You must have at least heard of one of the chocolate museum of Villajoyosa. Chocolates Valor, Pérez and Clavileño are some of the most famous, and for good reason. Villajoyosa, a town near Benidorm, boasts a long, exciting history in the chocolate industry. If you would like to know a bit more about its chocolaty beginnings, keep reading as Hotel Don Pancho is going to give you a sweet summary of its history!
History of the first chocolate factory in Villajoyosa
The origins of chocolate making in Villajoyosa date back to the 17th century. It was very different then: sailors from the town would go coastal fishing and trade in Cádiz to bring back all kinds of foods, including salted fish, almonds and more exotic products from America, such as cocoa pods. Despite this, the first chocolatier did not appear as registered until the region’s census in 1810, and they then went on to make the first cocoa factory.
For this reason, this region was a pioneer in sweet exports in the Valencian Community. Today, Villajoyosa offers visitors a tour of the chocolate factories still standing. Each year, the “Xocolatísima” event is organised. This chocolate celebration takes place in August and offers visitors guided tours of the town’s chocolate factories in addition to an endless number of activities aimed at promoting them.
However, none of the most famous factories known today were the first. That honour goes to “La Perfección”, owned by Agustín Vinaches. After his business endeavour, the number of factories gradually increased. They exported products by sea and they also used street selling throughout the Valencian region, Murcia, Barcelona and part of Andalusia.
Today, the factories you can visit are Chocolates Valor, Chocolates Clavileño and Chocolates Pérez. Keep reading to find out more!
Tour of Villajoyosa’s most famous chocolate factories
If you feel like visiting Villajoyosa, its streets are filled with the delicious scent of chocolate, which this magnificent town is famous for. Discover its leading factories!
Chocolates Valor
This factory’s founder, Valeriano López Lloret, created it in 1831. That was the moment the exciting history of chocolate in this town began. Little by little, the factory expanded and overhauled its chocolate manufacturing techniques and instruments. It has progressed so much that it has now become the country’s most important chocolate brand. It is also one of the most prestigious in the world.
Quality, carefully selected raw materials and optimal proportions are the key secrets to achieving the most delicious chocolate. This chocolatier offers a wide range of products, from traditional chocolate bars and drinking chocolates to exclusive sweets.
Its Chocolates Valor Museum has become the town’s most popular and most visited museum. In fact, it offers several tours each day, in both Spanish and English. You have to visit this incredible place!
Chocolates Clavileño
For two years now this factory has been carving its niche in the market, becoming one of the industry’s best-quality brands. In this case, it was Jaume Martí who was the architect of this chocolate empire. It is another venture that has adapted production to modern times, achieving a perfect product.
It has an immense variety of products available, offering all kinds of chocolate creations: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and even sugar-free chocolate. Its drinking chocolate is delicious.
The Chocolates Clavileño Museum in Villajoyosa allows you to witness the traditional production process: how the cocoa beans are carefully subjected to the traditional cleaning process, roasted, fermented to augment their indescribable scent, and then how their products are created. This museum is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 1.30pm and then from 4pm to 7pm.
Chocolates Pérez
This chocolate factory in Villajoyosa is the smallest of the ones we’ve named, but it’s no less important. It is tremendously successful with its craft products. In fact, it has been awarded prizes and classed as a high-quality craft chocolate.
It makes an extensive selection of products, including its perfect drinking chocolate, its exotic powdered chocolate and, of course, its traditional chocolate bars with almonds. Treat your taste buds!
In the Chocolates Pérez Museum you will learn how chocolate was previously made and discover the utensils used to make a delicious craft chocolate.
Which chocolate factory in Villajoyosa will you be visiting first?
Now you know about Villajoyosa’s chocolate-making history and its most famous factories, why don’t you organise your trip? It’s the perfect way to get away from your routine. We’re sure you’ll love the experience and you’re bound to come away with an exquisite souvenir. Here at Hotel Don Pancho, we are at your service, offering you the information you require to enjoy the experience. See you soon!
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