Hans Riegel Sr. facts for kids

Johannes "Hans" Riegel Sr. (born April 4, 1893 – died March 31, 1945) was a clever German candy maker. He is famous for inventing the chewy gummy bear in 1922. He also started the super popular candy company called Haribo.

Hans Riegel Sr. was married to Gertrud Vianden. After he passed away, his sons, Hans Riegel Jr. and Paul Riegel, took over the family business.

Who Was Hans Riegel Sr.?

Hans Riegel Sr. was born in a town called Friesdorf, near Bonn, Germany. This was on April 4, 1893. Even as a young man, he loved making sweets. He worked as a candy maker for many years. He learned all about how to create delicious treats.

Starting a Sweet Dream

In 1920, Hans Riegel decided to start his own candy company. He began in a small laundry room at his home in Bonn. He had very little equipment. He only had a copper kettle, a rolling pin, and a sack of sugar. His wife, Gertrud, helped him deliver the candies by bicycle.

The Name Haribo

Hans Riegel was very creative, even with his company's name! He took the first two letters of his Hans Riegel, and the first two letters of his hometown, BOnn. He put them together to create the name HARIBO. This name is now known all over the world.

The Birth of the Gummy Bear

In 1922, Hans Riegel had a brilliant idea. He wanted to create a new kind of chewy candy. He was inspired by the dancing bears that were popular at circuses and street fairs in Germany. He decided to make a small, fruit-flavored candy in the shape of a bear.

The Original Dancing Bear

The first gummy bears were called "Dancing Bears" (Tanzbären in German). They were a bit bigger and slimmer than the gummy bears we know today. They were made from gum arabic, a natural gum. These chewy bears quickly became very popular with children and adults alike. They were a fun and tasty treat.

Why Gummy Bears Became Famous

The gummy bear was a huge success because it was different. Most candies at the time were hard or chocolate. The chewy texture and fun shape made gummy bears unique. They were also easy to eat and share. This helped Haribo grow quickly.

Haribo's Sweet Success and Legacy

Haribo continued to grow throughout the 1920s and 1930s. The company added more products, but the gummy bear remained their most famous invention. Hans Riegel Sr. was a dedicated inventor and businessman. He worked hard to make sure his candies were the best.

A Family Business

Hans Riegel Sr. passed away on March 31, 1945. After his death, his sons, Hans Riegel Jr. and Paul Riegel, took over the company. They continued their father's legacy. They made Haribo into a global candy giant. Today, Haribo sells its famous gummy bears and other candies in many countries around the world.

Hans Riegel Sr.'s Lasting Impact

Hans Riegel Sr. might not be as famous as some inventors, but his creation, the gummy bear, is loved by millions. He showed that a simple idea, combined with hard work, can lead to something truly special. His legacy lives on in every bag of Haribo gummy bears enjoyed today.