The journey of cocoa is a Thousands of years old history, rich of
traditions and culture, starting from ancient
pre-Columbian civilizations until it became a symbol
of excellence and pleasure around the world.

The roots of cocoa go back to Central
and South America, where populations such as the Olmecs, the
Maya and the Aztecs began to use this
precious plant. The Olmecs, around 1500 BC,
were among t he first to discover the qualities of cocoa,
while the Maya, by 250 AD, considered it sacred.
Cocoa was not only a food, but a true symbol
of wealth: cocoa beans were used
as currency and conferred prestige to
those who possessed them. The drink “xocolatl,” a mixture
of cocoa and spices like vanilla and chili pepper, was a
prerogative of ritual ceremonies and reserved
for the noble classes.

The Aztecs associated cocoa with the god
Quetzalcoatl, the bringer of wisdom, and they
believed it had aphrodisiac and energy-boosting
properties. It was consumed by warriors and the
elite during religious ceremonies and sacred rituals,
where chocolate represented power and divinity.

In the 16th century, cocoa made its entrance
into Europe thanks to the Spanish conquistadors.
The bitter drink of the Maya was sweetened
with sugar, quickly becoming a symbol of luxury,
appreciated in aristocratic courts.
In Italy, it was Piedmont that stood out for the spread
of chocolate. The noble ladies of the House of Savoy
promoted the consumption of chocolate, helping to
make it a refined pleasure present in the salons
of the Savoy capital.