The German confectionery giant Haribo has announced the definitive closure of its manufacturing and administrative operations in Brazil. The company will shut down its facility in Bauru, located in the interior of São Paulo state, which served as Haribo’s only production plant in both Brazil and the wider Latin American region.
The decision, announced on April 28, 2026, marks the end of a decade of local production. The Bauru unit was the first factory the group established outside of Europe. According to reports from InfoMoney, the company cited challenges in the competitiveness scenario
within the country as the primary driver for the closure.
Impact on Workforce and Timeline
The closure will result in significant job losses in the Bauru region. While some reports indicate approximately 150 affected employees, data from the Sindicato dos Trabalhadores nas Indústrias de Alimentação de Bauru e Região specifies that 154 employees will be dismissed. This is a notable decrease from the facility’s peak employment, which once reached 350 workers.
Haribo has notified the Bauru city government that the facility will remain active through a transition period, with the final closure scheduled for July 2026.
Shift to Import-Based Model
Despite the cessation of local manufacturing, Haribo is not exiting the Brazilian market entirely. The company stated in a note that it will maintain its commercial presence in the country. To sustain its market share, Haribo will shift its strategy to supply the Brazilian market exclusively with imported products.
This strategic pivot from local production to an import-based model is expected to impact the company’s logistics and pricing. Market observers have noted that the move raises questions regarding the future pricing and availability of the brand’s products—including its signature Goldbears—as the company navigates the costs associated with importing goods into the Brazilian market.
Regional Context
The Bauru plant had been operational for 10 years, though reporting from local outlet 96FM Bauru indicates that the facility had not maintained a significant level of production since 2025. The closure removes the only physical production footprint Haribo held in Latin America, consolidating its manufacturing operations elsewhere while maintaining a sales-only presence in the region.
As the eighth largest candy manufacturer in the world, Haribo’s decision to abandon local production in Brazil reflects a broader corporate realignment in response to the competitive pressures of the South American confectionery market.