolate facts, such as:
The reason why chocolate meant alcohol was banned in one Birmingham village for 120 years
The weird history behind the name of the world’s best-selling bar
How Steven Spielberg accidentally made Reese’s Pieces a best-seller
The product that uses 2 in 10 of the world’s hazelnuts
Here are some things you need to know:
The world’s first chocolate bar was made in Bristol
In 1847, Bristol-based confectioner J.S. Fry & Sons, best known for Fry’s Chocolate Cream, created the world’s first chocolate bar, using cocoa butter, cocoa powder and sugar. Chocolate had been around for centuries before, but Fry & Sons were the first to get the product into the format we now know and love as the chocolate bar.
The world’s best-selling chocolate bar is named after a horse
The Mars Corporation, founded by Franklin Mars, is still a family-owned business today. But that hasn’t stopped the firm becoming a global confectionery powerhouse, as well as selling pet food, chewing gum and even offering veterinary services.
Mars gave us beloved chocolates like Milky Way, Maltesers, M&Ms, and Mars bars, captivating the world with their irresistible flavours. But Snickers takes the crown as the number one best-selling chocolate bar worldwide. The peanut, nougat and caramel favourite was originally called Marathon in the UK and Ireland, rebranding to Snickers in 1990 to bring it in line with American products. And if you’ve ever wondered why it was called Snickers at all, wonder no more. The Mars family named it after their favourite horse.
John Cadbury, the founder of Cadbury, created a brand synonymous with happiness. Driven by his Quaker faith, Cadbury established a legacy that embraced confectionery as a source of joy. Their commitment to workers’ well-being led to the creation of Bournville, a model town providing clean homes, education, and amenities during the Industrial Revolution.
Birmingham-based tourist attraction Cadbury World welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year. Cadbury’s Dairy Milk, Flake, and the iconic Creme Egg continue to delight chocolate lovers worldwide. As well as giving the UK their iconic chocolate, the Cadbury family have another legacy too. They’re the reason that residents of Bournville in Birmingham didn’t have any pubs for 120 years.
2 out of 10 of the world’s hazelnuts end up in Nutella
Michele Ferrero, an Italian innovator, revolutionised the confectionery world. Ferrero Rocher and the beloved Nutella spread are just a couple of his creations that have become household names. The Ferrero company consumes a staggering 20% of the world’s hazelnut crop, and their dedication to quality and affordability, much like Cadbury’s, has made their treats accessible to all.
ET should have been eating M&M’s, not Reese’s Pieces
Memorable advertising campaigns and jingles have played a significant role in making chocolate brands part of our collective consciousness. Cadbury’s drumming gorilla and Mars’ “M&M’s melt in your mouth, not in your hands” slogan are just a couple of examples that have become iconic. Steven Spielberg’s use of Reese’s Pieces in the film “ET” came about when Mars declined the opportunity to feature M&M’s, creating a legendary cinematic moment.
Chocolate has a rich history dating back to the era of the Columbian Exchange. Cocoa plants were introduced to Central America, where ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs cherished cocoa-based beverages flavoured with chilies and spices. European encounters with cocoa led to the addition of sugar and the journey towards modern chocolate. Dark chocolate emerged with its bitter and complex flavour profile, captivating connoisseurs worldwide. It contains a chemical compound called phenylethylamine (PEA), which is the same chemical that our brain produces when we fall in love.
