A History Of Chocolate Making In The Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca is a great place for chocoholics to live!!! Chocolate making in the Spain began long before tourists made the Costa Blanca popular. Production of chocolate in the region has played an important part in shaping the industry throughout Europe. The Chocolate capital of Spain is the small town of Villajoyosa not far from Benidorm. 

A Trading Port

The strategic location of Villajoyosa on the Mediterranean allowed it to serve as a vital trading port with Americas during the Spanish colonial period. Ships full of cocoa beans, sugar and other exoctic goods arrived from the New World. The introduction of the ingredients to the region allowed the elite to initially enjoy the produces made as a luxurious beverage.

The Rise of Chocolate Production

By the 19th century the Costa Blanca and in particularly Villajoyosa had established itself as a centre for the production of chocolate with several small family businesses starting at this time in small workshops. Artisanal chocolatiers began to establish their unique craft, developing their blends and experiementing with flavours. The close proximity to the port esured that raw materials were regularly available and the artisans skillfully developed Spanish chocolate that is still produced in Villajoyosa today and sold throughout Spain and the world.

Valor – Chocolate Excellence

One of the most prominent names in the history of chocolate on the Costa Blanca is Valor which was founded in 1881 by Valeriano Lopez Lloret who started trading door to door in 1831 when he became a grand master of chocolate. Over the years he managed to expand the business using new tools and methods. Over the years the company has passed through generations and become Spain’s most important chocolate brand as well as being one of the most prestigious makes worldwide. 

Clavileño – High Quality Chocolatiers

Jaume Marti ( also known as Jaume Lopez Lloret but, no records confirm whether there is a relationship between him and the Valor chocolatiers ) started his chocolate career almost 200 years ago and again begun by door to door trading through the Spain’s countryside. He honed his art and begun the Clavileño chocolate company who continue to make excellent chocolate varieties in their Villajoyosa factory today.

Other Villajoyosa Chocolate Makers

Perez Chocolates were begun by Gaspar Pérez a trader and manufacturer of chocolate more than 130 years ago whose company now has huge prestige for its production of high quality artisan chocolate. They have been awarded the Artisan Seal of the Region of Valencia. Finally Villajoysa is also home to Marcos Tonda Chocolates which again started as a family business in 1793 and is known for its quality and customer care. All the chocolate makers have both factories and museums in Villajoyosa where you can enjoy tours, learn about how the products are made and indulge in tasting and shopping.

Traditional Sweet Making Continues

These chocolate makers continue to thrive on the Costa Blanca and although large- scale production has become more common, artisanal chocolatiers still flourish in the Costa Blanca offering unique, handcrafted creations. Villajoyosa hosts an annual chocolate festival where the craft can be seen and enjoyed by all who wish to visit.

A Regional Traditions

Although Villajoyosa is undoubtedly the town with a unsurpassed chocolate heritage other towns in the Costa Blanca have also made their contribution to this tradition of sweet making. Smaller producersa nd local shops also offer a range of chocolate treats that reflect the flavours and influences of the region.

Ethical Production

Valor and others have taken several steps in recent years to ensure that the cocoa beans they used are imported from farms in countries like Ghana and Ecuador where sustainable and ethical farming is practiced. Valor adhere to fair trade practices to reduce their environmental footprint and have UTZ certification which aims to improve farmers’ lives and land. Clavileño is smaller and produce a more artisanal product with a more local focus which reduces lowers their environmental impac but also focus on using high-quality sustainable ingredients. The smaller producers Marcos Tonda and Perez are also commited to the manufacture of chocolate that is high-quality and uses sustainable and ethially produced ingredients.

Conclusion - The future of Costa Blanca Chocolate

With the evolution of the tourism in the Costa Blanca the regions chocolate heritage is beginning to play a greater role as a tourist attraction with visitors enjoying tours and tastings and learning about the traditions, history and making of this deliscious creation from local artisans.  The history of chocolate making in the Costa Blanca is a reflection of the regions rich cultural heritage and its connection to the wider world. From the beginning as a trading port the Costa Blanca chocolatiers have played a significant part in shaping Europes chocolate industry and their legacy remains for all of us to enjoy firsthand today.