Skopje, 7 July 2024 (MIA) - World Chocolate Day is celebrated every year on July 7. The day celebrates all kinds of goodies made from chocolate, including chocolate milk, hot chocolate, chocolate candy bar, chocolate cake, brownies, or anything covered in chocolate.

Most people love chocolate. In fact, nine out of ten people love chocolate. About 1 billion people eat chocolate every day.

Chocolate comes from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. Cacao has been cultivated for at least three millennia and grows in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. The earliest known documentation of using cacao seeds is from around 1100 BC, and chocolate was first brought to Europe in 1550. 

Besides the fact it tastes so good, there are some health benefits of chocolate. Chocolate increases serotonin and dopamine levels, which helps to boost the mood. Dark chocolate can also be especially good for you. Dark chocolate is a powerful source of antioxidants, plus it helps to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

In May 2024, the retail price of cocoa and chocolate powder in the EU was 6.3% higher compared to May 2023, according to Eurostat. The price has been increasing since early 2022, with an annual inflation rate of over ten percent.

The first World Chocolate Day was celebrated in 2009.

Photo: MIA archive