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How Herbert Mederer turned Trolli into a global confectionery icon by 80

A playful rebel in candy-making, he defied norms and built an empire. At 80, his story reveals how joy—and gummy bears—conquered the world.

The image shows a box of colorful gummy bears sitting on top of a wooden table. The box is labeled...
The image shows a box of colorful gummy bears sitting on top of a wooden table. The box is labeled "Dots" and contains a variety of colorful candies.

How Herbert Mederer turned Trolli into a global confectionery icon by 80

Herbert Mederer, the driving force behind the Mederer Group's global rise, will turn 80 on March 17, 2026. His bold leadership transformed a small German confectionery business into an industry leader with a presence in over 100 countries. Friends and colleagues will honour his legacy for shaping Trolli's enduring success.

The Mederer Group began in 1948 when Willy Mederer founded the company in Fürth, Germany. Herbert Mederer joined at a young age and soon brought a fresh approach—challenging traditions with creativity and daring. His philosophy, 'Life is far too important to be taken seriously,' became the company's guiding principle, inspiring playful designs and unexpected flavours.

Under his leadership from 1984, Trolli expanded rapidly. Factories opened in the USA, Spain, China, and Germany, while products reached markets with no prior gummy candy culture. In 1979, the brand Trolli the Bear was registered, turning simple fruit gummies into a vibrant, multisensory treat. By 2020, when Mederer stepped back from daily operations, the company employed 2,300 people worldwide and generated over €170 million in annual revenue.

Beyond business, Mederer's contributions earned him the Federal Cross of Merit in 2011. Today, he lives quietly in Fürth with his wife, Kerstin, while the company remains family-owned under external management.

Herbert Mederer's vision turned Trolli into a household name across continents. His 80th birthday marks not just a personal milestone but a celebration of a brand that redefined confectionery. The company's global reach and innovative spirit continue to reflect his influence.

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