Italy-based food business Barilla is to invest EUR30m (US$34.7m) in upgrading a domestic sauce production plant.

The company is to build a new production line in its factory in Rubbiano near Parma, which it suggests will make it the largest sauce plant in Europe.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Barilla said the line will become active in April 2023 and will increase the production of sauces, with a particular focus on pesto.

Opened in 2012, the Rubbiano plant employs around 300 people and is spread over an area of about 30,000 square metres. Barilla added two production lines in 2018.

Giovanni Palopoli, director of operations for Barilla’s meal solutions business, said: “We are particularly pleased to be able to make this announcement because it is in line with our desire to continue to invest in the Italian country system in an historical moment in which everyone must do their part to contribute to a unique opportunity to relaunch the national economy.

“Rubbiano, also thanks to this further investment, is increasingly confirmed as the largest and most sustainable sauce production plant in Europe, focusing on the quality of products.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Barilla said it has experienced double-digit growth in its sauce business in recent years with pesto being a major contributor.

“Particularly relevant is the growth in the Americas and Europe, where sales of sauces follow hand in hand with those of pasta,” it said.

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact