As National Chocolate Week begins, survey reveals that many women would rather have chocolate than affection · One third of UK women choose chocolate over affection from partner · West Midlanders most likely to pass up on kisses for chocolate · Northern Irish revealed as the most romantic A recent survey* has revealed that we truly are a nation of chocoholics, with over one third† of women stating that they would rather have chocolate than a kiss from their other half. The survey, commissioned by Tesco Chocolates, shows that whilst just 21% of men would make the choice, one in three women would forego romance for a sweet treat. Unfortunately for men living in the West Midlands, their ladies were deemed to be the most likely to sacrifice a smooch, with 36% stating that they would rather have chocolate. The North West, Scotland, and Wales all closely followed behind, with one in three all stating a preference for confectionery over romance. However, all is not lost – the people of Northern Ireland have been revealed as the UK’s great romantics, with only 5% saying they would give up a kiss with their partner. Stuart Shaw, Confectionery Category Manager for Tesco, said: “We already knew that the UK loves chocolate, but it has even come as a big surprise to us how many people would choose it over a special moment with a loved one. “Perhaps we all just need a little more romance in our lives – and what better way to say it than with chocolates?” Tesco’s survey was commissioned to mark National Chocolate Week (14th – 20th October) ahead of the expansion of its finest* and Chokablok ranges for Christmas 2013. Source: sourcewire