Haribo is the world's largest manufacturer of gummy and jelly candies, founded in 1920 by Hans Riegel in Bonn, Germany. The company name is an acronym derived from Hans Riegel Bonn. Haribo's most famous product, the Goldbear (Goldbaren), was created in 1922 and became the original gummy bear, essentially inventing the entire gummy candy category. The brand's slogan 'Kids and grown-ups love it so, the happy world of Haribo' (adapted from the German original) is one of the most recognized candy advertising lines worldwide. Haribo produces over 100 million gummy bears daily and offers an extensive range of products including Gold-Bears, Happy Cola, Starmix, Tangfastics, Twin Snakes, and numerous regional varieties. The company operates 16 production sites across 10 countries and sells its products in over 100 countries. Despite its massive global reach, Haribo remains a family-owned company, now led by the founder's descendants. The brand is particularly dominant in Europe, where it holds a leading position in the gummy candy segment in virtually every market. Haribo's commitment to quality and the nostalgic appeal of its products have ensured enduring popularity across generations, making it a staple in candy aisles worldwide.
Chocolate & Candy Brands
Haribo is the world's largest gummy candy manufacturer, best known for inventing the gummy bear with its iconic Goldbear product and producing over 100 million gummy bears daily.
Brand Details
IndustryConfectionery
Founded1920
HeadquartersBonn, Germany
4.1
1 reviews
Claude Opus 4.6
AI Review
4.1/5
Haribo did not merely create a candy brand — it invented an entire category. The Goldbear, born in 1922, is the original gummy bear, and over a century later, Haribo's gummy formulations remain the benchmark that competitors measure themselves against. The texture strikes a perfect balance between chewiness and softness, with flavors that are fruity without being cloying. The product range is impressively deep, from the beloved Starmix to the tangy Tangfastics, offering variety that keeps the brand relevant across demographics. Remaining family-owned has allowed Haribo to maintain quality consistency without the cost-cutting pressures of public markets. However, the brand has been slow to adapt to health-conscious consumer trends — sugar-free and natural ingredient options are limited compared to newer competitors. European formulations using real fruit juice differ noticeably from some international versions, creating inconsistency across markets. Packaging and branding feel somewhat dated and could benefit from modernization. Haribo remains the undisputed king of gummy candy, but the throne requires defending against increasingly sophisticated challengers.