Chocolate is the most popular confection around the world. Chocolate most commonly comes in dark, milk, and white varieties, with cocoa solids contributing to the brown colour. According to research, the use of chocolate began more than 2500 years ago in Central America. The Mayan civilization believed that cacao was a divine gift from god, and so, it was highly esteemed. It was used for ceremonial purposes, and its beans were often used as currency. Literally translated from the Mayan language, the word Cacao means “god food”, and after the product entered Europe in the 16th century, changed the basis of its name to “Theobroma cacao” meaning “food for the gods”. The name for chocolate comes from the Aztec word “xocalati”, which means “bitter water”.

More than 66% of cocoa of the whole world is grown in Africa. Fair trade cocoa is an agricultural product harvested from the cacao tree using a certified process which is followed by cocoa farmers, buyers, and chocolate manufacturers, and is designed to create sustainable incomes for farmers and their families.

Chocolate acts as a mild anti-depressant, since it emits serotonin and endorphins in the brain. Chocolate contains a small amount of caffeine producing an effect of mild amphetamine. It is assumed that chocolate works as an aphrodisiac, although this statement is not scientifically proven. This theory is based on the fact that chocolate contains such stimulants as caffeine and theobromine.

Cacao butter is a by-product, which is received from the roasted cacao beans, and in addition to its use in the production of chocolate, it is also part of some cosmetic products, including massage oils and skin-care products. It is one of the most stable, highly concentrated natural fats.