Barilla Group

Barilla Group is an Italian food company headquartered in Parma and controlled by the Barilla family. It began in 1877 as a bakery shop founded by Pietro Barilla Sr. and developed during the twentieth century from a regional bakery and pasta business into an international packaged-food group. Although the Barilla name is strongly associated with dried pasta and tomato-based sauces, the group also operates across crispbread, bread, crackers, snacks, fresh pasta, and plant-based packaged foods through a portfolio of international and regional brands. The company’s early growth was driven by industrial production, distribution expansion, and packaging innovation. After Pietro Barilla Sr.’s death, his sons Riccardo and Gualtiero expanded the enterprise, and subsequent generations concentrated the business increasingly on pasta. In 1952, Barilla stopped producing bread in order to focus on pasta, helping establish a stronger identity in the Italian market. The adoption of cardboard packaging and the construction of new plants supported the transition from a local producer to a national food company. Barilla became a joint-stock company in 1960. During the following decade it added facilities and entered adjacent bakery categories, including crackers and breadsticks. In 1971, the US chemical company W. R. Grace acquired a controlling interest, while Pietro Barilla retained operational influence. Pietro Barilla repurchased control in 1979, and the group has remained privately held since then. Family ownership and long-term management continuity remain central features of its corporate identity. Internationalization accelerated in the 1990s and 2000s. Barilla acquired or developed businesses in Greece, Turkey, Sweden, Germany, Mexico, France, and the United States, adding brands such as MISKO, Filiz, Wasa, Harrys, and the Yemina and Vesta businesses. The group expanded its North American manufacturing footprint with plants in Iowa and New York. It later acquired Catelli and Lancia in Canada, took a majority stake in UK fresh-pasta company Pasta Evangelists, and acquired the US plant-based and non-GMO brand Back to Nature in 2022. The group’s portfolio includes the flagship Barilla pasta and sauce brand as well as Mulino Bianco, GranCereale, Pan di Stelle, Pavesini, Ringo, Togo, Gran Pavesi, Gocciole, Voiello, Wasa, MISKO, Filiz, Harrys, Catelli, Pasta Evangelists, Back to Nature, and other regional businesses. Barilla describes itself as a major global pasta producer, with production and milling operations distributed across Italy and several international markets. The company also operates the Barilla for Professionals business, serving food-service customers. Beyond commercial food production, Barilla has invested in corporate heritage, nutrition, and sustainability initiatives. Its Historical Archive preserves documentation relating to the company and brands incorporated into the group. The Barilla Foundation, formerly the Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition, promotes research and discussion concerning sustainable food systems and healthy lifestyles. The company has also used sports sponsorships, entertainment partnerships, and branded content to support international awareness. Barilla remains an active, privately held multinational food group. Its current strategic profile combines a globally recognizable pasta franchise with a broader portfolio of bakery, crispbread, sauce, fresh-pasta, snack, and plant-based products. Its principal challenges include managing different regional brands, responding to changing dietary and sustainability expectations, maintaining supply-chain resilience, and protecting consumer trust after public controversies concerning advertising, inclusion, product origin, and operations in Russia.

Barilla was established in 1877 when Pietro Barilla Sr. opened a bakery shop in Parma. The business expanded in the early twentieth century, and in 1910 it opened a pasta factory equipped with continuous-production baking technology. Following the founder’s death in 1912, his sons Riccardo and Gualtiero assumed control. Technological improvements and wider distribution helped Barilla become an important bread and pasta producer in Emilia-Romagna during the 1920s and 1930s. Gualtiero died in 1919, leaving Riccardo to lead the business with his wife Virginia. After Riccardo’s death in 1947, the third generation, represented by Pietro and Gianni Barilla, took over. In 1952, the company discontinued bread production and concentrated on pasta. This decision, combined with competitive pricing, product quality, and cardboard packaging, supported Barilla’s expansion beyond northern Italy. Barilla became a joint-stock company in 1960. It subsequently opened facilities including the Rubbiano plant, which supported entry into crackers and breadsticks, and the large Pedrignano complex near Parma. In 1971, W. R. Grace acquired a controlling interest. Pietro Barilla continued to influence the company’s operations and reacquired control in 1979, returning the group to family ownership. Pietro Barilla died in 1993, after which his children Guido, Luca, and Paolo represented the fourth family generation in management. International expansion became a central strategy. Barilla acquired MISKO in Greece in 1991, Filiz Makarna in Turkey in 1994, and Wasabröd in Sweden in 1999. It opened its first US pasta plant in Iowa in 1999 and a second US plant in Avon, New York, in 2007. The group also expanded through a joint venture with Mexico’s Herdez involving Yemina and Vesta, and through the 2002 acquisition of German company Kamps AG. Most of Kamps was later sold to Agrofert in 2013, while the French soft-bread business Harrys remained with Barilla. In the 2020s, the group broadened its portfolio through the Canadian Catelli and Lancia businesses, a majority stake in UK fresh-pasta company Pasta Evangelists, and the acquisition of US plant-based brand Back to Nature. Barilla’s international operating structure includes production sites and mills in Italy and several foreign countries, with regional brands retained alongside the global Barilla name. The company has also developed institutional and cultural activities. The Barilla Historical Archive was established in 1987 and later recognized by Italy’s Ministry of Culture for its historical significance. Barilla helped establish Museimpresa and contributed to the creation of the Pasta Museum in Parma province. In 2009, it created the Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition, now the Barilla Foundation, to support discussion and research around sustainable food systems and healthy lifestyles. Barilla’s public profile has been shaped by extensive advertising and sports partnerships, including associations with tennis, skiing, motorsport, and Italian basketball. In 2013, comments by chairman Guido Barilla about same-sex families triggered calls for a boycott. He apologized, and the company subsequently introduced inclusion initiatives and supported LGBTQ-related activities. Other public issues have concerned animal-welfare commitments, product-origin claims in the United States, and the company’s continuing presence in Russia after its 2022 suspension of new investment and advertising there.

• 2023

  Gianluca Di Tondo becomes CEO

  [9]Gianluca Di Tondo becomes CEObarillagroup.com

  Gianluca Di Tondo succeeded Claudio Colzani as chief executive.

• 2022

  Back to Nature acquisition

  [1]Barillaen.wikipedia.org

  The group acquires the US plant-based and non-GMO brand Back to Nature.

• 2021

  Expansion into Canadian and UK pasta businesses

  [1]Barillaen.wikipedia.org

  Barilla completes the Catelli and Lancia acquisition and invests in Pasta Evangelists.

• 2013

  Leadership controversy and public apology

  [7]BBC: Barilla boss apologizes over gay family commentsbbc.com

  Chairman Guido Barilla apologized after remarks about same-sex families triggered international criticism and boycott calls.

• 2009

  Food and nutrition foundation established

  [1]Barillaen.wikipedia.org

  The Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition is created, later becoming the Barilla Foundation.

• 1999

  International manufacturing expands

  [1]Barillaen.wikipedia.org

  Barilla acquires Wasabröd and opens its first US production plant in Iowa.

• 1991

  MISKO acquisition

  [1]Barillaen.wikipedia.org

  Barilla acquires Greece’s MISKO pasta business.

• 1979

  Family control is restored

  [1]Barillaen.wikipedia.org

  Pietro Barilla reacquires control after W. R. Grace’s controlling investment.

• 1979

  The Barilla family regains ownership

  [3]Barilla Group: Our historybarillagroup.com

  The Barilla family reacquired the company and restored its status as a family-controlled independent food group.

• 1970

  Barilla becomes part of W.R. Grace

  [3]Barilla Group: Our historybarillagroup.com

  The family business was sold to W.R. Grace, beginning a period of ownership outside the Barilla family.

Showing the 10 most recent.

Mainstream to premium-mainstream packaged food, combining Italian culinary heritage, broad household availability, product quality, and international scale. A family-owned Italian food group positioned around accessible Italian food, pasta expertise, quality, convenience and increasingly diversified grain-based nutrition.

• Dried pasta

  Barilla pasta

  The group’s flagship pasta range spans numerous shapes and sizes, including long, short, and specialty formats. It is sold internationally through retail, food service, and restaurant channels and is positioned around Italian culinary heritage, convenience, and consistent cooking performance. Depending on market, the portfolio also includes whole-grain, organic, gluten-free, legume-based and higher-protein variants. The core Barilla range includes dried durum-wheat semolina pasta in numerous shapes, including long, short and specialty formats. Depending on market, the portfolio also includes whole-grain, organic, gluten-free, legume-based and higher-protein variants. The brand is positioned as an everyday packaged staple combining Italian culinary identity with broad retail availability and simple preparation.

• Pasta sauces

  Barilla sauces

  Barilla produces ready-made sauces designed to accompany its pasta portfolio. The range is principally associated with tomato-based preparations and other convenient pasta accompaniments, helping the brand compete as a complete meal solution rather than solely as a dry-pasta producer. Barilla sells prepared sauces intended to accompany its pasta, including tomato-based sauces, pesto and other regional or recipe-led varieties. The sauces extend the brand from a dry staple into a more complete meal solution and support convenience-oriented cooking. Formulations and names vary across countries. Barilla produces ready-made sauces designed to accompany its pasta portfolio, including tomato-based sauces, pesto and other regional or recipe-led varieties. The range helps the brand compete as a complete meal solution rather than solely as a dry-pasta producer. Formulations and names vary across countries.

• Crispbread and flatbread · 1919

  Wasa

  Wasa is the group’s Swedish crispbread business and a major international flatbread brand, founded in 1919. Its products are associated with Scandinavian-style crispbread, everyday snacking, and lighter meal occasions. The acquisition gave Barilla a leading position in a category outside conventional pasta and bakery products. Wasa is an international crispbread brand offering rye- and grain-based crispbread, crackers and related products. It provides Barilla with a position in shelf-stable bread alternatives and health-oriented snack or meal occasions, particularly in European markets.

• Bakery and biscuits · 1975

  Mulino Bianco

  Mulino Bianco is an Italian bakery and biscuit brand within the Barilla portfolio. It covers breakfast, snack, and household bakery occasions and is one of the group’s most prominent consumer brands in Italy. Mulino Bianco is Barilla's major Italian bakery brand. Its portfolio includes biscuits, cookies, rusks, crackers, snack cakes and other packaged baked goods. The brand is associated with family breakfast and snack occasions and gives the group a substantial presence outside pasta in its home market. Mulino Bianco is an Italian bakery and biscuit brand within the Barilla portfolio, launched in 1975. It covers breakfast, snack, and household bakery occasions and is one of the group’s most prominent consumer brands in Italy. Its portfolio includes biscuits, cookies, rusks, crackers, snack cakes and other packaged baked goods.

• Pasta · 1927

  MISKO

  MISKO is Barilla’s Greek pasta business, founded in Piraeus in 1927 and acquired by Barilla in 1991. It is a major pasta brand in Greece and also serves Greek communities and consumers in other markets.

• Fresh pasta

  Pasta Evangelists

  Pasta Evangelists is a London-based fresh-pasta company focused on direct-to-consumer delivery and home dining. Barilla took a majority stake in the business in 2021, extending its portfolio toward fresh pasta and digitally enabled meal delivery.

• Plant-based packaged foods

  Back to Nature

  Back to Nature is an American brand specializing in plant-based and non-GMO packaged foods. Barilla acquired it in 2022, adding a US-oriented platform for products aligned with plant-based and natural-food consumption trends.

• Packaged bread

  Harrys

  Harrys is a packaged bread brand associated especially with France and other European markets. It includes sliced bread and related soft-bread products designed for household sandwiches and everyday consumption. The brand complements Barilla's pasta and bakery activities with a fresh or packaged-bread proposition.

• Premium pasta

  Voiello

  Voiello is an Italian pasta brand positioned at a more premium end of the category. It is associated with high-quality durum wheat, distinctive pasta shapes and traditional Italian culinary presentation. The brand broadens Barilla's offer beyond its mass-market flagship while retaining a strong connection to Italian pasta culture.

• 2022

  US lawsuit concerning Italian-origin marketing

  Two US consumers filed a proposed class action alleging that Barilla’s Italian branding could lead consumers to believe that products were made in Italy even when manufactured in the United States. A judge declined to dismiss the claims at an early stage after finding that economic injury had been alleged.

  Source

• 2022

  Continuing Russian operations after invasion-related restrictions

  Barilla suspended new investment and advertising in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine but continued producing essential food products. Reporting about increased performance by the Russian subsidiary generated scrutiny over the company’s continued presence in the country.

  Source

• 2013

  Controversy over comments about same-sex families

  Chairman Guido Barilla said he opposed adoption by gay families and did not want same-sex families represented in the company’s advertising. The comments led to boycott calls and significant criticism. He later apologized, while Barilla introduced inclusion-related initiatives and subsequently supported LGBTQ causes. Chairman Guido Barilla said in a radio interview that the company would not use a gay family in its advertising and expressed a preference for a traditional family model. The remarks prompted criticism from LGBTQ+ organizations, boycott calls and international media coverage. He later apologized, while Barilla announced measures focused on diversity and inclusion.

  Source

Read more

• 2025Formula One official pasta partnership

  International

  Formula One announced a partnership with Barilla as the sport’s official pasta partner, extending the company’s motorsport and global sports-marketing presence.

  Outcome. Official partnership announced.

  Source
• 2021Perfect Pasta Time Spotify playlist

  International

  Barilla created Spotify playlists whose tracks were timed to correspond to recommended pasta cooking durations, turning preparation guidance into branded digital entertainment.

  Outcome. Digital engagement campaign associated with the brand’s pasta expertise.

  Source
• 2020Global sports sponsorship program

  International

  Barilla used high-profile sports partnerships and ambassadors, including Roger Federer and Mikaela Shiffrin, to connect the brand with performance, international visibility, and Italian food culture.

  Outcome. Ongoing brand-awareness and sponsorship activity.

  Source
• 2013Diversity and inclusion response

  Italy · International

  Following the 2013 controversy involving Guido Barilla's comments about same-sex families, the company announced steps intended to improve diversity and inclusion, including an advisory structure and engagement with LGBTQ+ stakeholders.

  Outcome. The response followed a public apology and became part of Barilla's effort to repair trust and revise its approach to inclusive representation.

  Source

• 2023

  Change in chief executiveOther

  Background

  Claudio Colzani completed roughly a decade as chief executive.

  Action taken

  Barilla appointed Gianluca Di Tondo as CEO.

  Aftermath

  The leadership transition continued the group's management under family ownership while bringing in a new chief executive.

  Source

• 2022

  Restrict new Russian investment and advertisingStrategy

  Background

  The decision followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting commercial and reputational pressure on multinational companies.

  Action taken

  Barilla suspended new investment and advertising in Russia, limited activity to essential food production, and stated that it would not seek to profit from its presence there.

  Aftermath

  The company continued operating in Russia, which remained a subject of public scrutiny.

  Source

• 2016

  Commit to cage-free eggsStrategy

  Background

  Animal-welfare groups and consumer expectations were increasing pressure on food companies to change egg sourcing.

  Action taken

  Barilla committed to using 100 percent cage-free eggs by 2020.

  Aftermath

  The company announced that it achieved the target one year ahead of schedule, in 2019.

  Source

• 2013

  Diversity and inclusion commitments after reputational crisisStrategy

  Background

  Public criticism and boycott calls followed Guido Barilla's comments about same-sex families in advertising.

  Action taken

  The company apologized and introduced or communicated measures intended to strengthen diversity, inclusion and stakeholder engagement.

  Aftermath

  The episode became a lasting reference point in discussions of brand representation and corporate inclusion at Barilla.

  Source

• 1999

  Build a US manufacturing platformStrategy

  Background

  Barilla’s internationalization strategy required local production capacity in North America.

  Action taken

  The group opened its first US production plant in Iowa and later added a second facility in Avon, New York, in 2007.

  Aftermath

  The US became an important manufacturing and commercial market for the group.

  Source

• 1979

  Reacquire controlling ownershipStrategy

  Background

  W. R. Grace had acquired a controlling interest in Barilla in 1971.

  Action taken

  Pietro Barilla reacquired control of the company.

  Aftermath

  Barilla returned to family control and remained privately held.

  Source

• 1979

  Return to family ownershipStrategy

  Background

  After a period under W.R. Grace ownership, the Barilla family pursued the reacquisition of the company.

  Action taken

  The family bought the business back, preserving independent control and the long-term family-enterprise structure.

  Aftermath

  Barilla subsequently expanded as a privately held Italian food group with a stronger international portfolio.

  Source

• 1952

  Concentrate exclusively on pastaStrategy

  Background

  Barilla was transitioning from a regional bakery and pasta enterprise toward a more focused packaged-food identity.

  Action taken

  The company discontinued bread production and directed resources toward pasta.

  Aftermath

  The decision helped establish Barilla as a leading Italian pasta brand.

  Source

• 2026

  Barilla ranked among the world’s leading corporate reputations[12]Barilla ranked among the world’s leading corporate reputationsit.wikipedia.org

  Other

  According to the referenced company and ranking material, Barilla was recognized for the third consecutive year as the highest-ranked food company in the Global RepTrak 100 and placed ninth overall.

• 2025

  Barilla becomes Formula One’s official pasta partner[1]Barillaen.wikipedia.org

  Campaign · Other

  Formula One announced a partnership naming Barilla the sport’s official pasta partner.

• 2025

  Formula 1 welcomes Barilla as an official partner[13]Formula 1 welcomes Barilla as an official partnerformula1.com

  Campaign · Other

  Formula 1 announced a multi-year partnership with Barilla, including pasta bars, trackside visibility, digital activations and hospitality experiences at Grands Prix.

• 2025

  Barilla launches an archive-based podcast about Italian history[14]Barilla launches an archive-based podcast about Italian historybarillagroup.com

  Campaign · Other

  Barilla presented the ten-episode podcast È sempre domenica, drawing on objects and advertising materials preserved in its historical archive.

• 2023

  Barilla appoints Gianluca Di Tondo as Group CEO[15]Barilla appoints Gianluca Di Tondo as Group CEObarillagroup.com

  Leadership change

  Barilla Group announced Gianluca Di Tondo as chief executive officer, succeeding Claudio Colzani and beginning a new phase of leadership for the family-owned food group.

• 2022

  Barilla acquires Back to Nature[1]Barillaen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  The group acquired the American brand specializing in plant-based and non-GMO packaged foods.

• 2022

  Barilla limits new investment and advertising in Russia[1]Barillaen.wikipedia.org

  Regulation · Other

  Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Barilla said it would suspend new investments and advertising in Russia and restrict activity to essential food production, while stating that it would not seek profit from its presence there.

• 2022

  Barilla announces Gianluca Di Tondo as new Group CEO[16]Barilla announces Gianluca Di Tondo as new Group CEObarillagroup.com

  Leadership change

  Barilla announced that Gianluca Di Tondo would succeed Claudio Colzani as chief executive in April 2023 after serving as Group Chief Marketing Officer.

• 2021

  Barilla acquires Catelli and Lancia in Canada[1]Barillaen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  The group completed the acquisition of Catelli’s Canadian dry-pasta business, including the Lancia and Splendor brands, strengthening its North American portfolio.

• 2021

  Barilla takes a majority stake in Pasta Evangelists[1]Barillaen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  Barilla expanded into UK fresh pasta and home delivery through a majority investment in Pasta Evangelists.

Showing the 10 most recent.

1. 1Barillaen.wikipedia.org
2. 2Barilla Group official websitebarillagroup.com
3. 3Barilla Group: Our historybarillagroup.com
4. 4Barilla Group: Who we arebarillagroup.com
5. 5Barilla Group: Governancebarillagroup.com
6. 6Barilla Group: Diversity, equity and inclusionbarillagroup.com
7. 7BBC: Barilla boss apologizes over gay family commentsbbc.com
8. 8https://www.barilla.combarilla.com
9. 9Gianluca Di Tondo becomes CEObarillagroup.com
10. 10Advertising and family-representation controversyreuters.com
11. 11Public controversy over comments by Guido Barillareuters.com
12. 12Barilla ranked among the world’s leading corporate reputationsit.wikipedia.org
13. 13Formula 1 welcomes Barilla as an official partnerformula1.com
14. 14Barilla launches an archive-based podcast about Italian historybarillagroup.com
15. 15Barilla appoints Gianluca Di Tondo as Group CEObarillagroup.com
16. 16Barilla announces Gianluca Di Tondo as new Group CEObarillagroup.com
17. 17Barilla continues international sustainability and agricultural programsbarillagroup.com
18. 18Barilla expands alternative-grain and dietary pasta offeringsbarilla.com