Barilla to Shape Its Future Around Community, Regenerative Agriculture and Renewable Energy

Global food leader Barilla released its 2024 sustainability report. The 148-year-old company will shape its future by focusing on work for society, regenerative agriculture, environmentally friendly production, and renewable energy. As a first step, the food giant is planning an investment of EUR 300 million in renewable energy, and last year produced more than 2 million tonnes of product while achieving revenue of EUR 4.9 billion.

Barilla, which produces at a total of 30 facilities worldwide including its factory in Bolu, Turkey, and reaches millions of tables in more than 100 countries every day, released its 2024 Sustainability Report. The report contains the results of more than 17 years of work in many areas ranging from environmentally friendly production to healthy recipes, from inclusive workforce practices to community support projects, as well as the company's strong future commitments.

The group's new report includes topics such as development of healthier and more balanced products, sustainable agriculture programmes for farmers, renewable energy investments, water conservation projects, and inclusive workforce practices. Barilla's sustainability approach focuses not only on the environment but also on human health, communities, and employees.

From Sustainability to Business Strategy
Barilla Group CEO Gianluca Di Tondo, noting that sustainability is an integral part of business strategy, said: "Sustainability is no longer just a goal, it is part of how we do business. This approach will guide us until 2030, transforming our vision into concrete daily actions and clear commitments."

The company, in its newly released report, emphasizes that it does not compromise on taste while bringing healthy recipes to consumers and strengthens initiatives promoting healthy eating. According to 2024 results, 88 percent of products sold contain a maximum of 5 grams of sugar and 0.5 grams of salt per portion. Additionally, 90 percent of products are sources of fibre, while 65 percent of portion-sized baked goods do not exceed 150 calories.

Target: Sourcing 250,000 Tonnes of Raw Materials from Regenerative Agriculture
Barilla has been conducting important work for 17 years to create a sustainable supply chain. The company, working with more than 7,000 farmers globally, continues to expand and develop the sustainable agriculture chain every year. Under the implemented programme, 815,000 tonnes of raw materials are being sourced, while the developed agricultural model stands out with digital tools and environmentally friendly cultivation rules.

Targeting the supply of 250,000 tonnes of raw materials annually from regenerative agriculture within the next 5 years, the company provides technical support to farmers through educational projects such as the "Basil Academy". Giving importance to animal welfare, the company sources all eggs it purchases from free-range hens and does not conduct any animal testing.

48 Percent of Electricity from Renewable Sources
Barilla, which has put two new solar power plants into operation at its Rubbiano facility in Italy, shared that it sources 48 percent of the electricity it consumes from renewable sources. Explaining that these plants cover all energy production for one day a week during summer months, the company aims to reach 24 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Barilla is also taking important steps in water management, increasing the amount of recycled and reused water by 164 percent in the last two years, particularly in water-scarce regions. The amount of water recycled at the Rubbiano facility reached the capacity of 24 Olympic swimming pools. Barilla plans to increase water recovery by 250 percent by 2030.

Targeting 40 Percent of Women in Management Positions
Barilla is implementing its sustainability approach consistently across different areas. Standing out with inclusive human resources policies, the company achieved gender pay equality in 2020 through its arrangements. Additionally, in 2023 it implemented fully paid leave of at least 12 weeks for all parents. Barilla's new target is to increase the share of women in middle and senior management positions from the current 35 percent to 40 percent by 2030.

The company also provides support to communities, donating EUR 2 million and 3,700 tonnes of food to local organisations in 2024. It also contributed to global corporate social responsibility projects through a donation to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) following the earthquake in Myanmar. Over the course of the year, 300 Barilla employees participated in volunteer work. Moving forward with confident steps in line with its adopted vision, Barilla was selected as the world's most reputable food company for the second consecutive year in Global RepTrak® 100, one of the world's leading corporate reputation studies. Barilla announced its 2024 revenue as EUR 4.9 billion.