Every year thousands of investors flock to Omaha, Nebraska for the Berkshire Hathaway annual general meeting. They come not just to hear Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger (and now Buffett and his successors) speak, but also to browse a wide range of unique Berkshire memorabilia. Among the quieter traditions is the Berkshire bears. These adorable plush toys have become a beloved niche collectible among dedicated fans.
The Berkshire bear tradition began in the early 2000s, around the time Berkshire Hathaway’s shareholder meetings were transforming from small, understated gatherings into massive, festival-like events attracting tens of thousands of investors from around the world. This shift was spurred in part by Warren Buffett’s 1996 decision to issue Class B shares, making Berkshire more accessible to everyday investors.
As the crowds grew, Berkshire leadership recognized an opportunity to create an atmosphere that blended business with celebration. This included introducing unique memorabilia. In 2000, Berkshire acquired the specialty paint company Benjamin Moore, and soon after the first teddy bears appeared at the Berkshire AGM, sporting the company’s logo on a white painter’s cap. Since then, the bears have found a loyal following among shareholders who appreciate them as a quirky and high-quality reminder of their pilgrimage to Omaha—not to mention a cute gift to bring home for the kids.
Barring a few exceptions (such as the 2013 stuffed dog), there has been a unique exclusive Berkshire Bear available at every Berkshire AGM, making it one of their longest-running memorabilia collections. Some of the earliest bears seem to have been lost to time, but I’ve managed to put together a complete history from 2002 onward.
