Haribo, Rosemont, Illinois, has officially begun gummy production at its first-ever North American manufacturing facility, located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
The company created the new factory to meet the growing demand of American consumers of the gummy brand, which produces more than 25 varieties of gummy treats for the United States and more than 1,200 types globally, it said.
“I started my career with Haribo more than 20 years ago, and I’m so proud to be part of the team that made the dream of a U.S. factory come true,” said Hakan Zor, chief production officer at Haribo of America. “Our associates worked tirelessly to ensure every step was taken with care, with the best quality equipment, technology and ingredients on the market. The Haribo brand has limitless potential and producing in the U.S. is an exciting next chapter of our story.”
Currently, the 500,000-square-foot factory is focused on producing Haribo’s Goldbears, with plans to expand production in the future. The facility currently employs nearly 200 associates and produces hundreds of tons of Goldbears.
The Pleasant Prairie facility marks Haribo’s 16th factory and supports the global company’s production of more than 160 million Goldbears every day. The facility is a multi-phase project, and this first phase includes the production facility, an administrative building and a warehouse. Future phases are in development and will include new technology, capacity and hundreds of new associates to bring Haribo’s mission of childlike happiness to life. Haribo’s top priority is the safety of its associates, consumers and partners, so in order to abide by food safety regulations and protect all stakeholders, the brand does not offer factory tours at this time.
Haribo chose Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, located in Kenosha County, as its U.S. manufacturing location because of its shared values of quality, trust and independence, coupled with the work ethic of the region and warm welcome from the community, according to the company. The factory has already brought hundreds of career opportunities to the community, with hundreds more slated as the facility continues to expand over the next several years to diversify production. Aligned with the brand’s commitments to community giving, Haribo works closely with the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha, as well as with the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Carthage College and Gateway Technical College, to provide scholarship and internship opportunities.
“At Haribo we think in generations. We are in the U.S. for the long-term and are honored to be part of the Pleasant Prairie community,” said Wes Saber, CFO at Haribo of America. “One of our core values is trust, and it was important for us to give back to the people of Pleasant Prairie who have welcomed us so warmly. We believe everyone deserves access to quality, affordable education so our partnerships reflect that. We’re committed to creating learning and career opportunities that will drive economic development and wellness for Southeast Wisconsin.”
As the classic Goldbears roll off the line in Pleasant Prairie, Haribo’s newest treat, produced in Germany, will join them in stores nationwide just in time for summer: Wild Berry Goldbears.
Wild Berry Goldbears are inspired by consumers’ love of fruity flavors, the company said. They’re the same Goldbears shapes, but have bursts of berry flavors, including Blueberry, Wild Cherry, Strawberry, Raspberry and Wildberry.
“Haribo fans tell us they love our texture and flavor combinations, and Wild Berry Goldbears are a nod to that for a perfect summer treat,” said Rick LaBerge, chief commercial officer at Haribo of America. “Haribo has been the world’s No. 1 gummi brand for over a century because we stay true to our heritage while also driving to innovate, and that’s all inspired by our consumers. Right now, as we’re starting production in the U.S., we’re focused on classic Goldbears, and we’re excited to produce more of our gummi varieties including innovative new treats like Wild Berry Goldbears in the future.”
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