Hans Riegel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hans Riegel
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Riegel in 2005
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| Born |
Johannes Peter Riegel
10 March 1923 Bonn, Germany
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| Died | 15 October 2013 (aged 90) Bonn, Germany
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| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Years active | 1946–2013 |
| Known for | Owner and operator of Haribo |
Johannes Peter "Hans" Riegel, also known as Hans Riegel Jr. (born March 10, 1923 – died October 15, 2013), was a German businessman. He was the owner and leader of the famous candy company, Haribo, starting in 1946.
Contents
Early Life and Haribo's Beginnings
Hans Riegel Jr. was born in Bonn, Germany. He was the oldest son of Hans Riegel Sr., who founded the Haribo company. His father also invented the popular gummy bear candy in 1922.
The name "Haribo" is actually a clever mix of letters. It comes from the first two letters of his father's name (HAns RIegel) and the first two letters of his hometown (BOnn).
Taking Over the Family Business
During World War II, Hans Riegel Jr. was captured. He was held as a prisoner-of-war by the Allied forces. After he was released, he returned home to Bonn.
In 1946, Hans Riegel Jr. and his brother, Paul, took over Haribo. They continued to build the company into a worldwide success.
Education and Studies
Hans Riegel Jr. went to a special boarding school called Aloisiuskolleg. Later, he studied at the University of Bonn. In 1951, he earned his doctorate degree. His research was about the history of the world's sugar industry during and after the Second World War.
A Champion in Badminton
Besides his work in business, Hans Riegel Jr. was also a talented badminton player. In 1953, he became the first president of the German badminton association. This is called the Deutscher Badminton-Verband.
He also won German championships in badminton. He won the men's doubles title in 1953. Then, in 1954 and 1955, he won the mixed doubles title. He even helped build the first indoor badminton court in Germany. It was called the Haribo-Centre and was located in Bonn.
Other Interests
Hans Riegel Jr. also owned a hotel and golf resort. This resort, called Jakobsburg, is located near Boppard in the beautiful Rhine Valley in Germany.
