That satisfying chew, the burst of fruity flavor – it’s hard to imagine a candy aisle anywhere in the world without them. Gummy bears, those cheerful, translucent little ursine shapes, are more than just sweets; they’re a global phenomenon, a staple of childhood memories and adult indulgence alike. But these chewy delights didn’t just magically appear. Their story is one of humble beginnings, entrepreneurial spirit, and a clever idea inspired by a rather unusual source: dancing bears.
Our journey starts in Bonn, Germany, in the years following the First World War. The economic climate was challenging, to say the least. Yet, it was in this environment that a trained confectioner named Hans Riegel Sr. decided to strike out on his own. He wasn’t satisfied working for others; he had a vision. In 1920, with little more than a sack of sugar, a marble slab, a stool, a brick oven, and a copper kettle, he founded his own company in his small back kitchen. The name? A simple, catchy acronym derived from his name and hometown: HAns RIegel BOnn. HARIBO was born.
The Dancing Bear Inspiration
Initially, Riegel produced hard, colorless candies, typical of the time. Business was okay, but not spectacular. He needed something unique, something memorable. Inspiration struck, oddly enough, from the popular street festivals and markets common in Germany and across Europe. For centuries, trained bears – often muzzled and made to ‘dance’ on their hind legs – were a common, if ethically dubious, form of entertainment. While the practice itself is thankfully a thing of the past, these performing animals captured Riegel’s imagination.
He envisioned a candy that mirrored these dancing bears – something fun, something novel. But how to create it? He wasn’t aiming for another hard candy. He wanted something softer, chewier. The key ingredient that unlocked this potential was initially gum arabic, a natural gum harvested from the acacia tree. This allowed for a pleasant, long-lasting chew. Riegel tinkered with recipes and shapes, eventually settling on a bear form.
Birth of the “Tanzbären”
In 1922, Hans Riegel Sr. introduced the world to the “Tanzbären” – the Dancing Bear. These weren’t quite the gummy bears we know today. They were larger, slimmer, and perhaps a bit less defined than their modern descendants. But the core concept was there: a fruit-flavored, chewy, bear-shaped candy made with gum arabic. They were an immediate hit, especially with children. The price was reasonable too; in the early days, two Tanzbären could be purchased for just one Pfennig in Bonn.
Production started small, literally in Riegel’s kitchen. His wife, Gertrud, became the company’s first employee, initially making deliveries on her bicycle as the candies gained popularity beyond their immediate neighborhood. The unique texture and playful shape set the Tanzbären apart from the competition. HARIBO began to grow steadily, purchasing its first delivery vehicle (emblazoned with HARIBO advertising) in 1923.
The very first gummy bears, created by Hans Riegel Sr. in Bonn, Germany, were called “Tanzbären,” meaning Dancing Bears. Launched in 1922, their shape was directly inspired by the trained bears performing at European street festivals. These early versions were larger and thinner than the iconic Goldbears introduced decades later.
Surviving Challenges and Refining the Recipe
The interwar period brought its own economic difficulties, including hyperinflation in Germany. Yet, HARIBO persevered. By the 1930s, the company employed around 160 people. A significant development occurred during this time: the switch from gum arabic to gelatin as the primary gelling agent. Gelatin, an animal-derived protein, proved more cost-effective and provided a slightly different, bouncier texture that consumers loved. It also allowed for clearer, more vibrant colors. This change cemented the ‘gummy’ texture we associate with the bears today.
The company also introduced its first slogan, simple yet effective: “Haribo macht Kinder froh” (Haribo makes children happy). The Second World War inevitably disrupted production and posed immense challenges. Hans Riegel Sr. passed away in 1945, leaving the company’s future uncertain. His wife Gertrud managed the business briefly in the immediate post-war chaos until their sons, Hans Riegel Jr. and Paul Riegel, returned from prisoner-of-war camps.
Post-War Boom and the Golden Age
The brothers took the helm and proved to be a formidable team. Hans Jr. focused on the commercial side – marketing, sales, and that famous slogan (which he later expanded to “Haribo macht Kinder froh und Erwachsene ebenso” – Haribo makes children happy, and adults too). Paul, the quieter innovator, oversaw production and technical development, constantly refining machinery and processes. Together, they rebuilt HARIBO and spearheaded its massive expansion.
Introducing the Goldbär
While the Tanzbären remained popular, the 1960s saw a pivotal evolution. HARIBO decided to update its flagship product. In 1960, they introduced the “Goldbären” – the Gold Bears. These were smaller, plumper, cuter, and more standardized in shape than the original Tanzbären. This is the iconic gummy bear recognized globally today. The name “Gold” emphasized their quality and possibly referenced their translucent, jewel-like appearance. They were launched internationally, marking a significant step in HARIBO’s global ambitions.
The formula was perfected, featuring that signature chew and a range of fruit flavors – typically strawberry, lemon, orange, pineapple, and raspberry in the classic mix. The packaging became standardized, featuring the bright yellow bag and the HARIBO bear mascot. This rebranding and product refinement proved incredibly successful.
Conquering the World, One Gummy at a Time
HARIBO began aggressively expanding beyond Germany’s borders. They acquired existing confectionery businesses in other European countries and established new production facilities. Entering the vast, competitive American market was a key goal. While gummy candies existed in the US (like Jujubes), HARIBO’s Goldbears offered a different texture and intensity of flavor.
Initial introduction to the US market in the 1970s was gradual, often through German specialty stores. The real breakthrough came in the early 1980s. HARIBO established its own US distribution network (HARIBO of America, Inc. was founded in 1982) and partnered with American educators to distribute small sample packs in schools, cleverly targeting their core demographic. The unique texture and bright flavors quickly won over American consumers, young and old.
The success wasn’t limited to Europe and North America. HARIBO systematically entered markets across Asia, South America, and beyond. They often adapted flavors slightly to local preferences while maintaining the core Goldbear identity. The simple, universal appeal of a chewy, fruity bear transcended cultural boundaries.
The Gummy Universe Expands
HARIBO’s success inevitably spawned imitators and inspired innovation within the gummy category. Competitors like Trolli (another German company, famous for inventing the Gummy Worm in 1981) and American companies like Albanese Confectionery entered the fray. This competition spurred further creativity.
The world of gummy candies exploded beyond bears:
- Gummy Worms: Offering a different shape and often a slightly softer bite.
- Gummy Rings: Such as peach rings, combining gummy texture with a sugary coating.
- Sour Gummies: Coated in a mixture of citric and tartaric acid for a tangy kick.
- Character Gummies: Licensed shapes from cartoons and movies became hugely popular.
- Vitamin Gummies: Blurring the line between candy and supplement (though effectiveness is often debated).
- Vegetarian/Vegan Gummies: Using pectin (derived from fruit) or starches instead of gelatin to cater to dietary restrictions.
Despite the proliferation of shapes and brands, the original HARIBO Goldbear remains the benchmark, the undisputed king of the gummy world. Its consistent quality, specific texture, and nostalgic appeal keep it at the forefront.
The Enduring Appeal
What makes gummy bears so universally loved? It’s a combination of factors. The texture is key – that unique combination of softness, chewiness, and bounce provided primarily by gelatin. The fruit flavors are bright, intense, and satisfying. The shape is playful and non-threatening, appealing directly to children (and the inner child in adults). They are relatively inexpensive, portable, and easy to share.
They’ve permeated pop culture, featuring in songs (like the theme song for Disney’s “Adventures of the Gummi Bears” animated series in the 80s), art, and countless online memes. They represent simple joy, a small, sweet escape. From Hans Riegel Sr.’s kitchen in post-war Bonn, inspired by dancing bears at street fairs, these little gelatin figures have hopped, skipped, and chewed their way into becoming one of the world’s most successful and beloved candies. It’s a sweet story of innovation, persistence, and understanding the simple power of a chewy, fruity bear.
