Italy's Barilla is investing €1 billion over five years to expand production and launch new products, as the world's biggest pasta maker responds to shifting demand.
Barilla's pasta and sauces have grown faster than its bakery business in recent years, and now account for almost 60% of total sales.
Expansion Plans
To respond to growing demand, the family-owned group will earmark part of its 2018-2022 investments to expand its two main factories producing pasta and sauces in Italy, Barilla's chief strategy officer Mariapaola Vetrucci said on Tuesday.
The company will also invest in pasta plants in the United States and Russia, core markets for the group, Vetrucci said.
To tap growing consumer demand for healthier food, the group plans investments on product innovation.
Mirroring bigger rivals like Nestlé, Barilla cut sugar and salt content in 12 of its sauces last year. It also launched 10 new pasta products, including a range of whole grain pasta, vegetarian sauces and gluten-free crisp bread products.
Sales at the family-owned group rose 3% last year, at constant exchange rates, to reach nearly €3.5 billion euros, with pasta sauces growing nearly 10%, Vetrucci said.
News by Reuters, edited by ESM. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
