Chocolate has inspired uncountable desserts in many countries across the globe and throughout history. This delicacy originating in Mesoamerica is the favorite sweet of many places including Spain, which imported this delight to Europe during the country’s explorations in the Americas. Spain’s sweet tooth has been on the rise in recent years, with a peak in chocolate and cocoa product consumption amounting to 185.7 million kilograms in 2020. In 2021, the consumption of this delight has decreased slightly, amounted to roughly 168 million kilograms that year.
The chocolate business in Spain
The most consumed chocolate and cocoa products in Spanish households were regular chocolates, exceeding 70 million kilograms in 2021. The average Spaniard consumed around four kilograms of these products during the same period and spent over 25 euros a year to satisfy their utmost sweet cravings. People in Spain are very likely to purchase chocolate and cocoa products in supermarkets and hypermarkets, which account for a vast majority of the retail market for these goods. The number of cocoa, chocolate and confectionery manufacturers has been oscillating in recent years, with 678 companies active in this sector in 2019 compared to 667 companies in 2010, and 598 companies in 2016.
Sweet Old Europe
Some of the countries of the Old Continent have made a living out of chocolate and cocoa products. Traditionally, chocolate has been a sweet treat in many European countries, and this trend is still reflected in today’s consumption of these products.
