In 1985 the Studio Hergé was approached by the French publicity agency APM to complete a project for candy producer Haribo, just for the French market we assume. The theme for the Haribo-publicity had to be “Explorers on the Moon” and the design was meant to be on small candy bags. Although we aren’t sure if this merchandise was ever produced or sold in 1986 when it was supposed to be launched, one of the project drawings did survive and was auctioned earlier this year – in April to be precise – for € 350.

The drawing was made by Bob De Moor and measures 17 x 29 cm. The design has little to do with candy, let alone gummy bears, so it’s our guess that Haribo just wanted Tintin on the bags whatever the cost. Nevertheless, it’s a nice way to see how these commercial projects came to life.

For the non Haribo ‘connaisseurs’, Haribo is a German confectionery company, founded in 1920 by Johannes Riegel, Sr.. Headquartered in Bonn the name is an acronym for Hans Riegel, Bonn. Haribo made the first gummy candy in 1922 when Hans Riegel, Sr. made the first Gummibärchen (little gummy bears). After Hans Riegel, Sr. died during World War II, his son, also named Hans Riegel, took over the company. Haribo expanded its operations, taking over many local confectionery manufacturers in countries all over the world. Haribo is one of the biggest manufacturers of gummy and jelly sweets in the world, with its products mainly consisting of gummy bears, other jelly sweets and liquorice. The company has five factories in Germany and 13 throughout the rest of Europe, and sales offices in almost every country in Europe, as well as in the United States and Australia.

And that you can read Tintin and eat Haribo sweets at the same time is confirmed right here.