Ritter Sport and HARIBO launch their first-ever UK collaboration, backed by millions of limited-edition bars and the biggest retail activation in Ritter Sport UK’s history.
The two iconic confectionary brands are joining forces to launch Ritter Sport x HARIBO Balla Bites – a limited-edition 100g chocolate block combining Ritter Sport’s signature milk chocolate with the fruity chew of HARIBO Balla Bites.
Rolling out across thousands of retail outlets over the coming months, the collaboration unites the UK’s fastest-growing block chocolate brand* with one of Britain’s number one sweets brands**, creating an entirely new taste and texture experience for shoppers.
Driving trial and excitement in the confectionery category
Far more than a limited-edition product, the launch brings together two of Europe’s strongest confectionery names, delivering one of the year’s most stand out collaborations while creating genuine excitement for shoppers and retailers alike.
Supported by Ritter Sport UK’s largest-ever retail activation programme, the launch will feature more than 4,500 branded shipper displays to drive standout in-store visibility. A further 21,000 distribution points across grocery, wholesale and convenience are expected to introduce more than one million new shoppers to the Ritter Sport brand, supporting its continued growth in the UK block chocolate category.
Commenting on the launch, Benedict Daniels, Managing Director of Ritter Sport UK & Ireland, said: “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.
“This is much more than a product launch. It is a major investment in growing the Ritter Sport brand. We’re putting millions of limited-edition bars into the market, expanding distribution and giving retailers a launch that’s designed to excite shoppers and bring new energy to the category.
“Consumers are buying chocolate differently today. They’re looking for quality, they’re looking for something that feels worth discovering and, above all, they’re looking for products that make them smile. We think this collaboration does exactly that.”
Phil Murphy, Chief Marketing Officer of HARIBO UK & Ireland adds:“Since creating our very first Goldbear in 1920, HARIBO has been creating moments of childlike happiness. Today, those moments are just as important as ever and we know they mean something different to everyone. They can be found in sharing laughter with friends, rediscovering a familiar favourite, or the excitement of trying something new.
“That’s the spirit behind our collaboration with Ritter Sport. It brings UK shoppers a fun, new way to experience those moments of childlike happiness by combining the fruity chew of HARIBO Balla Bites with Ritter Sport’s signature chocolate, and creating something to be shared, enjoyed and above all, put a smile on people’s faces.”
Supporting the launch is the ‘Happiness Squared’ messaging, developed around the insight that today’s consumers are increasingly seeking small moments of joy in their everyday lives. Rolling out across various retail touchpoints, the campaign has been designed to maximise visibility in-store and encourage shoppers to discover the new collaboration.
The limited-edition Ritter Sport x HARIBO Balla Bites block will be available nationwide from September.
*Source: Circana Block Chocolate L52W 13.06.26
**Source: Circana Marketadvantage Tool Market Value Sales by Manufacturer 52 we 25.07.26
