Katjes Group

Katjes is a third-generation, family-owned confectionery brand with roots tracing back to the 1950s, when founder Klaus Fassin crafted licorice cats from a beloved family recipe in Germany. The name 'Katjes' is derived from the Dutch word for 'kittens,' chosen as a symbol of good luck and ingenuity. Today, Katjes operates as the world's number-one vegan gummy brand, having expanded its presence into the United States market in 2021. The company specializes in the production of vegan gummy candies across a wide range of flavors and formats, including sweet and sour varieties. All products are formulated without animal-derived gelatin, instead utilizing modified food starch as a vegan substitute to achieve the signature chewy texture associated with gummy confectionery. The product lineup is also free from palm oil, reflecting the company's commitment to responsible ingredient sourcing. Katjes gummies are suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian consumers, as well as those adhering to various dietary restrictions, though products do contain wheat-derived ingredients and are manufactured on shared equipment. Among its featured product lines is the Cosmic Visions Sour Gummy, a sour-sweet offering with mystical shapes, as well as its signature Squishy Kitties Gummies, which feature soft, fruity cat-shaped candies. Products are available through retail and online channels, including Amazon. As a family-owned enterprise, Katjes places significant emphasis on ethical values, equal opportunity, and mindful production practices, positioning its brand at the intersection of indulgence and conscious consumerism. The U.S. operation markets the brand to a growing segment of candy consumers seeking gelatin-free, plant-based confectionery options.