Where Is Haribo From

Haribo is one of the most recognised sweet brands in the world. Those brightly coloured bags filled with gummy bears, fizzy bottles and chewy rings have become staples in sweet shops, supermarkets and pick and mix counters across the UK and beyond. But while the brand is now truly international, its origins are firmly rooted in a very specific place and time. So where is Haribo from, and how did it grow from a small local business into a global leader in the world of confectionery? The answer takes us back over a century to the heart of Germany and the imagination of one determined sweetmaker.

The Origins of Haribo

Haribo was founded in 1920 in Bonn, a city in western Germany. The name is an acronym that combines the first two letters of the founder’s name, Hans Riegel, and his hometown, Bonn. So Haribo stands for Hans Riegel Bonn. Hans Riegel started the company in a small kitchen with just a copper pot, a rolling pin and a sack of sugar. It was a humble beginning, but one that laid the groundwork for a revolution in sweet making. In 1922, Hans created the “Dancing Bear,” a fruit-flavoured gummy sweet inspired by the performing bears that were common at the time. This bear would eventually evolve into the Goldbear, Haribo’s most iconic creation.

How Haribo Grew into a Household Name

From those early days in Bonn, Haribo expanded quickly. The sweets were an instant hit thanks to their unique chewy texture and fruity flavour. The Goldbears in particular became a firm favourite among children and adults alike. After Hans Riegel’s death in 1945, his sons Hans Jr and Paul took over the business and helped turn it into a global brand. They introduced new manufacturing methods, expanded the product range and began exporting to other countries. By the 1980s, Haribo had become a dominant force in the European confectionery market, and by the early 2000s it was a familiar name worldwide.

Where Is Haribo Made Today

Although Haribo’s headquarters are still in Bonn, the company now operates multiple factories across Europe and beyond. In addition to Germany, Haribo has production facilities in countries such as France, Spain, Hungary, Turkey and the UK. In fact, the Haribo factory in Castleford, West Yorkshire, is one of the most important production sites outside of Germany. It supplies sweets to much of the UK market and is even home to a popular visitor attraction celebrating the brand’s history. Different factories often make slightly different versions of the same product, depending on local tastes and dietary requirements.

Is Haribo Still a Family Business

Yes, Haribo remains a family-owned company. After being passed down to Hans Riegel’s sons, the company has continued to operate under family leadership. Despite its size and global reach, Haribo still maintains many of the values established by its founder. Quality, consistency and a focus on fun have always been central to the brand’s success. The family’s close involvement in the business is part of what sets Haribo apart from other large confectionery companies that are owned by corporate conglomerates.

What Makes Haribo Unique

One of the reasons Haribo has remained so popular for over a century is its commitment to creating sweets that are not only tasty but also imaginative. The shapes, colours and textures of Haribo sweets are instantly recognisable. Whether it is a cola bottle, a fried egg or a heart-shaped jelly, each sweet is designed to be visually appealing and fun to eat. The brand has also done well to adapt to changing tastes and dietary trends, introducing vegetarian options, seasonal editions and region-specific flavours.

The Global Love for Haribo

While Haribo started in Germany, it has become a symbol of joy and nostalgia around the world. In the UK, Haribo has become a favourite at birthday parties, school trips, cinema outings and long car rides. Its iconic advertising campaigns and catchy slogans have helped build a loyal following that spans generations. From France to Australia and the USA, people everywhere have embraced the playful charm of Haribo’s sweets. Yet despite its international reach, the heart of the brand still beats in Bonn, where it all began over a hundred years ago.

Final Thoughts

So, where is Haribo from? It all started in Bonn, Germany, in 1920 with one man’s vision and a copper pot. Today, Haribo is one of the most recognised and beloved sweet brands in the world, still based in its hometown but with fans in nearly every corner of the globe. Whether you are nibbling on a Goldbear or unwrapping a Tangfastic, each sweet is a small taste of a story that began over a century ago and continues to delight millions to this day.