Cocoa pods from Ambanja, Madagascar

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A chocolate lover's favourite fruit. World Chocolate Day

Few people can say no to the rich deliciousness of chocolate. On July 7 each year, we celebrate World Chocolate Day to shine a spotlight on this tasty treat and to allow people to indulge in it without a tinge of guilt.

Chocolate has a fascinating history, which can be traced back to the indigenous Olmec people of Mesoamerica, who dried and fermented the pods of the cacao tree to create an unsweetened alcoholic beverage. The solid chocolate bars we love today came much later, in the 19th century, when J.S. Fry and Sons put them into production. Soon, iconic brands like Cadbury and Mars followed suit. What's your favourite kind of chocolate? Whether it's the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate, or the bitterness of super dark chocolate, feel free today to have a nibble of this wonderful confection.