How the Barilla Family Turned Pasta Into a Global Empire

In this episode of Family Business Stories, Lucas and Luna explore how the Barilla family transformed a small bread and pasta shop in Parma, Italy, into the world's largest pasta company. We trace the journey from founder Pietro Barilla in 1877 through the dramatic near-collapse of the 1970s, when the family lost control, to the remarkable comeback led by Pietro's grandsons in the 1980s. Learn how the Barillas rebuilt the brand around a marketing masterstroke—the 'Where Pasta Is Born' campaign—and how they navigated succession, a public listing, and a return to private family ownership. We also discuss the company's current challenges, including rising wheat costs and the shift toward gluten-free and alternative grains. A story of resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of a simple product. #Barilla #FamilyBusiness #Pasta #ItalianFood #Succession #BusinessResilience #Marketing #GlobalBrand #FoodIndustry #PrivateOwnership #PietroBarilla #WherePastaIsBorn #Parma #BusinessTurnaround #Multigenerational #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo