Haribo in Canada: The Gummy Bear Empire That Keeps Growing

Haribo began in Bonn, Germany, when confectioner Hans Riegel Sr. founded the company in December 1920, working from a small kitchen with just the basics: a copper kettle, a marble slab, and sugar. Inspired by street performers and festive bears, he created the first gelatin-based Haribo gummies, called “Dancing Bears,” in 1922. These chewy, fruit-flavoured candies quickly became a sensation in Germany.

The company’s name, Haribo, comes from Hans Riegel Bonn. Through the 1930s, Haribo expanded its offerings into liquorice, wheels, and other sweets.

World War II brought challenges to Haribo; production slowed, raw materials were scarce, and Hans Sr. passed away in 1945. During this time, his wife and then sons, Hans Jr. and Paul, restarted operations by focusing on liquorice and rebuilding the workforce.

In the 1960s, Haribo introduced its now-iconic Goldbears, replacing earlier bear versions with smaller, chubbier designs, registering the trademark in 1967. This era also marked the brand’s first televised advertisements and the birth of its enduring slogan: “Haribo macht Kinder froh und Erwachsene ebenso”, Haribo makes children happy and adults.

By the 1950s and 1960s, Haribo was spreading across Europe. Entry into the United States occurred in 1982, when the company debuted its signature gold bag and U.S.–adapted flavour profiles. Haribo’s American presence grew quickly, establishing local offices to meet rising demand and contribute to the North American confectionery boom.

Today, Haribo is available in over 100 countries, producing approximately 100 million gummy bears daily. It remains a family-owned business, turning down acquisition offers and prioritizing quality, tradition, and brand authenticity.

Haribo's gummies stand out for their firm texture and fruit-driven flavours, often cited as more authentic than competitors across regions.

From toddlers to seniors, Haribo appeals to all age groups. Its nostalgic value resonates with adults, while playful shapes attract younger consumers.

The company has used television, print, and digital campaigns grounded in its joyful slogan, boosting brand recognition across generations.

Though best known for gummy bears, Haribo offers many gummy shapes, liquorice, sugar-free or vegan options, and limited-edition collections to stay ahead of trends.

Canada has embraced Haribo as a staple gummy candy. Though sales figures aren’t public, the North American sugar confectionery market was valued at about USD 26.9 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 41.4 billion by 2032. Gummies and jellies hold almost 59 percent of that market share, and Haribo leads the category.

Haribo’s Canadian success lies in its universal flavour appeal and consistent quality. Managed by local kitchens and distributors, packages are customised for seasonal themes and regional tastes under the guidance of leading Candy Distributors in Canada.

Haribo primarily sells through grocery chains, supermarkets, convenience stores, and speciality candy shops. Its Canadian availability is supported by partnerships with regional wholesale candy canada vendors, helping retailers easily stock up on bulk formats.

Teams liaise directly with stores for themed displays around national holidays, coordinating product flows with predictable shipping schedules and optimised inventory levels.

As health trends spread, Haribo is exploring sugar-free and vegan gummies, even halal-certified formats to meet dietary needs.

Smaller snack-size multipacks have been introduced to balance affordability and ageing demographics.

Haribo is responding to a shift in consumer values by exploring clean ingredient lists and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

From a one-room kitchen to an international powerhouse, Haribo’s gummy empire reflects ingenuity, family values, and consumer trust. In Canada, its expansion has been smooth and strategic, embracing local tastes while keeping global standards.

With evolving recipes, targeted packaging, and strong distribution through Candy Distributors Canada, Haribo continues its growth story, even as health trends and global demands reshape confectionery expectations.

At the heart of Canada’s candy landscape is Candyville, a major partner of Haribo’s local distribution. Candyville supports retailers, from corner stores to event planners, with efficient access to the full range of Haribo gummies, alongside a variety of other sweets.

Candyville’s services include bulk ordering, customizable displays, and seasonal promotions, all coordinated through its network of wholesale candy canada allies. With timely shipments and marketing support, Candyville ensures Canadian retailers can offer Haribo products at their freshest and most visually appealing.

The partnership between Haribo and Candyville exemplifies strategic alignment, global excellence meets Canadian execution, resulting in a gummy bear empire that keeps growing.