Barilla bought a majority stake in Britain’s Pasta Evangelists through its venture firm BLU1877, re-entering the fresh pasta market, as it was informed by mass media January 14.
The companies did not disclose the financial details of the deal, but some sources said Barilla would pay around 40 million pounds.
Pasta Evangelists, which was founded in 2016, delivers boxes of fresh pasta directly to clients across Britain via Ocado, Amazon, Marks & Spencer and at a physical outlet in the Harrods Food Hall. Last year its sales rose more than 300%.
Under the deal, Pasta Evangelists will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity led by Chief Executive and founder Alessandro Savelli, and co-founders Chris Rennoldson and Finn Lagun, who will remain significant shareholders in the company.
Barilla said it would also create a digital hub in London that would work in an integrated way with the Parma headquarters.
