Hans Riegel
German businessman and inventor of the gummy bear
About Hans Riegel
Lived 1893 – 1945 (aged 51). Hans Riegel was a German businessperson, entrepreneur and inventor.
Johannes "Hans" Riegel Sr. (4 April 1893 – 31 March 1945) was a German confectioner who invented the gummy bear in 1920 and founded the Haribo company.
Haribo After leaving his job at a confectionary factory he founded the sweet company, choosing the name by mixing together the first two letters of his name Hans Riegel and the city of Bonn, where he was born.
The company was passed on to his sons, Hans Riegel Jr. and , following his death in 1945. The company was managed by Gertrud for the first year after Hans’ death as Hans Jr and Paul were still prisoners of war at this time; they were set free in 1946 and subsequently took charge of the company until their deaths.
Personal life He was married to Gertrud (née Vianden), who was also the person Riegel hired to work at Haribo. Riegel died on 31 March 1945.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Hans Riegel?
German businessman and inventor of the gummy bear (1893-1945)
When was Hans Riegel born?
Hans Riegel was born on 3 April 1893 in Friesdorf.
When did Hans Riegel die?
Hans Riegel died on 31 March 1945 in Bonn.
What was Hans Riegel's occupation?
Hans Riegel was a businessperson, entrepreneur and inventor.
What nationality was Hans Riegel?
Hans Riegel was German.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Hans Riegel. https://biography.guide/hans-riegel-businessperson/
MLA: "Hans Riegel." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/hans-riegel-businessperson/.
Chicago: "Hans Riegel." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/hans-riegel-businessperson/.
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