And bliss it truly is. The average person consumes a staggering 8.8 kilograms of chocolate annually, with the Swiss leading the charge at nearly 20 kilograms per person. That’s roughly equivalent to eating 400 standard chocolate bars each year. Clearly, the Swiss have sorted out their priorities.
Chocolate’s journey from bitter ceremonial drink to global obsession began with the ancient Mayans and Aztecs, who considered cacao so precious they used the beans as currency. The Aztec emperor Montezuma reportedly consumed up to 50 cups of chocolate daily, which explains both his legendary vigour and possibly his empire’s devotion to him.
In 2024 the chocolate industry was worth more than $US130 billion (about $AU200 billion) globally, making it more valuable than the GDP of many countries. It’s also the world’s most popular gift, accounting for 75 per cent of all confectionery purchases during Valentine’s Day alone.
For the record books, the world’s largest chocolate bar weighed in at 5792 kilograms (created in the UK in 2011), whilst the fastest time to eat a Terry’s Chocolate Orange stood for some years at one minute 27 seconds but has recently dropped to under a minute, at 57.14 seconds. Some of the most expensive chocolates have sold for $2600 per kilogram, although at that price, you’d want more than just permission to eat it, you’d need a bank loan.
But here’s the real kicker: chocolate contains more than 600 flavour compounds, making it almost as complex as coffee or wine. It releases endorphins, contains natural caffeine, and yes, those rumours about it being an aphrodisiac have some scientific backing.
So this 7 July, when someone raises an eyebrow at your third (or fourth) piece of chocolate, simply explain you’re participating in a globally recognised cultural celebration. Fortunately, 7 July is also Global Forgiveness Day.
Permission officially granted.
