[Sasnet] FW: call for papers: history of cocoa and chocolate

[Wells, Christian]

________________________________

From: Schulte Beerbuehl [mailto:schulteb at phil-fak.uni-duesseldorf.de]
Sent: Thu 30/07/2009 08:51
Subject: call for papers: history of cocoa and chocolate
Call for Papers

International workshop on the history of cocoa and chocolate


Date and venue: Chocolate museum Cologne, 28 -29 October 2010

The history of chocolate, its production and consumption is a
fascinating and important part of our modern economic, social and
cultural history. Since the arrival of the cocoa bean in Europe in the
early 16^th century its products have shaped the pattern of consumption
and enjoyment.

Today it is hard to imagine a life without chocolate in the western
world. The industry has acquired a central position in some European
countries. In Germany the chocolate industry had a turn-over of 4.4
billion Euros in 2008 and in Switzerland 1.2 billion Euros. Indeed,
Switzerland has had the highest per capital consumption with 12.4 kg,
closely followed by Belgium, Britain and Germany.

Chocolate is not only a mass product but life-style. Within the last few
decades multiple new products have been created, which on the one hand
draw on the indigenous cultures of America. On the other hand a new
culture of chocolate consumption has emerged which manifests itself in
chocolate festivals, exhibitions and chocolate shops or "chocolateries".
Medicine has also rediscovered chocolate. Big international research
programmes have been undertaken on the health supporting properties of
the flavanols or polyphenols in the cocoa beans.

While chocolate has become the relish of the masses, the history of
chocolate has been neglected in historical research for a long time.
Only within the last few years a certain change can be seen. A few
publications have come out either on the history of single companies or
on particular aspects.

However, since the arrival of the chocolate in Europe it has experienced
a profound change. It was turned from an Indian hot drink to a solid
chocolate bar and truffles followed by a variety of new product
variations. In the regions of origin it has also had a deep impact on
the production methods and working conditions.

The cultural and economic changes shall be subject of an international
workshop on the history of chocolate. Proposals are invited on any
aspect of research relating to the history of chocolate including the
following themes:

1. Areas of cultivation and production methods

2. Development and organisation of the cocoa trade

3. Technical innovations and product innovation (transition from craft
to industry)

4. cultural innovations specific patterns of chocolate consumption and
rituals, chocolate china etc)

5. Working conditions on the plantations and in the European chocolate
manufactories)

6. Enterprise and marketing

7. Chocolate and health

The conference languages will be English and German


*Deadline* for submission is 31.Oct. 2009


The workshop will be co-organized by the Chocolate Museum Cologne,
Rheinisch-Westfaelisches Wirtschaftsarchiv Cologne and Historisches
Seminar II, University of Duesseldorf

Proposals for papers should include a short (one page) abstract, and a
brief CV. If you have any questions, please contact Margrit Schulte
Beerbuehl at schulteb at phil-fak.uni-duesseldorf.de
<mailto:schulteb at phil-fak.uni-duesseldorf.de>

Proposals should be send to:

Dr. Margrit Schulte Beerbuehl, Historisches Seminar II, Heinrich
Heine-Universitaet, Universitaetsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf,

email:schulteb at phil-fak.uni-duesseldorf.de
<mailto:schulteb at phil-fak.uni-duesseldorf.de>


Kind regards
Margrit


PD Dr. Margrit Schulte Beerbuehl
Historisches Seminar II
Heinrich Heine Universitaet
Universitaetsstr. 1
40225 Duesseldorf
Germany
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