Haribo, the confectionery giant known for its gummy sweets, is releasing its first ever chocolate bar in partnership with German brand Ritter Sport. The new product combines Ritter Sport's milk chocolate with Haribo's Balla Bites fruit gummies in red, green, and yellow flavours. This marks the first time Haribo has been sold as part of a chocolate bar and the first time the two brands have appeared together on packaging.
Product details and availability
The bars weigh 100g and will retail for £2 each. They will be available in UK supermarkets including Lidl, Tesco, and Sainsbury's from September. The collaboration is a limited-edition snack, so shoppers are advised to purchase them while supplies last.
Mixed reactions from shoppers
Foodie fans have expressed mixed opinions about the announcement. On Facebook, Jessica Walker described the news as 'absolutely amazing,' and Ebony Bray said they 'need this.' However, on Instagram, @trishala.483 commented: 'The two textures sound like a sensory nightmare, ngl.' @jadore1 added that while they are 'not a fan of sweets in chocolate,' the 'packaging is adorable.' On Facebook, Callum Lawton said they like Balla Bites, but the thought of mixing them with chocolate is 'nasty.'
Benedict Daniels, managing director of Ritter Sport UK and Ireland, defended the collaboration, stating: 'Some collaborations feel so natural that you wonder why nobody has done them before. We've spent more than 100 years making quality chocolate and Haribo has been creating moments of childlike happiness for generations. Bringing the two together has allowed us to create something that's genuinely surprising and fun.'
Other recent confectionery collaborations include Biscoff and Toblerone's release of the Biscoff Toblerone Diamond Truffles, which feature a caramelised biscuit filling and honey and almond nougat pieces. The product is available at Tesco for £6 per 180g packet, while Ocado and Sainsbury's charge £6.75. Last month, M&S revived four retro chocolate bars: Jet, Now, Sparks, and Coconut Grove, priced at £1 each and featuring the St Michael logo.
