Pasta maker Barilla to invest 1 billion euros to win over consumers

Barilla is investing 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) over five years to expand production and launch new products.
Barilla’s pasta and sauces have grown faster than its bakery business in recent years, and now account for almost 60% of total sales. To respond to growing demand, the Group will earmark part of its 2018-2022 investments to expand its two main factories producing pasta and sauces in Italy.
The company will also invest in pasta plants in the United States and Russia.
To tap growing consumer demand for healthier food, the group plans investments on product innovation. Mirroring bigger rivals like Nestle, 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 and vegetarian sauces.