The 1800s marked a turning point in chocolate history. From the invention of advanced machinery to the rise of industrial production, chocolate transitioned from a rare treat enjoyed by royalty to a beloved treat for all.
Inventors, chocolatiers, and entrepreneurs transformed chocolate from a hand-crafted luxury into a treat enjoyed by millions — and invented some of your favorites along the way.
François-Louis Cailler opened the world's first mechanized chocolate factory in Corsier, near Vevey, Switzerland. By using water-powered machinery, he could produce chocolate on a scale never seen before.
John Cadbury, a Quaker who believed drinking chocolate was a healthy alternative to alcohol, opened a tea, coffee, and chocolate shop in Birmingham, England. His family would go on to build one of the world's most famous chocolate companies.
Coenraad Van Houten, a Dutch chocolate maker, invented a hydraulic press that removed most of the cocoa butter from roasted cacao beans. This left a dry cake that could be ground into cocoa powder — making chocolate cheaper and easier to produce for everyone.
François-Louis Cailler added water-powered mills to his factory in Corsier, Switzerland, increasing production and improving the quality and consistency of his chocolate.
J. S. Fry & Sons in England created the first solid chocolate bar by mixing cocoa butter back into cocoa powder with sugar. Not many people liked it at first because of its bitter taste — but it started a revolution.
John Cadbury joined with his brother Benjamin to form the Cadbury Brothers of Birmingham. A year later the business passed to John's sons, Richard and George, who would transform it into a global brand.
Richard Cadbury designed the first heart-shaped candy box for Valentine's Day. He filled the ornate boxes with eating chocolates — and even when the chocolates were gone, people kept the beautiful boxes for storing love letters and mementos.
Jean Tobler began production of handmade confections in Bern, Switzerland — the start of what would become one of the world's most recognizable chocolate brands.
Baker's Chocolate Company officially began using the chocolate girl painting as its registered company trademark.
Daniel Peter, son-in-law of François-Louis Cailler, figured out how to combine milk with cocoa powder to create the world's first milk chocolate. He used condensed milk developed by his neighbor Henri Nestlé.
Henri Nestlé, founder of the Nestlé Company and inventor of condensed milk — a key ingredient in milk chocolate — died in Montreux, Switzerland.
Leo Hirschfield introduced his chewy chocolate candy — the first penny candy to be individually wrapped. He named it "Tootsie" after his daughter Clara's nickname.
Jean Tobler formally established his chocolate company in Bern, Switzerland, setting the stage for one of chocolate's most iconic shapes.