In Bonn, Germany, confectioner Hans Riegel began his candy-making journey with a bag of sugar and a copper pot in 1920, founding the company "Haribo" based on syllables from his name and hometown. His innovative spirit led him to experiment with recipes in a makeshift lab, ultimately creating the first gummy bear, which was shaped like a dancing bear inspired by popular performances of trained bears at European fairs and festivities.

The introduction of fruit-flavored gummy bears marked a significant revolution in the candy industry, as they not only captured the hearts of many but also established a new category of sweets, paving the way for numerous brands and products. This transformation in the confectionery scene has inspired countless chefs to experiment with their offerings, expanding the range of creative and innovative candy options available to consumers.

As Titas Atraškevičius, a spokesperson for the Maxima retail chain, explains, the advent of gummy bears has not only prompted confectioners to broaden their product assortments but also encouraged them to innovate by creating diverse and exciting new flavors and forms, indicating a continuous evolution in the candy industry that keeps consumers eagerly anticipating new delights.