In the US, Barilla acquires Goodles’ mac and cheese
A partnership has been signed that will see the US brand join the Italian company. The leading ‘Mac & Cheese’ company has performed exceptionally well in recent years. Guido Barilla: a great opportunity for our future
Key points
Barilla is strengthening its position in the United States. The renowned ‘Made in Italy’ pasta brand has confirmed that it has acquired Goodles, the US brand that has reinvented the traditional American ‘Mac & Cheese’ (‘macaroni and cheese’). The partnership (through which the US brand joins the Italian company) is aimed at accelerating the brand’s growth, whilst fully respecting its autonomy, identity and current management team.
The company, founded in California in 2020, has revolutionised the market
Founded in California in 2020 (under the name Gooder Foods, Inc.) and based in Santa Cruz, Goodles was born from the idea that Mac & Cheese – a much-loved comfort food across the Atlantic – could be made more nutritious, tastier and capable of bringing pleasure and joy. Thanks to a premium nutritional offering and a range of original flavours, in just over four years the brand has established itself as one of the most dynamic in its category, building a passionate community of consumers across the United States.
Guido Barilla: an important day for our group
“Today is an important day for our Group,” commented Guido Barilla, Chairman of the Barilla Group. “We have been following Goodles for some time and have been impressed by the strength of the brand, the quality of its products and the momentum of its growth. Having got to know the management team, led by Jen Zeszut, we were equally impressed by the organisation’s solidity, its cohesion and its forward-looking vision. These factors convinced us that Goodles was the right choice and represents an exciting opportunity for the future.”
The partnership is also based on a strong affinity between the two companies: for both, the quality and flavour of their products are a key element of their strategies.
Zeszut’s founder: Barilla is the best partner for our company
“Goodles,” commented co-founder and CEO Jen Zeszut, who will continue to lead the Goodles team, “wants to build on the positive momentum of recent years. I couldn’t have imagined a better partner for our small company and our team. The Barilla Group can help us innovate and grow, whilst enabling us to make better decisions and maintain our quality.”
