The Barilla story
Pietro Barilla opened a bread and pasta shop in Parma in 1877. His sons expanded it into an industrial pasta maker. The family sold the business in 1971 and bought it back in 1979. The company is now led by the fourth generation of the family.
What makes Barilla powerful
Barilla is the world's leading pasta brand, with a range of pasta and sauces. It also owns Mulino Bianco, Harrys and Wasa. Barilla brings Italian food culture to kitchens worldwide.
Barilla today
Barilla G. e R. Fratelli S.p.A. remains owned by the Barilla family, with Guido Barilla as chairman. The Barilla Center for Food and Nutrition Foundation studies sustainable food. The company sources durum wheat through sustainable farming programmes.
What comes next for Barilla
Barilla's road ahead is to grow in North America and other markets and meet demand for healthier products.
Why Barilla ranks #67
Brand Positioning & Recall (72.0) and Consumer Trust & Sentiment (72.0) carry Barilla's Power Score of 68.16.
Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 56.0. What would move it: Stronger digital engagement and clearer published financial reporting at brand level.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
17 Food & Beverage brands are in the Europe 100. Barilla is #12 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Barilla in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Barilla ranks #67 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 68.16 out of 100.
When was Barilla founded and who founded it?
Barilla was founded in 1877. Founder(s): Pietro Barilla.
What is Barilla's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Barilla's lowest pillar is Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 56.0 out of 100.
Who leads Barilla today?
Gianluca Di Tondo, CEO; Guido Barilla, Chairman. The brand is owned by Barilla G. e R. Fratelli S.p.A. (family-owned).
Where is Barilla headquartered?
Barilla is based in Parma, Italy. Its country of origin is Italy.
What is Barilla's revenue?
€4.84bn revenue (2025, -0.9%), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Barilla?
Pietro Barilla opened a bread and pasta shop in Parma in 1877.
Key facts
| Brand | Barilla |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Barilla G. e R. Fratelli S.p.A. (family-owned) |
| Headquarters | Parma, Italy |
| Founded | 1877 |
| Founder(s) | Pietro Barilla |
| Leadership | Gianluca Di Tondo, CEO; Guido Barilla, Chairman |
| Latest revenue | €4.84bn revenue (2025, -0.9%) Source |
| Sector | Food & Beverage |
| Country of origin | Italy |
| Signature fact | Pietro Barilla opened a bread and pasta shop in Parma in 1877. |
| Official website | barilla.com |
Barilla is ranked #67 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 68.16).