Mexico declares September 2nd as National Cacao and Chocolate Day

In ancient times, the Mayans considered cacao a gift from the gods, though it was briefly lost after the conquest, and then transformed by European hands into what we have come to know as chocolate.

The bitterness of Aztec beverages , the strength of Mayan cacao drinks , the subtlety of their combination with corn and achiote, as well as tablets made with cinnamon and vanilla were displaced by an European worldview.

Chocolate is deeply rooted in Mexico’s culture and history, and it has become an essential product to offer on holidays and festivities.

Data from the National Association of Chocolate Manufacturers (ASCHOCO) revealed that the chocolate market is valued at MXN$26 billion (USD$1.34 billion) in Mexico.

With aims of promoting the gastronomic, cultural, and touristic dissemination of this traditional product, the Mexican Senate unanimously approved the declaration of September 2 as the National Cacao and Chocolate Day .

The project, proposed by the Commission of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Rural Development , seeks to undertake activities to promote cacao production in the long term and thus raise income levels in Mexico’s farming sector.

The untapped potential of Mexico’s chocolate industry

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