What started as a novelty candy 100 years ago has evolved into a full-blown gummy economy that’s only getting bigger, according to The New York Times. And there’s a good chance that’ll be the case for generations to come. Regardless of where you grew up, gummy bears were part of your childhood.
Gummy bears were invented in Germany in 1922 by Hans Riegel, the founder of Haribo
It took ~60 years for gummy bears to take off in the US, but once they did, competition arose quickly
- Jelly Belly introduced the 1st American-made gummy bear in 1981
- Haribo opened its 1st distribution center in the U.S. in 1982– Albanese released its own in 1983
- Along the way, rival candy companies pushed gummies beyond the bear
1997
Hero Nutritionals introduced the Yummi Bear, the 1st gummy vitamin
- The invention kicked off a booming market that is still thriving
- Gummies can be used to deliver more than just a sugar high
- Estimates peg the global CBD gummy market as high as $14B by 2028
Why do we love gummies so much?
One reason is nostalgia
- Candy store owner Elizabeth Schmitt agrees, saying gummies remind her of simpler times
- If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy your gummies, Schmitt’s store offers a wide variety of gummy charcuterie boards
