This National Chocolate Day feels particularly special at Montezuma's this year. Not just because we're rather devoted to chocolate (massive understatement), but because it connects us to the wonderfully eccentric story behind our name. Having celebrated our 25th anniversary this past August, this National Chocolate Day seems the perfect moment to share the tale of how we went from ambitious kitchen experiment to Britain's most mischievous chocolate makers.
The Emperor's Remarkable Chocolate Obsession
Let us introduce you to Motecuhzoma Xocoyotzin, Montezuma II, to his friends, an Aztec Emperor who took chocolate appreciation to extraordinary levels. As he reportedly enjoyed up to 50 mugs of chocolatl daily, which puts most of our chocolate consumption to shame. Mind you, this wasn't the silky smooth treat we know today; we're talking about a bitter, rather challenging brew that would likely send modern taste buds into revolt.
Here's where history gets deliciously ironic: when Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived in the early 1500s, Montezuma made the rather unfortunate mistake of assuming these uninvited guests were returning gods. Being a gracious host (perhaps too gracious), he shared his treasured chocolatl with them, inadvertently introducing Europe to chocolate. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving, though not quite in the way poor Montezuma intended.
Sadly, our namesake's story ended rather badly when his people cottoned on that Cortés was decidedly ungodlike. But Montezuma's chocolate passion had already set something magical in motion, a love affair with cocoa that's been brewing for over 500 years.
A Modern Love Story With Chocolate at Its Heart
Fast forward to the year 2000, when two perfectly respectable London lawyers decided life was too short for sensible career choices. After falling completely in love, first with each other, then rather dramatically with chocolate during an eye-opening South American adventure, they returned to Britain with suitcases full of inspiration and heads buzzing with ambitious plans.
Their rather audacious mission? To shake up Britain's somewhat staid chocolate scene with nothing more than a machine the size of a kitchen sink, enormous enthusiasm, and an unshakeable belief that chocolate could be exciting, surprising, and made with genuine integrity. Like Montezuma centuries before them, they became utterly captivated by cocoa's remarkable possibilities.
From Humble Beginnings to Chocolate Excellence
What began as lovingly handmade bars in a cramped kitchen has evolved into something rather wonderful, yet refreshingly unchanged in character. This August marked our 25th anniversary, and we're still that same proudly independent company, now crafting our chocolate from our charming seaside factory in West Sussex, where coastal breezes meet serious chocolate expertise.
Every bar we create today still reflects our founding principles: absolutely no palm oil (orangutans have quite enough to worry about), no artificial additives (because why on earth would you?), just the finest ethically sourced ingredients certified by respected organisations like Rainforest Alliance, Cocoa Horizons, and the Soil Association. We've remained steadfastly committed to our original belief that chocolate should surprise, delight, and be made with genuine purpose.
Over these past 25 years, we've grown from a local farm shop favourite to major retailer shelves at Sainsbury's, and we've opened our own delightful shops in Guildford, Winchester, and Oxford. Because we firmly believe that whenever chocolate cravings strike (which happens rather more often than polite society admits), there should always be some Montezuma's within easy reach.
What Really Matters
What makes us genuinely proud after all these years isn't simply the chocolate we've created, it's the wonderful community of discerning chocolate lovers we've had the pleasure to serve. You've embraced our adventurous flavours, supported our ethical mission, and allowed us to be part of your most treasured moments. Whether it's a bar that brightened a difficult day, a thoughtful gift that brought joy, or simply choosing chocolate crafted with care and conscience, you've been the true architects of our success.
Like our imperial namesake, we believe chocolate is far more than mere confection; it's celebration, comfort, discovery, and connection beautifully wrapped in our colourful packaging.
Still Passionate After All These Years
This National Chocolate Day, as we reflect on our milestone 25th anniversary celebrated this past August, we're struck by how chocolate continues to work its ancient magic. From our seaside chocolate workshop to our shops nestled in historic market towns, we're still passionately pursuing that same vision for creating chocolate experiences that truly matter.
Whether you've been with us since the early days or you're discovering us for the first time, we're delighted to share in chocolate's timeless appeal, a wonderfully indulgent tradition that connects ancient Aztec emperors to modern British chocolatiers, all bound together by the belief that exceptional chocolate is always worth the wait.
Happy National Chocolate Day!
