Italian chocolate: history and famous brands

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Chocolate was brought to Italy in the sixteenth century. The spread of this sweetness began in Sicily. During this period, it was under the protectorate of Spain (this country was the first to start delivering cocoa beans to Europe). The first Italian city to start processing these grains was Modica. And now it is famous for handmade Italian chocolate, created according to old recipes.

Soon Northern Italy learned about the new sweet. There is even official evidence of the conquest of Turin by chocolate: the transfer of the capital of the Duchy of Savoy from Chambéry to Turin was marked by a ritual cup of hot chocolate. This event took place in 1560.

All the time, Spanish confectioners kept the secret of making chocolate. But in 1606, the famous traveler Francesco Carletti managed to find out the secret recipe. Such an event created a real sensation in his homeland. It was from this day that the history of Italian chocolate began.

Notable dates

Let's look at the events that were significant in the history of this sweet.

First license forthe production of Italian chocolate was issued in 1678. This was done by the Queen of Savoy. This honor was awarded to Antonio Arri. This man is considered the first chocolatier in Turin. The inhabitants of the city not only idolized this sweetness, they created their own national recipe. The drink was named "bicherin". It was a mixture of coffee, hot chocolate and fresh cream.

In 1806 there was a "forced" invention of Italian hazelnut chocolate. When the supply of cocoa beans was suspended by order of Napoleon, the local confectioners had no choice but to add hazelnuts to chocolate. They did this to save supplies. Their forced experiment was a success. After that, a new Italian chocolate with nuts appeared.

In 1860, a local confectioner made a discovery. By chance, he created defatted cocoa powder. How did it happen? The confectioner collected the remains of crushed cocoa beans in a bag. The latter absorbed almost all of their oil. The result is fat-free cocoa powder.

Five years later, the first Italian chocolate bar in a wrapper was created. It was invented by the master Keferel Prochet. Then the chocolate bar had the shape of a wedge. After that, she became a symbol of chocolate from this country.

What's happening now?

Today, Italy retains its love of chocolate. In order to be convinced of this, it is worth visiting the festival of this sweetness in the country. It takes place annually in October in the city of Perugia. Many tourists do not notice how they eat a kilogram of Italian chocolate on this holiday. As a resultall guests sweep away about six tons of different varieties of sweets.

In the same city is the largest chocolate factory in Italy. She provides many different options for sweets at the festival. At the festival, everything is literally covered in chocolate. At the festival you can see candles, shoes, spaghetti and even bolts. Such products are made of handmade chocolate and attract tourists from different countries.

The capital of this sweet in Italy is Turin. The city houses factories of famous world brands such as Caffarel, Ferrero and Strello. Also, the old handicraft production of chocolate is not forgotten here. Local residents honor and support the traditions of creating this type of sweets. Also, they do not stop in development, they are always ready to learn new things.

Famous chocolate brands in the country

Let's get acquainted with the famous brands of Italian chocolate. One of these is Perugina. This is the oldest brand. Ferrero chocolate is known to many. This is a world class brand. The manufacturer produces the popular Nutella chocolate spread.

Another famous brand is Modica. Often, the products of this company (for example, a kilogram bar of chocolate) are bought as a souvenir for relatives and friends.

Venchi brand launches exclusive handmade chocolate in Italy. Another famous brand is Amedei Tuscany. This company honors old traditions and learns new ones. Founded in 1990. Produces various types of sweets: pastes, tileschocolate and bars.

Small conclusion

Now you know why Italian chocolate is so popular, what are some interesting facts about its history. In addition, popular brands of this sweet were named in the article. Italian-made chocolate is rightfully considered one of the best in the world.