This document discusses the history of chocolate and its production. It notes that chocolate originated in Mesoamerica and was first consumed by the Aztecs and Mayans in liquid form. Cacao beans were used as currency by the Aztecs. The Spanish introduced chocolate to Europe in the 16th century after conquering the Aztec empire, and it gradually became popular as a drink among the elite. By the 19th century, chocolate had evolved into solid candy bars through advances in production and processing techniques.