The Sweet Story of Haribo: How the World Fell in Love with Gummy Gold

When it comes to gummy sweets, one name rules the sugar-dusted kingdom: Haribo sweets. The brand’s legacy stretches back over a century, and what began as a small confectionery business in Germany has grown into a global icon — known, loved, and munched by millions.

It All Began with a Dancing Bear

In 1920, a man named Hans Riegel founded Haribo in Bonn, Germany. The name itself is an abbreviation: HA- from Hans, RI- from Riegel, and BO- from Bonn. Just two years later, the world’s very first gummy sweet was born — the Dancing Bear, or ‘Tanzbär’, made from fruit gum and modelled after trained bears seen at festivals.

This chewy innovation was the precursor to the now-famous Goldbears — those brightly coloured, smiling gummies that became a household name and a staple in sweet shops across Europe and beyond.

Haribo Comes to the UK

Although Haribo had already conquered much of Europe by the 1980s, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the UK market fully embraced its delights. And when it did, there was no turning back. The British sweet tooth latched on quickly to the bright tubs and bite-sized bags that combined fruity flavour with unbeatable chew. Today, UK retailers stock a wide range of Haribo sweet tubs, a bestseller category at Monmore Confectionery.

Meet the Gummy Greats

Over time, Haribo created entire families of favourites — from fizzy to fruity, sour to soft — all designed to cater to young and old alike. Few ranges have become as instantly recognisable as the following:

• Starmix – Arguably the crown jewel of the range, Starmix is a joyous mix of gummy rings, hearts, bears, cola bottles and eggs. A multi-textured chew-fest that offers something for everyone.
• Supermix – Featuring softer, creamier textures, Supermix is ideal for those who prefer marshmallow-style sweets mixed in with their jellies. Think milk bottles, foamy bears and mellow shapes.
• Tangfastics – For the brave and bold. Packed with sour kicks and fizzy zing, Tangfastics remain a best-seller for good reason. Cola bottles, cherries and snakes get the tangy treatment here.

Why Haribo Still Dominates

Haribo’s success isn’t just about nostalgic branding or childhood loyalty — it’s about quality and consistency. Every tub or bag offers a familiar texture, flavour, and freshness that consumers trust. Whether you’re filling party bags, running a tuck shop or just stocking up for a family treat night, Haribo delivers.

Retailers, event planners, and sweet lovers continue to turn to Haribo sweets because they sell themselves. From portion-controlled mini bags to generous 1kg tubs, they offer flexibility for all kinds of customers — and formats that suit every occasion.

Get Your Haribo Fix at Monmore Confectionery

At Monmore Confectionery, we’re proud to supply the UK’s most loved Haribo lines in both retail-ready and bulk formats. Our shelves are stocked with Haribo sweet tubs, Starmix, Supermix, and the ever-zingy Tangfastics — all available to order now, with fast UK-wide shipping and competitive wholesale pricing.

Whether you're restocking your business or treating yourself, Haribo remains a timeless favourite — and at Monmore, we’ve got the lot.