Chocolate: Most popular Valentine's present in Mexico

According to data obtained by Mondelez International , around 50% of Mexicans will celebrate the Day of Love and Friendship (Valentine’s Day) on February 14 in company of their loved ones. Though this holiday is of the liking of most, around 41% of people purchase Valentine’s Day presents at the last minute.

For their part, around 80% of people who celebrate this holiday in Mexico prefer to give presents such as flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals, and sweets , according to the market research agency Atlanta Search .

Chocolates continue to be the favorite choice since 32% of Mexicans receive chocolates during St. Valentine’s Day .

According to data from the National Association of Chocolate Makers (ASCHOCO) , Mexico’s annual chocolate consumption is of 26.5 ounces of chocolate per person , which makes it an extremely popular present, even for those who do not buy their presents in advance.

This date also represents an increase in online searches for poems by Mario Benedetti and Julio Cortázar , as well as the sale of greeting cards worldwide, and has even become one of the most popular dates for marriages.

2018 showed a 22% increase in people who chose to celebrate Valentine’s Day compared with 2017.

People living in Mexico City will spend between MXN$750 and MXN$1,500 on presents for Valentine's Day, according to the National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism (CANACO). Men will be the biggest spenders.

The marketing of electronic devices and cellphones will likely show an increase during this season, reaching a value of MXN$4.79 billion in 2019, which represents a 2.83% increase compared with last year.

Who was St. Valentine?

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