It's National Gummi Bear Day. Check out this Indiana-based maker of the fruity treats

Cheryl V. Jackson, Indianapolis Star
·1 min read

Gummi bears are arguably the best kind of bears.

Sure, performing bears have delighted crowds for centuries.

And there’s lots of love for cuddly teddies.

But today, National Gummi Bear Day, we salute the fruit gum candy treats.

One of the newer food holidays, it was created in 2022 by candy maker Haribo to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its version of the sweet treat, which got its origins in Germany.

But Hoosiers are quick to tell you the best gummi bears originate in Merrillville, Indiana, where Albanese Confectionery Group has been making the chewy candy bear for more than 30 years.

About Albanese Confectionery:

  • Albanese started in 1983, and began producing gummi bears in 1998.

  • The company ships its products to more than 40 countries.

  • Its best-seller is 12 Flavor Gummi Bears assortment of green apple, cherry, grape, mango, orange, pineapple, pink, strawberry, watermelon, blue raspberry, lemon and lime flavors.

  • The company also makes sour, sugar-free and natural gummi bears.

  • In 2012, the company developed the first gummi that does not freeze in ice cream.

  • You’ll know an Albanese gummi bear by the “A” stamp on the tummy.

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The company operates factory stores in Merrillville at 5441 E. Lincoln Highway and 1910 W. 81st Ave.

Some say the gummies straight from the factory are even better than the store-bought ones. For those wondering, Merrillville is less than a 2-and-a-half-hour drive north from Indianapolis.

Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on Twitter: @cherylvjackson.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: National Gummi Bear Day 2023: Check out this Indiana-based maker