Mountains of Swiss Chocolate - The History
Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
What is internationally recognized, afluent with historical traditions and so eagerly sought after by so many people? The answer is chocolate, of course. Associated with everything from love to holidays, chocolate has been a steadfast commodity in cultures around the world for centuries. It is arguably the most marketable product around the world, but as is true of any popular article of trade, the chocolate business is a highly competitive market.Only the superior rise to the top, so who is the cream of the crop in the industry of chocolate?Well, you may never find a competitor that can beat the Swiss.
From Swiss cookbooks to well-known chocolate treats, it seems everyone has heard of delicious Swiss chocolates. Chocolate originating from Switzerland has made its mark on the world and has an affluent history to prove it. Chocolate made its way to Europe in the 10th Century, and by the 17th Century it was being produced in Switzerland. In the 19th to the early 20th Century a number of chocolate factories were founded, such as Cailler and Kohler (both known as Nestlé today), Lindt and Tobler (Toblerone). As well, during the latter half of the 19th Century, Swiss chocolate began to spread abroad. From the 19th Century until World War I, and throughout World War II, the Swiss chocolate industry became very export oriented and eventually production became outsourced.The invention of Milk Chocolate by Daniel Peter was not far behind. In 1901 chocolate producers in Switzerland formed the Union libre des fabricants suisses de chocolate. Come 1916, this union divided into two separate organizations: Chambre Syndicale des fabricants suisses de chocolate, and the Convention Chocolate Suisse.Swiss Chocolate makers and others involved, take chocolate making as a serious art.
Not surprisingly though, the majority of chocolate originating from Switzerland is consumed by the Swiss themselves. Switzerland has the highest chocolate consumption rate per capita in the world; 11.Six kilograms consumed per capita each year. Clearly the Swiss know a good thing when they have it! This does not, however, deter the rest of the international world from indulging ourselves. The Swiss chocolate industry is an incredibly popular tourism attraction; the chocolate itself most often ends up traveling to alternate countries as gifts for friends and family. Why is Swiss chocolate so desired?Likely because it’s best know for it’s amazing quality. The high content of rich cocoa butter creates a delectable creamy and smooth texture; thus, the high standards of manufacturing keep this Swiss commodity ahead of the competition. Popular Swiss brands you may recognize include Nestlé (the largest chocolate manufacturer in Switzerland), Lindt, Sprungli (bakery stores across Switzerland) and Suchard.No doubt there are several other exclusive manufacturers of chocolate, but you’ll have to make the trip if you wish to sample the flavors.
Undoubtedly Swiss chocolate is by far the most popular in the manufacturing world of chocolate.If you haven’t done so already, I highly recommend you indulge yourself in a delicious treat of Swiss Chocolate. Leaf through a Swiss cookbook and choose a chocolaty recipe that sounds the most delicious; or head down to the store and grab a pre-wrapped treat.It’s up to you how you indulge, so imply just indulge. You won’t be disappointed.
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