Is Haribo German

If you have ever chewed your way through a packet of Haribo Starmix, picked out your favourite Goldbears or shared a tub of Tangfastics at a party, you have likely tasted one of the most iconic confectionery brands in the world. Haribo is everywhere, from corner shops in Yorkshire to supermarket aisles in Sydney. Its rainbow-bright packaging and playful sweets have become part of global snacking culture. But with so many production sites and varieties now available around the world, it is fair to ask the question. Where is Haribo really from? Is Haribo German? The answer is yes. Haribo is proudly and unmistakably German. The brand has its roots firmly planted in the heart of Germany and although it now spans continents, its identity and values remain closely tied to the country that created it over a century ago.

The Birthplace of Haribo: Bonn, Germany

Haribo’s story begins in 1920 in Bonn, a picturesque city on the banks of the River Rhine in western Germany. The brand name itself is a clue to its origins. Haribo is a blend of the founder Hans Riegel’s name and hometown, taken from the first two letters of Hans, Riegel and Bonn. Hans Riegel Bonn. It was in this very city that Hans Riegel, a trained confectioner, started making sweets in his kitchen with a copper pot, a sugar bag and an entrepreneurial spirit. His first major success came in 1922, when he created the Dancing Bear, a fruit-flavoured jelly sweet that would later evolve into the iconic Goldbear gummy we know today. These early bears were larger, softer and inspired by the performing bears seen at German street festivals of the time.

Haribo’s Growth into a German Institution

From those humble beginnings, Haribo grew steadily, gaining popularity across Germany and eventually Europe. The quality of the sweets, combined with Hans Riegel’s clever branding and marketing, helped the company stand out in an increasingly crowded confectionery market. Haribo became known for its cheerful advertising, catchy jingles and charming mascots, all of which played into the joyful and family-friendly image it cultivated. By the time Hans Riegel passed away in 1945, Haribo had already become a household name in Germany. His sons, Hans Jr and Paul, took over and transformed the company into an international giant while preserving its strong German identity. They expanded production facilities, introduced new recipes and developed global distribution networks while keeping the headquarters and heart of the business in Germany.

German Craftsmanship and Sweet Tradition

Haribo is often cited as a shining example of traditional German manufacturing values. Precision, consistency and high standards are at the core of its production processes. The company still maintains its headquarters in Germany, now located in Grafschaft, a town near Bonn in the Rhineland-Palatinate region. From here, Haribo continues to oversee much of its innovation and quality control, ensuring that the sweets retain their distinctive flavour, texture and cheerful branding. German craftsmanship is deeply embedded in every stage of Haribo production, from the selection of ingredients to the design of each gummy bear’s smile. It is not just about national pride. It is about upholding a century-old legacy of excellence.

International Reach Without Losing Its Roots

Although Haribo is German in origin, the brand has grown into a global force. It now operates production facilities in more than a dozen countries including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Turkey and the United States. Different markets have their own popular varieties and regional preferences and Haribo is known for adapting its product lines to suit local tastes. Some countries offer vegan or halal ranges while others feature unique flavours not seen elsewhere. Yet no matter where Haribo is sold or made, its German heritage is never lost. The packaging often includes references to the brand’s origin and the Goldbear mascot has become a cultural export in its own right.

British Love for a German Favourite

In the UK, Haribo is especially beloved. From multipacks in school lunchboxes to bulk tubs at Christmas, the sweets are a mainstay of British snacking culture. The company operates a major factory in Castleford, West Yorkshire, which produces much of the Haribo sold across the country. Despite the local production, the brand’s German identity is still acknowledged and respected. Many British consumers are well aware of Haribo’s origins and the brand has never attempted to disguise or dilute its heritage. Instead, it proudly promotes its German roots while building affection through familiar slogans and playful advertising that resonate with British audiences.

Cultural Impact and Lasting Legacy

Haribo’s influence on the world of sweets cannot be overstated. It was one of the first companies to popularise fruit-flavoured gummy sweets and its innovations have set the standard for generations of confectioners. The Goldbear alone has become an iconic figure in the world of snacks, inspiring countless imitations and variations. But beyond the sweets themselves, Haribo represents something more enduring. It is a brand that grew from a single idea in a German kitchen into a global symbol of joy, imagination and delicious fun. Through all its growth, it has never abandoned its origins and in doing so, it has become a source of national pride for Germany and a nostalgic favourite for sweet lovers everywhere.

Final Thoughts

So, is Haribo German? Absolutely. It was born in Bonn in 1920 and has remained a family-owned German company ever since. Even as it has expanded across the globe, Haribo has kept its core values, production standards and identity rooted in German tradition. Every gummy bear, cola bottle and jelly ring carries a little taste of that heritage. Whether you enjoy them in Berlin or Birmingham, there is no mistaking where Haribo comes from. It is not just a sweet. It is a slice of German history in a colourful bag.