“Today, whether it’s a spaghetti, a biscuit, a bread or a sauce, we are talking about the quality of our products, the heart of our trade.” This is how the Barilla family tells about the commitment of a company that combines tradition, innovation and responsibility.
“Today more than ever, when we discuss taste, nutrition, food safety, environment, accessibility, people, communication, the future, whether it is a spaghetti, a biscuit, a bread or a sauce, We are talking about the quality of our products, the heart of our profession, our way of acting and the value of our brands.”
This statement by the brothers Luca, Paolo and Guido Barilla, which is included in the company’s sustainability report, sums up the essence of a company that has made quality and innovation the pillars of its success. Founded in 1877 in Parma, Barilla is today a world leader in the production of pasta, sauces and baked goods, with a presence in over 100 countries.
The company has been able to combine tradition and innovation, maintaining a strong link with its Italian roots and, at the same time, adopting a global and sustainable vision. In recent years, the company has intensified its social commitment through initiatives aimed at inclusion and community support. On 20 November 2024, the company inaugurated the “Pasta Masterclass” project, promoted by Academia Barilla in collaboration with the CFP of the Consortium Sir and Trattoria Solidale, the first educational restaurant in Milan.
This inclusive programme is dedicated to young people in difficult and fragile situations, offering them the opportunity to approach food-related occupations. As stated by the Barilla Group:”Pasta Masterclass wants to bring young people in fragile situations to the world of food professions, where it serves trained and qualified staff. The collaboration with Trattoria Solidale and CFP combines training and work with inclusion and solidarity. We give the children the opportunity to get to know the pastries and our know-how, but above all we want to enrich their professional and personal skills through training.”
The company has taken a significant path towards environmental sustainability, adapting its production to reduce its impact on the planet. The company’s sustainability strategy, called ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), is based on fundamental pillars such as sustainable supply chains, involving over 8,500 farms, and the use of exclusively land-based eggs.
Barilla has also achieved important milestones, including the purchase of 62% of electricity from renewable sources with GO (Guarantee of Origin) certificates and the reduction of 28% of greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of finished product. The company said: “Today, our goal is to ensure superior products from safe and sustainable supply chains, minimizing impact on the planet and maximizing the well-being of our people and communities”. Barilla’s commitment in the social and environmental fields has been internationally recognised.
In 2021, the company was the first Italian to receive the Catalyst Award, a prestigious recognition for initiatives that have accelerated women’s progress and increased the inclusion of all employees. In addition, in 2024, Barilla received the Impact Award at the CSR and Social Innovation Fair for its breast cancer prevention and information project aimed at its employees.
These awards attest to the company’s commitment to promoting an inclusive and sustainable corporate culture, confirming the company’s role as a model of social and environmental responsibility in the global industrial landscape. Barilla becomes not only a symbol of Italian taste, but also an example of how authentic values, passion and strategic vision can transform an idea into a global icon.
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