Italian pasta and sauce brand Barilla invested nearly €230 million in product and process innovation throughout 2023, according to its sustainability report.
Additionally, €45 million was dedicated to research and development, including the design of a new R&D hub in Parma. This hub will lead innovation for the group's future strategies starting in 2025.
Since 2010, Barilla has reformulated nearly 500 products to contain less fat, sugar, and salt, while increasing fibre content. In 2023 alone, they launched 16 new products focused on improved nutrition, such as options with reduced sugar, more fibre and whole grains.
The company prioritises sustainable sourcing, with 67% of strategic raw materials (durum wheat, soft wheat, rye, tomato, basil, cocoa, and vegetable oils) purchased responsibly. Over 8,000 companies are involved in these sustainable agriculture projects.
Significant Progress
Barilla has also made significant progress in reducing its environmental impact. Greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 28%, water consumption per tonne of product has fallen by 21%, and electricity consumption is down 62% compared to 2010.
Sustainable packaging is another focus for the brand. In Italy, 100% of its packaging is designed for recycling and uses materials from responsibly managed forests.
Barilla's social responsibility efforts include €3.2 million in donations and over 3,200 tonnes of products given to those in need.
These initiatives contributed to Barilla's positive financial performance in 2023. Group turnover increased by 4% to €4.8 billion, with an EBITDA margin of 10% (consistent with the previous year) and a 23% rise in net profit to €284 million.
Barilla's global production network of 30 facilities, including the newly opened Pasta Evangelists plant in the UK, manufactured around 2 million tonnes of food in 2023.
