A student at the University of Reading has achieved a historic feat by creating the first chocolate bar made entirely from British-grown cocoa since 1932.

Key Takeaways

  • The 'Reading 100 Chocolate Bar' marks the University of Reading's centenary.
  • It is the first commercially viable UK-grown chocolate since 1932.
  • The cocoa was cultivated at the International Cocoa Quarantine Centre in Berkshire.
  • The project highlights the vulnerabilities of the cocoa industry to climate change.

In a remarkable breakthrough for British agriculture, a chocolate bar made entirely from British ingredients has been produced for the first time in nearly a century. Moving away from the traditional reliance on cocoa from Brazil or Bali, this chocolate features cocoa grown right in Berkshire.

Developed at the University of Reading, the 'Reading 100 Chocolate Bar' was created to celebrate the institution's 100th anniversary. This milestone mirrors a rare moment in history from 1932, when Rowntree's gifted a six-year-old Princess Elizabeth a similar bar of UK-grown chocolate.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that while the UK's chocolate market is a massive £10.4bn industry, it remains almost entirely dependent on imported raw materials. This project, led by food security master's student Maha Khan, serves as a vital demonstration of how domestic research can mitigate global supply chain risks.

Climate change, pests, and diseases are estimated to cause a 30% to 40% loss in cocoa production, making local research more critical than ever.

The cocoa was harvested from the university's International Cocoa Quarantine Centre, a facility that manages over 300 types of cocoa plants and serves as a primary hub for 97% of the world's cocoa-growing nations. Khan meticulously managed the process—from harvesting and fermenting the beans for ten days to roasting and blending them in university labs.

Historical Context

Since the mid-20th century, the British chocolate industry has functioned through a globalized supply chain, sourcing from the tropics of Africa, South America, and Asia. This recent achievement breaks a nearly 94-year streak of total import reliance for commercial-grade chocolate production.

Did You Know?: The International Cocoa Quarantine Centre in Berkshire is a critical global hub used to prevent the spread of pests between cocoa-growing regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where was the cocoa grown?
The cocoa was grown at the University of Reading's International Cocoa Quarantine Centre in Berkshire, UK.

2. Why was this chocolate made?
It was created to celebrate the university's 100th anniversary and to highlight the challenges of food security and climate change.