University of Reading Creates First 100% British Chocolate Bar Since 1932, Highlighting Cocoa Industry Challenges
The University of Reading has produced the first chocolate bar made entirely from British ingredients since 1932. Named the Reading 100 Chocolate Bar, it was created to commemorate the university's 100th anniversary. The chocolate uses cocoa grown in Berkshire, rather than the traditional sources like Brazil or Bali. This initiative was led by Maha Khan, a food security master's student, who harvested, fermented, and processed the cocoa locally. The project aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by the cocoa industry, including climate change, pests, and diseases, which threaten cocoa production. The UK's chocolate market, valued at £10.4 billion, is currently dependent on imported cocoa, making this development significant in terms of local production capabilities. 
