world chocolate day
Chocolate lovers all over the world join to celebrate July 7 each year, marking a special day dedicated to one of the most popular and enjoyable treats. Known as ‘World Chocolate Day’, it brings people together to share their love for this delicious delight. In Pakistan, the celebration is gaining popularity with each passing year, especially among the younger generation and urban populations.
Pakistanis have traditionally favoured sweets like mithai and halwa during festive occasions, weddings, and family gatherings. However, there is a significant shift in consumer preferences, especially in metropolitan cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Chocolates are slowly becoming part of our local culture, used in everything from wedding giveaways to birthday hampers and corporate gifts.
The growing love for chocolates in Pakistan can be seen clearly on World Chocolate Day. On this day, social media platforms are filled with people posting photos of chocolate cakes, brownies, and handmade chocolate gift boxes. Local bakeries offer discounts, and chocolate brands launch promotional campaigns to attract customers. Food delivery platforms and e-commerce sites also see an increase in chocolate-related orders.
In recent years, the chocolate business in Pakistan has grown manifold. This includes both imported and local brands. While global names like Lindt, Ferrero Rocher, Toblerone, and Cadbury are popular among those who prefer premium chocolates; many Pakistani entrepreneurs have also entered the market with creative and locally made chocolate products. From handmade truffles and chocolate-coated nuts to gourmet chocolate bars infused with spices like cardamom and chilli, local producers are experimenting with ingredients and packaging to meet consumer demand.
One of the biggest shifts has been the increase in small-scale chocolate businesses, especially those started by women and young entrepreneurs. Many of these businesses started during the COVID-19 lockdowns when people began exploring home-based businesses. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook became popular spaces to market these products. These home-grown brands focus on quality, creativity, and customisation, offering chocolate products that are unique and attractively packaged. Many businesses offer personalised chocolates with names or messages printed on them, catering to the growing trend of customised gifting in Pakistan.
The rise of online gifting and delivery services has further boosted the chocolate business. In the past, it was not easy to send chocolates as gifts across cities, but today, platforms like TCS Sentiments Express and local gift delivery start-ups have made it possible to send beautifully packed chocolate boxes to loved ones across Pakistan with just a few clicks. One of the most popular trends in Pakistan’s gift industry today is the use of chocolates in flower gift boxes. These combination boxes, often featuring fresh flowers alongside assorted chocolates. The trend of chocolate and flower boxes has also created new opportunities for the local florists and chocolate makers. Florists have expanded their product lines to include chocolates, while chocolatiers now work closely with the event planners and decorators to create custom gift arrangements.
This growing chocolate culture has also found its way into schools and educational institutions. On World Chocolate Day, schools organise chocolate-themed activities like baking competitions, drawing contests, and classroom parties. Children bring chocolate treats to share with friends, and teachers often plan lessons or storytelling sessions around the history and journey of chocolate.
Interestingly, the rise in the demand for chocolate has also led to an increase in interest in chocolate-making courses. Several culinary schools and training centres across Pakistan now offer short courses and workshops in chocolate making. These courses teach participants how to temper chocolate, mould it into different shapes, add flavours, and decorate it professionally. Some of the most successful home-based chocolate businesses in Pakistan today are run by the people who started their journey from a weekend workshop.
The economic side of this growing chocolate culture is also worth mentioning. As more people get involved in chocolate-related businesses, there is a noticeable contribution to the local economy. These businesses create employment opportunities, support suppliers of packaging materials, and boost demand for quality ingredients such as cocoa powder, dairy products, and nuts. Moreover, with improved digital banking services and courier networks, it has become easier for small entrepreneurs to manage payments, deliveries, and customer communication.
However, the industry still faces challenges. The price of imported cocoa and chocolate-making equipment is high due to the rupee’s depreciation and import duties. This makes it difficult for the small businesses to compete with cheaper, mass-produced chocolates available in the market. Also, in the hot summer months, maintaining the quality of chocolates during storage and delivery becomes a challenge, especially for businesses that cannot afford cold-chain logistics. But despite these hurdles, the passion and creativity of Pakistani entrepreneurs continue to drive innovation in this growing sector.
It is heartening to note that even in smaller cities and towns, people are opening chocolate shops or selling chocolate-based products online. Digital literacy, mobile payments, and rising access to social media have empowered people from different backgrounds and regions to enter the chocolate business. There are now young entrepreneurs in cities like Gujranwala, Multan, and Abbottabad offering handmade chocolates that compete with big-city brands in terms of taste and presentation.
World Chocolate Day in Pakistan reflects changing tastes, growing entrepreneurship, and the power of creativity in turning a simple treat into a thriving business opportunity. Whether it is a teenager gifting a chocolate bouquet to their friend, a florist adding imported chocolates to a flower box, or a young mother running a successful chocolate brand from her home kitchen, the love for chocolate is bringing people together in sweet and inspiring ways.
As we celebrate World Chocolate Day each year, it is important to recognise the efforts of those who are turning their passion for chocolate into something bigger. These businesses are not only spreading joy through their products but are also contributing to a changing economy where talent, innovation, and determination can shine - one chocolate at a time.
The writer is a seasoned journalist and a communications professional. He can be reached at tariqkikgmail.com