About Haribo
Haribo: The Inventors of the Gummy Bear Since 1920 Introduction to Haribo Haribo holds a unique place in confectionery history as the inventors of the gummy bear, creating a product category that has delighted generations worldwide. From Hans Riegel's small Bonn kitchen in 1920 to a global operation producing sweets at 16 locations across ten countries, Haribo remains a family-owned business that has stayed true to its founding mission: making people happy. In the UK, Haribo dominates the gums and jellies category with instantly recognisable products. Starmix and Tangfastics constantly battle for the top-selling sweet position, whilst Goldbears — the direct descendants of Riegel's original 1922 "Dancing Bear" — remain the iconic gummy that started it all. The UK operation, headquartered in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, produces beloved British favourites including Pontefract Cakes. At Grocefully, we help you compare Haribo prices across UK supermarkets, ensuring you can enjoy these classic sweets at the best available prices. Whether you're filling a party bowl with Starmix, satisfying a sour craving with Tangfastics, or sharing Goldbears, price comparison helps you find better value. The Haribo Story: A Family Sweet Legacy Haribo's history spans over a century of family ownership and confectionery innovation. Hans Riegel Sr.: The Founder Johannes "Hans" Riegel was born in Friesdorf near Bonn in 1893. After training as a confectioner, he became a partner in the Heinen & Riegel company before striking out on his own. On 13 December 1920, Riegel founded HARIBO — an acronym formed from HAns RIegel BOnn. He launched production in a small kitchen with minimal equipment: a sack of sugar, a marble slab, a stool, a stove, a copper pot, and a rolling pin. His wife Gertrud became the company's first employee in 1921. The Dancing Bear: Birth of the Gummy Bear Two years after founding, in 1922, Hans Riegel invented the precursor of the Goldbear, then called the "Tanzbär" (Dancing Bear). These early gummy bears were bigger and softer than today's versions, made with gum arabic rather than the gelatin now standard. This invention created an entirely new confectionery category. The gummy bear — soft, chewy, fruity, and fun — would become one of the world's most beloved sweets. In 1925, Haribo expanded into liquorice products, demonstrating early diversification. War and Succession Hans Riegel Sr.'s sons, Paul and Hans Jr., fought in World War II and were captured in American prisoner-of-war camps. Riegel himself died in 1945 at age 52, leaving his wife Gertrud in charge. Restoration began with just 30 employees after the war. In 1946, brothers Hans and Paul Riegel took over, relieving their mother. Dr Hans Riegel managed commercial operations, marketing, and sales, whilst Paul oversaw production. Success came quickly: by 1950, just five years after the war, Haribo employed around 1,000 people. Hans Riegel Jr.'s Era Johannes Peter "Hans" Riegel Jr. (1923-2013) ran the commercial side of Haribo for an remarkable 67 years, becoming Germany's oldest active Managing Director. His leadership transformed Haribo from German success to global phenomenon. Under Hans Jr., Haribo expanded internationally, acquired complementary brands (including Maoam in 1986), and built the marketing presence that made Haribo a household name worldwide. Hans Jr. died in October 2013, and his brother Paul had died in 2009. Leadership passed to nephew Hans-Guido, representing the third generation of family management. Continued Family Ownership Unlike many major sweet companies acquired by global conglomerates, Haribo remains family-owned. The Paul Riegel Family Holding and Hans Riegel Holding each hold a half stake. This family ownership provides stability and long-term thinking that publicly-traded companies often lack. The Riegel family continues the candy-making tradition Hans Sr. began over a century ago. The Haribo UK Product Range Haribo offers comprehensive sweet ranges in the UK market. Goldbears The iconic gummy bears that started it all: Original Goldbears: Colourful, chewy gummy bears in fruity flavours including raspberry, orange, strawberry, pineapple, lemon, and apple. Halal Goldbears: Imported from Turkey, manufactured using beef gelatin permissible under Islamic dietary laws. Goldbear variations: Different pack sizes from small bags to sharing tubs. Goldbears remain the foundation of Haribo's identity — the direct descendants of Hans Riegel's 1922 invention. Starmix Launched in 1995, Starmix has become one of the UK's best-selling sweets: Five iconic pieces: Hearts, bears, bottles, rings, and eggs Familiar mix of shapes and delicious flavours Various pack sizes from individual to sharing formats Starmix and Tangfastics constantly battle for the UK's top-selling sweet position — testament to British love for both ranges. Tangfastics For those who crave sour kicks and fizzy zing: Launched in 1997 Tangy-coated favourites: Cola bottles, cherries, and snakes with sour treatment Sweet and sour combination Popular with children and adults who enjoy intense flavours Tangfastics brought sour sweets into the Haribo mainstream, creating a category-defining product. Supermix Softer, creamier textures for different preferences: Marshmallow-style sweets mixed with jellies Milk bottles, foamy bears, and mellow shapes Gentler eating experience than standard gummies Supermix suits those preferring softer textures to the firmer chew of traditional gummy sweets. Maoam The chewy sweets brand acquired in 1986: Fruit-flavoured chewy bars Different texture from gummy products Strong following among chewy sweet enthusiasts Maoam represents Haribo's expansion beyond gummies into complementary categories. Pontefract Cakes A distinctly British product made at Haribo's Pontefract factory: Traditional liquorice confectionery with Yorkshire heritage Manufactured in Pontefract, where liquorice has been produced for centuries Represents Haribo's UK production capability UK Production Haribo UK operates two sites in West Yorkshire: Pontefract: Historic liquorice-producing town Castleford: Additional production facility This UK manufacturing base enables responsive supply and supports local employment whilst maintaining the German heritage of innovation. Quality and Innovation Understanding Haribo's approach explains enduring appeal. Consistent Quality Products maintain consistent taste and texture that consumers recognise and trust. The gummy bear you eat today tastes like the one you remember from childhood — intentional consistency that builds loyalty. Product Development As the UK's leading gums and jellies brand, Haribo maintains a dedicated Product Development Team constantly looking at ways to bring innovative treats to the marketplace. New products and variations keep the range fresh whilst core favourites remain constant. Fun-Focused Haribo's mission centres on making people happy. This fun-focused approach influences everything from product design (colourful shapes, playful characters) to marketing (the "Kids and grown-ups love it so" slogan). Dietary Options Halal Goldbears demonstrate responsiveness to diverse dietary requirements. Vegetarian gelatin-free options address different consumer needs. Shopping for Haribo in the UK Haribo enjoys comprehensive UK distribution. Supermarket Availability All major UK supermarkets stock extensive Haribo ranges: Tesco carries full Haribo selection in multiple formats Sainsbury's stocks core ranges and sharing sizes Asda offers Haribo including value multipacks Morrisons includes Haribo in their confectionery aisle Waitrose provides Haribo for quality-conscious shoppers Supermarkets typically position Haribo prominently in the sweets aisle, often with dedicated Haribo sections. Discount and Value Retailers B&M stocks Haribo including Tangfastics, Starmix, Jelly Babies, and Gold Bears Poundland offers Haribo at value prices Home Bargains carries popular Haribo products Newsagents and Convenience Small formats suit newsagents and convenience stores for impulse purchases. Haribo's recognisability makes it a safe stocking choice for small retailers. Online Availability Amazon UK provides Haribo including bulk options Supermarket websites offer home delivery Specialist sweet retailers stock full ranges Wholesale suppliers serve business customers Understanding Haribo Pricing Haribo occupies the branded mainstream position in confectionery. Branded Value Haribo prices reflect branded positioning — typically more than supermarket own-brand gummies but competitively positioned against other branded sweets. The brand trust and consistent quality justify the premium. Pack Size Economics Different formats suit different occasions: Small bags: Impulse/individual consumption Sharing bags: Family snacking Multipacks: Lunchbox/portion control Tubs: Parties and sharing occasions Per-gram costs typically favour larger formats for regular consumers. Promotional Cycles Confectionery features frequently in supermarket promotions. Haribo appears in multi-buy offers, particularly around holidays and party seasons. Seasonal Considerations Halloween, Christmas, and Easter see increased Haribo promotions and special seasonal products. Planning purchases around these periods can capture seasonal value. Practical Tips for Haribo Shoppers Compare Pack Sizes Calculate per-gram costs across different sizes. Larger sharing bags and tubs typically offer better value than small impulse bags. Check Promotions Supermarkets regularly promote confectionery. Multi-buy deals on Haribo can significantly reduce per-unit costs. Match Products to Preferences Starmix for variety lovers Tangfastics for sour enthusiasts Supermix for softer texture preferences Goldbears for classic gummy bear fans Choose products matching your taste preferences rather than buying based on promotion alone. Consider Dietary Requirements Halal options available for those requiring them Check ingredients for vegetarian suitability Some products may contain allergens Storage Store in cool, dry conditions. Heat causes gummy sweets to stick together; humidity affects texture. Haribo in British Culture Haribo occupies a beloved position in British confectionery culture. "Kids and Grown-Ups Love It So" The advertising slogan reflects reality — Haribo appeals across generations. Adults enjoy Haribo as nostalgic treats and grown-up indulgences, not just children's sweets. Party Essential Haribo features at children's parties, office celebrations, and social gatherings. The sharing formats and variety bags suit group consumption perfectly. Cinema and Entertainment Haribo has become associated with movie-going and entertainment snacking, representing a treat occasion beyond everyday consumption. Pontefract Heritage The Pontefract factory connects Haribo to centuries of British liquorice-making heritage, adding local resonance to the German brand. Conclusion Haribo's journey from Hans Riegel's Bonn kitchen in 1920 to global confectionery leadership demonstrates how a great product and family commitment build lasting businesses. The gummy bear that Riegel invented in 1922 created an entire product category now enjoyed worldwide. Remarkably, Haribo remains family-owned, with the third generation of Riegels continuing the tradition. This stability enables long-term thinking that maintains product quality and brand trust. In the UK, Haribo leads the gums and jellies category with Starmix, Tangfastics, Goldbears, and Supermix battling for consumer favouritism. The West Yorkshire production facilities add local connection whilst the German heritage of innovation continues driving product development. Using Grocefully to compare Haribo prices across UK supermarkets helps find the best deals on these beloved sweets. For those who believe that kids and grown-ups really do love it so, smart shopping ensures Haribo happiness costs as little as possible.