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Chocolate Abuelita is a beloved Mexican hot chocolate brand known for its blend of chocolate, sugar, and cinnamon. It was originally created by the Fábrica de Chocolates La Azteca in 1939. The term “Abuelita” translates to “grandmother” or rather “granny” in English, reflecting the comforting and nostalgic association many have with the drink, often evoking memories of family gatherings and traditional Mexican culture.
The brand became widely recognized after Nestlé acquired it in 1995. One of the most iconic aspects of Chocolate Abuelita is its packaging, which features the image of Sara García, a renowned actress in classic Mexican cinema, who became the face of the brand in 1973. Sara García, known affectionately as “Mexico’s grandmother,” symbolized warmth and familial love, perfectly aligning with the brand’s identity.
Chocolate Abuelita is typically sold in the form of tablets, which are melted into milk to create a rich, frothy beverage. The combination of its ingredients provides a distinct flavor profile that has made it a staple in Mexican households for decades.
Fábrica de Chocolates La Azteca was founded in 1919 by the brothers Francisco and Raymundo González Barragán in Orizaba, Veracruz. Initially, it was established by Antonio Zgaip and Alfonso Arana in 1917, but the González Barragán brothers took over two years later. The factory moved to Mexico City in 1929, where it continued to expand its operations.
La Azteca became known for producing several popular chocolate brands, including Chocolate Abuelita, Carlos V, and Chocolate Morelia. In 1970, the company made a deal with the Quaker Oats Company which helped its product distribution and significantly boosted its presence in the Mexican chocolate market. By 1988, La Azteca had acquired Larín, another major chocolate producer in Mexico, further solidifying its market leadership
But not everything was good. In 1995, Quaker needed money to purchase the Snapple Beverage Co, so they sold La Azteca and its brands to Nestlé, integrating them into its extensive portfolio. Despite the acquisition by Nestlé, the legacy of La Azteca’s chocolates, especially Chocolate Abuelita, continues to be accepted in Mexico.
This is one of the original surviving pre-Nestlé, Chocolate Abuelita TV commercials:
Doña Sara García (1895-1980). Who knows if Nestlé pays royalties to her estate for using her image all these decades?
This is what has happened to many successful Mexican brands, including Sabritas, Chocolate Abuelita, and many former Mexican tequila brands: Don Julio, Patrón, Avión; Cerveza Corona, and the whole Cervecería Modelo, Tecate, Carta Blanca, Ricolino, Cajeta Coronado.
References: (Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre) (México Desconocido) (Abuelita® 80 años.) (Wikiwand).
