Barilla’s history through key milestones
Our Company
We fondly look back, remembering our history, and the immense progress we have made as a Company.
1877-1912: Pietro Sr. at the helm of the Company
1877 - Barilla’s beginnings
Pietro Barilla opened a bread and pasta shop in Parma. Here started a story of quality, innovation, and passion for outstanding work.
1912-1947: Gualtiero and Riccardo at the helm of the Company
1910 - The first factory
First factory is built: 80 workers produce 8 tons of pasta and 2 tons of bread per day thanks to innovative “continuous baking” oven.
1936 - Innovation in pasta production and start of a commercial network
6 continuous presses – for the first time, combining the functions of a mixer, a kneader and a press. Start of commercial network development by Pietro – Riccardo’s son.
1947-1993: Gianni and Pietro at the helm of the Company
1947 - Organization of the Company
Gianni and Pietro Barilla divided up their tasks. Gianni took the manufacturing and administration, while Pietro managed the sales market, advertising, and public relations.
1950 - Pietro in the US
Intellectual curiosity pushed Pietro to travel to the United States in 1950 in search for the most innovative techniques on packaging, marketing, and mass distribution. While Gianni, together with Manfredo Manfredi, gave the Company’s technical innovation a new push, with the new cardboard packaging.
1952 - The courage of innovative choices
A courageous business choice: the traditional fresh bread bakery was closed to further develop the brand’s presence in the pasta market.
Innovation in Communication: Barilla partnered with graphic artist and famous architect Erberto Carboni.
1965 - Expansion of the Company and innovative advertising
Barilla partners with Mina, a legendary Italian singer, who participated in more than 60 clips for "Carosello” on Italian TV.
1969 - The largest pasta production plant
New production plant built in Pedrignano (Parma) that counted more than 120 meters of production line, producing 1,000 tons of pasta a day.
1979 - The return of Pietro Barilla
Pietro Barilla managed to buy back his Company and continued his innovative approach in communication with advertising spots by famous directors such as Federico Fellini and cartoon animations of Mulino Bianco.
1993-Today: Guido, Luca, and Paolo at the helm of the Company
1999 - Ames
Inauguration of the first US plant in Ames, Iowa.
2004 - Academia Barilla
Inauguration of Academia Barilla: an international project devoted to safeguarding, developing, and promoting the regional Italian gastronomic culture as a unique World Heritage.
2007 - New plant in US
Expansion continues in the US with second pasta plant in Avon, NY.
2009 - Barilla Center for Food and Nutrition launch
Created to better understand and share knowledge about the food life cycle, from production to waste, consumption, and sustainability. Today the Barilla Foundation is multidisciplinary center of high level experts who tackle complex issues and translate them into simple messages and proposals.
2012 - Inauguration of Rubbiano Sauces Plant
The first Pasta Sauces Plant in Italy.
2013 - Brazil
Entry in the Brazilian market with a dedicated product range.
2014 - Gluten Free pasta
New Gluten Free pasta line launched across the world.
2015 - Wheat transport train
The first wheat transport train arrives at the Barilla plant in Parma.
2016 - People Wellbeing, Sustainability Improvements
The company continues to improve the nutritional profile of its products, replacing palm oil in its bakery portfolio and expanding the range of whole grain products. The new Bio/Organic Pasta is launched on the European and US markets: 100% selected durum wheat from organic farms.
2016 - 3D Pasta
A shape is drawn on the computer, then the information is transmitted to the printer that materializes it using dough instead of ink.
2017 - Barilla celebrates 140 years of its history
For over 140 years, Barilla is passionate about pasta, and is committed to bring people the best experiences: high quality products and moments to be celebrated over good food.
2018 - Investing in the future
Barilla announces to invest 1 billion euros over five years on its industrial assets. About 60% of the investments are aimed at boosting competitiveness and sustainability by improving processes and technologies, while about 40% of the investments are aimed at supporting innovation and expansion.
2022 - Barilla celebrates 145 years heritage
The company celebrates its 145th anniversary with a new visual identity of Barilla pasta brand, the launch of the of Al Bronzo pasta, and the reopening of the historic Bottega in Parma, Italy.