Haribo and Ritter Sport: Furore surrounding the limited Pico Balla board!

Haribo and Ritter Sport: Furore surrounding the limited Pico Balla board!

The confectionery world experienced an exciting moment on August 15, 2025: Haribo and Ritter Sport presented the limited “Pico-Balla bar” on the occasion of Pico-Balla’s 25th birthday. This innovative chocolate bar brings together the exciting flavors of the two brands and aims to spark real joy among consumers. But as is often the case, not everything that glitters is gold, as reactions to the new product vary greatly.

A total of 100,000 bars were produced and are available in the Haribo shops and Ritter Sport Schokowelten in Berlin and Waldenbuch. The enthusiasm is initially great, but six days after the start of sales, half of the bars are already sold out - a sign of the production limit and the curiosity of chocolate lovers. But while the rush for the products shows that the brands have a good nose for the market, the initial feedback is predominantly negative. Some customers complain about the availability and the price of €2.49 for 80 g of chocolate and 20 g of gum, while others find the taste combination rather unsuccessful.

Taste and prices in focus

The reviews are varied: users express skepticism about the flavor mix and demand more transparency regarding pricing, especially when they find the bars on eBay. In addition to retailers, there are also some consumers who encourage positivity and recommend simply not purchasing the product if it doesn't appeal. The feedback mix shows that despite the high brand awareness of around 99 percent, according to the press release from Haribo (Haribo) and Ritter Sport, not everyone appreciates the new creation.

Despite the challenges, it is clear that products like the Pico Balla bar stand at an exciting intersection in the confectionery industry. The chocolate market is constantly changing, and consumers are increasingly paying attention to ingredients. Current trends show that more and more buyers value healthy and transparent ingredients. In the last five years alone, the market has seen a remarkable increase in plant-based and cocoa-free alternatives (Innova Market Insights).

What does this mean for the chocolate market?

With the growing interest in healthier and more sustainable products, we see how brands not only have to develop creative products, but also respond to social trends. The focus on ingredients is becoming increasingly important – consumers want to know what they are consuming. There is a clear return to basics: vitamins, fiber and natural ingredients are very popular. This shaky mix of tradition and innovation is the key to enabling brands like Haribo and Ritter Sport to survive in the face of tough competition.

The Pico Balla bar is more than just a sweet snack - it is an attempt to meet the tastes of today, even if the reactions to it are still mixed. It remains to be seen whether the panels will ultimately be a hit. One thing is certain: the chocolate market is dynamic, and the manufacturers' next steps remain exciting!