Regardless of culture, ethnicity, social background, or financial status, there are more than a few similarities in terms of different people’s tastes and preferences from country to country right across the world.
One of the seemingly universally loved things that everyone, no matter where they live or who they are, utterly adores is chocolate, and here, for your reading pleasure, are some of the most amazing differences in chocolate consumer trends across the world.
England
In England, there is one main chocolate brand that is basically the proverbial king of all things chocolate; Cadbury. Cadbury’s chocolate products can be found across the world. However, Cadbury originated in a humble, purpose-built town in the middle of Birmingham, England, called Bournville, which you will probably recognize as the brand name for Cadbury’s dark chocolate product.
English people often say that the smell and taste of their favorite chocolate bar automatically conjures memories of their childhood and English people have a strong connection with chocolate, not just Birmingham’s own brand, which was first created way back in 1842 by the Cadbury brothers.
Giving chocolates as Christmas presents to friends, family members and even giving corporate chocolate gifts is one of the most appreciated gifts one can receive, regardless of nationality.
USA
As with a variety of other foodstuffs in the United States, American chocolate is significantly sweeter than British varieties.
The most popular American candy bars include Nestle, Lindt, Mars, and of course, the national icon that is Hershey’s chocolate. The Hershey company originally only created bubble gum, before experimenting with caramel and finally making the Hershey bar that you will recognize today.
During World War Two, Hershey’s created two chocolate bars, both of which were specifically designed for soldiers who were battling on the front line. The bars were entirely heat-resistant and could maintain their texture and shape in up to 120 degree heat. The Tropical Bar and The Ration D Bar proved a big hit with the soldiers, and Hershey’s produced approximately three hundred and eighty million during just three years.
Japan
As with many other aspects of Japanese culture, Japanese chocolate is essentially a mix of eastern and western food traditions. Unlike the United Kingdom and the United States, the emphasis on chocolate in Japan is centered squarely around the cocoa bean.
The Japanese were not introduced to chocolate until the early seventeen hundreds, during the Meiji era, and their most popular brands of chocolate are Yuraku Seika, Nabisco, and Tirol.
Switzerland
Speak to any Swiss person about chocolate, and you will learn for yourself how utterly dedicated to and passionate about their favorite food they are. Swiss chocolate is one of the largest and most important exports in terms of the Swiss food industry, with ever-increasing figures.
Chocolate in Switzerland was first in the form of unsweetened cocoa beans, which were sold by pharmacists to fix a host of different medical ailments.
As you can see, chocolate preferences differ worldwide, but one thing that is for certain is that chocolate is a national favorite wherever you go.
