To celebrate the start of 2026, I am delighted to share with you a video we have just made for this New Year entitled “How chocolate took over the world!”

The history of chocolate dates back more than 5,000 years, when the cacao tree was first domesticated in present-day Mexico. Soon after, the tree was introduced to Mesoamerica, where cacao drinks gained significance as an elite beverage among cultures including the Maya and the Aztecs. Cacao was considered a gift from the gods and was used as currency, medicine and in ceremonies.

Spanish conquistadors encountered cacao in 1519 and brought it to Spain, where it was used as a form of medicine. From there, it spread through Europe over the following three centuries, gaining popularity among elites.

Following the transformation of chocolate from an elite drink into a solid, widely consumed product due to technological innovations, the 19th century saw the rise of Swiss and British chocolate makers, especially with a move to mass production.

In the last 100 years chocolate has continued to evolve with production increasing not only because of industrialisation but also because of a return to sustainable, often organic, products many of which are highly sought after by professional chefs and amateur cooks.

I hope you enjoy the video and may I wish you all the best for 2026!

Kind regards

Alexandra Verges
Bailli Délégué