Chocolate companies form one of the largest and most varied industries in the world. Any day is a good day to give a chocolate to that loved one, but without a doubt February is the month in which these sweets are most desired.
According to the National Association of Chocolate, Sweets and Similar Manufacturers (ASCHOCO), the November-February season is the most important for the chocolate industry in Mexico. In this period, it generates around 40% of annual sales, and February alone represents 10%.
It is difficult to quantify the size of the chocolate industry in the world, since it is very changing and competitive, but according to a study by Grand View Research, the global market was worth $19.4 billion.
The 10 largest chocolate companies in the world
- Mars: It is the largest chocolate company in the world and also produces other products such as pet food and chewing gum.
- Mondelez International: It is the company that produces Oreo cookies, Cadbury chocolates and Trident chewing gum.
- Nestle: It is the largest food and beverage company in the world and also produces KitKat and Nesquik chocolate.
- Ferrero: It is the company that produces Nutella, Kinder Bueno and Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
- Hershey: It is the company that produces Hershey's Kisses, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Kit Kat chocolates.
- Barry Callebaut: It is the company that produces chocolate for other companies, such as Nestlé and Mondelez International.
- Meiji: It is the largest chocolate company in Japan and also produces other products such as condensed milk and candies.
- Lotte: It is the largest chocolate company in South Korea and also produces other products such as chewing gum and drinks.
- August Storck: It is the company that produces Werther's Originals and Toffifee candies.
- Lindt & Sprüngli: It is the company that produces Lindor and Ghirardelli chocolates.
The chocolate industry is a global and dynamic industry that offers a wide variety of products for all tastes.
What companies make chocolate?
Is difficult to pinpoint an exact number of companies that manufacture chocolate in the world, since the industry is very diverse and ranges from large multinationals to small artisanal producers.
However, we can estimate that there are thousands of companies dedicated to the production of chocolate globally. Some of the most important are:
Large multinational companies:
- Nestle (Swiss)
- Mars (USA)
- Hershey (USA)
- Kraft Foods (USA)
- Mondelez International (USA)
- Barry Callebaut (Belgium)
- Ferrero (Italy)
- Lindt & Sprüngli (Swiss)
Medium and small companies:
- Godiva Chocolatier (Belgium)
- Teuscher (Swiss)
- Valrhona (France)
- Domori (Italy)
- Pierre Marcolini (Belgium)
- Richart Chocolates (France)
- venchi (Italy)
- Pacari (Ecuador)
- Dandelion Chocolate (USA)
Small artisanal producers:
- exist thousands of small producers of artisanal chocolate around the world, who make their products with traditional and high-quality methods.
Factors that make it difficult to determine an exact number:
- Industry Diversity: The chocolate industry ranges from large companies that produce millions of tons per year to small artisanal producers that make small quantities.
- Informality: In some countries, there are a large number of informal chocolate producers who are not officially registered.
- Variety of products: The chocolate industry produces a wide variety of products, from table chocolates to bonbons, creams and drinks.
How many chocolate factories are there in Mexico?
Determining the exact number of chocolate factories in Mexico is complex, since the industry ranges from large multinational companies to small artisanal producers.
However, we can estimate that there are between 200 and 300 chocolate factories in the country. Some of the most important are:
Big enterprises:
- Nestle Mexico
- Mars Mexico
- Hershey Mexico
- Mondelez Mexico
- Ferrero Mexico
- Laposse
- Chocolate Ibarra
Medium and small companies:
- Xocolatl Mexica
- JOHFREJ C&V
- Turin Chocolates
- Ki'Xocolatl
- What Bo!
- Cacao Prieto
Small artisanal producers:
- exist hundreds of small producers of artisanal chocolate throughout Mexico, who make their products with traditional and high-quality methods.
Factors that make it difficult to determine an exact number:
- Informality: In some cases, small artisanal producers are not officially registered.
- Variety of products: Some companies specialize in the production of table chocolate, while others make chocolates, creams, drinks and other products derived from cocoa.
What brands of chocolate are there?
As we mentioned above, there are many chocolate brands in the world. Here we give you some of the most important ones:
National Association of Chocolate, Sweets and Similar Manufacturers
What is the largest chocolate factory in the world?
The largest chocolate factory in the world is Barry Callebaut located in Wieze, Belgium. This factory produces more than 250,000 tons of chocolate per year and supplies customers around the world.
Barry Callebaut is a Belgian company founded in 1911 that specializes in the production of high quality chocolate for the food industry. The company has more than 50 factories around the world and employs more than 12,000 people.
Other large chocolate factories in the world:
- Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States
- Nestle Chocolate Factory in Broc, Switzerland
- Ferrero Chocolate Factory in Alba, Italy
- Kraft Foods Chocolate Factory in Melbourne, Australia
- M&M's World in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
It should be noted that the chocolate industry is very diverse and there are many other major chocolate factories around the world, both large and small.
What is the name of the chocolate industry?
The chocolate industry does not have a single, universally accepted name, but is usually known by the following terms:
General terms:
- chocolate industry
- chocolate industry
- chocolate making
- chocolate production
More specific terms:
- cocoa industry (refers to the processing of cocoa beans until obtaining cocoa paste, cocoa butter and cocoa liquor)
- confectionery industry (includes the production of chocolate, sweets and other sugary products)
- baking industry (includes the production of cakes, cookies and other baked goods that may contain chocolate)
Other terms:
- Chocolate shop (refers to a business that sells chocolate and derived products)
- Cocoa (refers to the tree and fruit from which chocolate is obtained)
In some countries, the chocolate industry may also be known by specific names:
- In Mexico: Chocolate and confectionery industry
- In Spain: chocolate industry
- In United States: chocolate industry
Who produces the best chocolate?
Determine who produces the best chocolate It is a subjective question, since it depends on the personal preferences in terms of flavor, texture, aroma and other aspects.
However, There are some countries and brands that are recognized for the high quality of their chocolate.:
Countries:
- Belgium: Famous for its milk and dark chocolate, with a high cocoa content and an intense flavor.
- Swiss: Recognized for its milk and filled chocolates, with a soft and creamy texture.
- France: Expert in gourmet chocolates with complex flavors and aromas.
- Italy: Famous for its gianduia and pralines chocolates, with a flavor of hazelnuts and nuts.
- Ecuador: It produces fine aroma cocoa, considered one of the best in the world.
Brands:
- Godiva Chocolatier (Belgium)
- Teuscher (Swiss)
- Valrhona (France)
- Domori (Italy)
- Pierre Marcolini (Belgium)
- Pacari (Ecuador)
- Dandelion Chocolate (USA)
It is important to mention that there are also many small artisanal chocolate producers who make high-quality products with local ingredients and traditional methods.
In the end, the best way to find the best chocolate for you is to try different brands and types of chocolate to discover your personal preferences.
Here are some tips to help you choose the best chocolate:
- Consider the cocoa content: A higher cocoa content generally means a more intense flavor.
- Pay attention to the ingredients: Look for chocolates with natural and high-quality ingredients.
- Try different types of chocolate: There is a wide variety of chocolates available, from dark chocolate to milk chocolate and white chocolate.
- Experiment with different brands: Try chocolates from different countries and brands to find your favorite.
- Visit a chocolate shop: Chocolate shops often offer a wide variety of chocolates to try and buy.
Note: This article was made with the help of Gemini, an artificial intelligence from Google.
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