Still, the gummy bear producer does not want to do without the exchange altogether. A smaller version is planned, which will probably take place at the end of October. In that scenario, groups and associations would be able to participate in the exchange, but not individuals. No specific information was given as to what groups these would be. The Haribo headquarters said it wanted to give more details at the beginning of next week.

The chestnut exchange is a tradition that Haribo has been sponsoring for more than 80 years - to the delight of children and many adults who love to nibble on the sweets. One kilo of wine gums or other sweets are exchanged for either ten kilos of chestnuts or five kilos of acorns. In 2018, around 20,000 people from all parts of Germany came to Grafschaft on both exchange days. At times there were queues of up to 700 meters long, with waiting times of more than four hours.

Last year, the number of visitors was lower because there were fewer chestnuts. Nevertheless: 40 tons of chestnuts and 35 tons of acorns were exchanged for gummy bears and black licorice.

Chestnut and acorn collectors came from the entire region and beyond. They came to Haribo at the Grafschaft Innovation Park with garbage cans, wagons, laundry baskets, backpacks, bags and buckets filled with chestnuts and acorns. Haribo used to be located in Bonn but relocated its headquarters to Grafschaft in 2018.

When it began in 1936, the Haribo chestnut exchange was intended for children but has long since become a magnet for young and old alike, especially since the company also provides entertainment for visitors every year at the event.

Haribo donates the chestnuts and acorns to animal and game parks for feeding during the winter season. Originally, founder Hans Riegel Sr. came up with the event as a fun little event for children in the neighborhood. Since then, it has become an annual highlight that traditionally takes place at the company's headquarters.

(Orig. text: Victor Francke / Translation: Carol Kloeppel)