One of the most popular treats in the world is chocolate. This delicious treat is a favorite choice of both young and old, to the point that eight million tons of chocolate were consumed worldwide in 2017.
From cultivating cocoa beans to combining them with milk and butter and producing different melting methods, each nation has created its method of making this chocolatey treat. We don’t need an excuse to try a piece of this sweet dessert. The holiday adventure would only be complete if we tried the local chocolate!
Here are the top 5 countries to try the best chocolate.
1. Belgium
There are about 2,000 chocolate shops scattered throughout Belgium, so you can only visit one of them. Belgian chocolate is different in that it retains more of a sweet taste, as it is only cooled at the final stage of the production process.
In addition, each Belgian chocolate is handmade. Because of these two elements, Belgian chocolate is a little more expensive, but treat yourself! If you plan a trip to Belgium, visit www.cosycozy.com to compare prices for different accommodation options.
2. Ecuador
The world’s finest cocoa beans are the first step to making the finest chocolate. Most of the world’s premium cocoa is produced in Ecuador, a small country on the west coast of South America. Only about 5% of cocoa beans produced worldwide qualify for the “fine flavor” label, while Ecuador accounts for about 63% of global cocoa production.
Ecuador has long exported high-quality cocoa to Europe but has recently seen a surge in popularity in chocolate production. Pacari, an internationally recognized company in Europe and Ecuador, has won multiple World Chocolate Awards, including “overall winner” in 2013.
3. USA
In the United States, in the 1980s, there began to be a shift in consumer buying habits towards companies with more transparent business processes and fair trade ingredients. This eventually led to the creation of many fair trade and eco-certified companies.
However, it is generally accepted that the craft chocolate movement began around 2005. That was the time when Taza Chocolate was founded and Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker (now acquired by Hershey’s) went into liquidation.
4. Italy
The setting is made up of a small Italian coffee shop, a cup of espresso, and some Italian sweets. What’s not to love? Amadei is Italy’s best-known chocolatier. They source their cocoa directly from farmers, so they know the origin of the beans and the cultivation process.
5. Ivory Coast
Although Ecuador is the world’s largest cocoa supplier, Ivory Coast produces some of the finest chocolate. Chocolate manufacturers including Nestlé, Hershey’s, and Cadbury buy Ivorian cocoa. Cocoa exports currently account for 40% of the country’s GDP.
Ivory Coast has reportedly started producing its chocolate, much like Ecuador. One company in particular, Instant Chocolate, has achieved national and international popularity, attracting corporate clients such as Citibank and Air France.
These are the 5 countries that produce the finest milk and dark chocolate. If you plan to visit any of these countries, check out their shops and buy the best chocolates as souvenirs.
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