Did you know that chocolate is the most popular sweet in the world? Humans grow and consume more than 3 million tons of cacao every year!

Chocolate is a food worthy of year-round celebration, especially on World Chocolate Day.

Are you excited to dig into this year’s sweetest celebration? How can brands and social media managers get involved?

Check out this enticing guide to World Chocolate Day.

When is World Chocolate Day?

World Chocolate Day (or International Chocolate Day) falls on July 7 every year. In 2022, World Chocolate Day occurs on Thursday, July 7. On this day, chocolate-lovers around the globe will have the perfect excuse to indulge in sweet goodies.

The history of World Chocolate Day

Although humans have enjoyed chocolate for thousands of years, World Chocolate Day wasn’t invented until 2009. Nobody knows exactly who established World Chocolate Day, but they certainly deserve our thanks.

Historians estimate that chocolate was widely introduced to Europe on July 7, 1550. This introduction symbolizes chocolate’s debut from South America to the rest of the world. Now, World Chocolate Day is celebrated on July 7 every year.

The history of chocolate

What better way to appreciate chocolate than to learn about its origins? Chocolate originated in Latin America, where indigenous people began harvesting and domesticating the cacao (“kakawa”) plant.

Chocolate, as we know it today, is much sweeter now than it was then. People mixed the cacao beans, pulp, and peppers into beverages believed to fortify and strengthen their soldiers. This is the origin of “hot” chocolate, which was actually somewhat bitter and spicy.

Researchers believe that Mesoamerican civilizations cultivated the cacao plant for thousands of years before European explorers arrived in the Americas. Christopher Columbus may have been one of the first Europeans to taste chocolate when he encountered Mayan cacao bean traders. During the early 1550s, more explorers, including Hernan Cortez, brought back cacao beans and ancient recipes.

The Spanish, who had colonized several Caribbean islands, were among the first to add sugar cane to chocolate. This made the bitter food more appealing, and chocolate quickly became a delicacy for the upper classes. Over the next few centuries, chocolate became more affordable and widespread.

In 1868, Cadbury introduced the first mass-produced chocolate candies in England. Cadbury remains a popular chocolate manufacturer still to this day.

How to celebrate World Chocolate Day

We want to celebrate chocolate every day, but especially on World Chocolate Day! Throw a few more candies on your plate and check out these fun ways to indulge.

Spread the word

Happiness is best when shared. One great way to celebrate World Chocolate Day is to spread the word to friends, family and customers. Snap a pic of some chocolate treats and share it on your social media page so others know to celebrate too!

Indulge in some goodies

Obviously, the celebration wouldn’t be complete without some chocolatey confections. Order a mocha latte in the morning, grab a handful of candies at lunch, or sip on a chocolate cocktail after work. Enjoy the summer heat and World Chocolate Day with a hefty scoop of chocolate ice cream.

Today, there are endless ways to enjoy chocolate. Celebrate with customers by offering free chocolate samples and treats in your storefront.

Make treats at home

Family is often a key component of small business storytelling. Making chocolate treats is a great way to get the whole family involved in World Chocolate Day. Post the finished products to share your family’s love with your patrons.

If you’d like to honor the origins of chocolate, try making your very own Mayan hot chocolate.

Sweeten someone’s day

Surprise everyone at the office with a batch of chocolate chip cookies or send a box of fine chocolates and flowers to your loved ones. People who aren’t aware of World Chocolate Day will be thrilled to celebrate with you. Make sharing chocolate on July 7 a yearly tradition.

World Chocolate Day deals

What’s even sweeter than chocolate? Great deals on chocolate!

Celebrate World Chocolate Day by shopping or hosting promotional deals. These are some popular brands that have hosted promotional events in the past:

  • Ghirardelli
  • Godiva
  • M&M’s
  • See’s Candies
  • Russell Stover
  • McDonald’s
  • World Market
  • Edible Arrangements

In 2021, Godiva offered special chocolate treat boxes to celebrate. They shared an adorable Instagram post inviting customers to celebrate with Godiva products. Who wouldn’t want to splurge on some truffles?

For the past several years, Edible Arrangements has offered cheery Facebook posts to keep people in on the loop. Accompanying text with a sweet, colorful photograph seems to be the best way to reach users.

https://www.facebook.com/edibleyoungstown/videos/2376446489305972/

You don’t have to be a chocolate company to get in on the fun! Wholesale jewelers Murray & Co. reminded patrons to treat their loved ones on the special day. That also suggested giving yourself a new name for the day by combining your favorite diamond cut with your favorite chocolate!

Everyone loves an excuse to celebrate and indulge. Schedule a social media post on your business page to inform patrons of your sweet deals.

World Chocolate Day frequently asked questions

What is World Chocolate Day?

World Chocolate Day, also known as International Chocolate Day, is a day celebrating the history and popularity of chocolate!

When is World Chocolate Day?

World Chocolate Day occurs every year on July 7. This day was chosen because chocolate was introduced to Europe on July 7, 1550.

Who invented World Chocolate Day?

The yearly celebration began in 2009, but it is uncertain who invented World Chocolate Day. Luckily, anyone can join in on the international celebration.

How can you celebrate World Chocolate Day?

You can celebrate World Chocolate Day by eating chocolate, of course! Share chocolate goodies with friends, family and coworkers too.

Where does chocolate come from?

Chocolate is produced from cacao beans. Cacao plants are native to South America, where they have been grown and harvested by indigenous people for thousands of years.

Socials sweet as chocolate

Chocolate is like the great connector of humankind. It’s popular worldwide, universally loved, and a joy to receive. If you need a reason to treat yourself or your fans, don’t forget to celebrate World Chocolate Day.

Do you want to discover more trends and boost your engagement online? Sprout is here to help you scale your brand across social media platforms. Start your free 30-day trial to get started today and discover new tools.