Haribo extends UK retail presence with store refurbishments and openings
Haribo has plans to open more stores in the UK this year. Pic: Haribo
Haribo’s UK operations have begun in strong fashion, with the company set to refurbish retail stores in York, Cheshire and Ashford, Kent, as it continues to enhance its presence in the region, writes Neill Barston.
The German-founded business confirmed that in 2026, it will be seeking to expand its British consumer presence even further, in addition to its manufacturing facilities in Yorkshire.
As the major sweets manufacturer noted to Confectionery Production, last year marked a record for its UK retailing, with three stores including Ashford, Glasgow, and also in Manchester, – with the firm so far welcoming 5 million people through its doors across its British sites.
This milestone comes after Haribo UK celebrated the opening of its 13th retail store at Manchester’s Trafford Centre in December. The Yorkshire-based sweet-maker has invested over £20 million in its retail business since 2018.
This is in addition to the £35 million sum the company has recently invested in its West Yorkshire production facilities – signalling HARIBO’s commitment to UK bricks and mortar, Yorkshire food manufacturing excellence, and spreading moments of childlike happiness across the country.
Moreover, as the company added, while the current expansion began in November 2018, HARIBO’s UK retail roots run much deeper. The first site opened over 40 years ago in Pontefract, the location of Haribo’s first factory in the UK.
Furthermore, long-serving company colleagues who grew up in the local community have fond memories of its factory shop which sold liquorice through a pop-up window near the factory entrance.
Seven years since the retail expansion began, that original pop-up window has grown into 13 destinations across the UK, attracting 5 million shoppers in 2025 alone, a 1 million increase on the previous year’s footfall, and establishing the UK as the third largest retail market in its group.
Jon Hughes, managing director, Haribo UK and Ireland, commented: “While the retail sector continues to face challenges, we are proud to invest in the UK market and remain confident in our ability to deliver good value and high-quality products to British consumers.
“Our retail expansion demonstrates our long-term commitment to the UK. The £20 million we’ve invested in retail since 2018 sits alongside our recent investment of over £35 million into our Yorkshire manufacturing operations. The stores allow us to connect with customers in new ways, offering products and experiences that reinforce our position as the UK’s leading sugar confectionery brand.”
Rebecca Fox, head of retail, HARIBO UK, added that the company sought to recreate the ‘kid in a sweet shop’ feeling by bringing the colourful and playful appeal of the brand, the breadth of our product range, and products not available elsewhere in the UK.
She explained: “Shoppers are attracted to retail environments that are engaging and distinctive, and HARIBO delivers this through direct brand engagement, access to exclusive international and merchandise products, and an inclusive environment designed for all ages. This approach has proven effective in creating a retail offer that meets customer expectations and performs consistently. We’re looking forward to bringing more childlike happiness to UK shoppers in 2026.”
