13 Apr 2022
Tags: historicgermany, visitgermany, haribo, gummibears, Gummy Bears, visitbonn, bonn, Germany
100 Years Haribo Goldbears:
Bonn celebrates Germany's tiny treat that's become a worldwide phenomenon, or shall we say “tasty celebrity”?
If our 17 German heritage cities could talk, oh the stories they would tell…
Not quite an inch tall, one of Germany's tiniest exports is also one of the best-known sweet treats worldwide. Some might even call them tasty celebrities. Created and still at 'home' in Historic Highlight of Germany Bonn, HARIBO Goldbears celebrate their 100th birthday in 2022, and it will be SWEET!
Known as “Gummibärchen” in German, these iconic gelatinous treats are one of the world's most popular confections. Nowadays, gummy bears are enjoyed worldwide – in the United States, Asia, Africa; you can even get them on Mount Everest.
Around 160 million HARIBO Goldbears are produced every day, and available in over 100 countries. Lined up, an annual production of Goldbears would circle planet earth more than ten times. Did you know that Gummy Bears are uniquely German?
2022 marks the 100th birthday of the tasty treats' creation by Hans Riegel. The trained candy maker started his company HARIBO (HAns RIegel BOnn) in 1920 – with humble beginnings in a small kitchen and only a few simple ingredients: a bag of sugar, a marble slab, a chair, a stove, a copper kettle and a walz. What started as a husband and wife team creating sweet treats for those living in the neighborhood evolved into an international company that to date is still family-run and offers over 1,000 confections, with the majority being chewy/gummy.
But back to the iconic bear that is the undisputed fan favorite. In 1922, Riegel's invention of a bear shaped figure made from fruit gummy laid the foundation for what has since become a worldwide candy phenomenon – with countless variations. “The Goldbear is as recognized in many countries as the Queen of England”, says the company headquarter with great pride.
Today's beloved Goldbears originated as “Tanzbaer”. A little taller and skinnier than the iconic gummy bear of today, the inspiration for the original candy came from a popular fairground attraction in the early 20th century: a dancing bear.
Soon a favorite for almost anyone with a sweet tooth, HARIBO candy was first sold by the piece and for a price almost anyone could afford. Fast forward to 1960, the name Goldbears is introduced, and for the first time, the five flavors are sold together in one bag. A year later, the bag got its golden color that remains until today. It wasn't until 1999, that the Goldbear got its smile.
Bonn celebrates 100 years of Haribo Goldbears with a Pop-Up Museum in the historic city center (6/20/22 to 7/3/22)
While Haribo Goldbears are sold worldwide and produced in many different countries, trying them in Historic Highlight of Germany Bonn is the ultimate experience. This summer, a special pop-up museum will be opening its door on Münsterplatz in the very heart of Bonn: From June 20 to July 3rd, 2022 a “rainbow colored gummy bear world awaits visitors on over 200 square feet”, shares the HARIBO PR team in their preview.
Centerpiece of the interactive exhibit will be a vintage HARIBO coach showcasing the 100 years of history leading up to today's smiling treats, and their way into the iconic golden bags. Obviously there will be plenty of sampling opportunities. Just like in the 'old' days, there will be a “Kiosk” vending booth bringing back that nostalgic feeling that most Germans still recall. Along with that a production site container will showcase how Goldbears are produced in a playful manner. .
While nowadays HARIBO Goldbears can be enjoyed all over the world and are always the same in shape, gummy bear aficionados do notice slight differences in some countries: “to adapt to country-specific preferences”, explain the makers. Also, the colors may be more or less bright.
In addition to the 100th anniversary that comes with special anniversary editions bringing back gummi favorites from decades past, HARIBO has more big news in 2022: A US-based manufacturing facility is being built in Pleasant Prairie, WI. Not a surprise with Haribo being the number #1 gummi brand in the United States.
Fun fact:
You may know that in the United States, Haribo Goldbears are sold in five flavors: raspberry (red), orange (orange), strawberry (green), pineapple (clear), and lemon (yellow). In their native Germany however, they are slightly different and include a beloved local flavor: Apple (green). The other German Goldbears are pineapple (clear), yellow (lemon), red (raspberry), orange (surprise: orange) and light red (strawberry).
Visitors to Historic Highlight of Bonn, Germany should make sure to stop by the Flagship store at Am Neutor 3, 53113 Bonn. If you want to create your very own mix, you can put together your own bag here at the Candy Bar from over 100 different products. There is also a factory shop near the production site at Friesdorfer Str. 125, 53175 Bonn.
Helpful links: 100th Anniversary Edition Release
For additional information concerning HARIBO US, visit https://www.haribo.com/en-us/news
And while this press release is all about HARIBO Goldbears and the heritage city of Bonn, each of our 17 Historic Highlights of Germany offers something unique. Here are some original local specialties for those with a sweet tooth: Printen in Aafchen, Marzipan in Lübeck, Black Forest Cake in Freiburg, Ritter Sport chocolates near Tübingen. More foodie finds can be found here.
Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or to request a tasty surprise from our heritage towns. If you are planning to visit Germany or Europe, please share your dates and destinations with us as we will try to welcome you in our cities, too.
Pictures can be downloaded here:
HARIBO: https://www.haribo.com/de-de/presse/pressematerial
Bonn: https://magentacloud.de/s/K5Q3CC5RBWbfGQY
About Historic Highlights of Germany:
Historic Highlights of Germany prides itself in being the number one B2B-contact for travel trade and travel media to 17 German boutique destinations off-the-beaten track. We´re here to talk with you about ideas on how to promote these destinations. Think of our organization as your information concierge for these hidden gems. We're here to promote authentic experiences across Germany.
We also work with a curated network of DMCs and tour operators providing excellent services to travelers whether they are first-teamers or repeat visitors.
