Nurturing the future through responsible choices: our 2024 Sustainability Report
1 August 2025
In a world that’s constantly changing, where habits, technologies and priorities evolve every day, it’s only natural to stop and reflect about what truly matters, what defines us, and what is worth protecting.
For us, the answer to this question is summed up in our purpose: the joy of food for a better life. It’s a commitment that shapes how we act today, and guides the conscious choices we make for tomorrow.
That’s why we’ve renewed our commitment and are continuing the sustainability journey we began 17 years ago, built on nearly 150 years of dedication to quality, care for people, and respect for the environment. Over time, this process has evolved, turning our principles and values into tangible actions, listening, learning and working closely with the people who walk this path with us every day.
The 2024 Sustainability Report offers a snapshot of that journey, sharing not only what we’ve achieved so far, but also the direction we’re heading in. Because our goal for the future remains clear: to keep bringing people together through the joy of food, and to make quality a conscious choice for a better life.
OUR PRODUCTS, WHERE GOODNESS MEETS NOURISHMENT
Our products are the heart of everything we do. This is where our daily commitment begins: with the goal of offering delicious, safe foods that bring joy to the lives of those who choose us every day. We’re proud to say that this commitment continues to deliver real, measurable results.
Data from 2024 reveal that 88% of volumes sold contained no more than 5 grams of sugar and do not exceed 0.5 grams of salt per portion, marking year-on-year improvements of +0.7% and +1.5%, respectively. What’s more, 90% of volumes sold is represented by products containing a source of fibre (+0.8%). And because mindful nutrition also means paying attention to portion sizes, 65% of volumes of bakery products sold in single portions do not exceed 150 kcal per portion.
But responsibility doesn’t stop at the ingredients. Today, 98,8% of our packaging for pasta, sauces, pesto, bread, biscuits and snacks is currently designed for recycling, with clear instructions for proper waste disposal and information on the materials used. Because we believe that the joy of eating should always go hand in hand with conscious choices, starting with every package.
OUR SUPPLY CHAINS: EVER MORE SUSTAINABLE AND TRANSPARENT
Behind every one of our products is a recipe we’ve carefully perfected. Behind every recipe is the quality of the ingredients we choose. Behind every ingredient is a journey that begins with a decision. What decision? To rely on sustainable supply chains that not only reduce our environmental impact but also help strengthen the quality, resilience and future of agriculture.
Today, we work with more than 7,000 farmers, sourcing a total of 815,000 tonnes of raw materials across four key supply chains managed according to the specifications developed by Barilla Sustainable Farming: the Decalogue for the Sustainable Cultivation of Durum Wheat along with the Mulino BIanco Charter, Harrys Charter, Wasa Charter and Basil Charter. Looking ahead, we are committed to promoting the spread of regenerative agriculture. By 2030, our goal is to source 250,000 tonnes of raw materials from certified regenerative productions.
Our commitment to sustainability also means respecting animal welfare. 100% of the eggs we buy come from cage-free hens, and we do not conduct or fund animal testing.
This is our vision of a responsible supply chain, one that is increasingly transparent, traceable and deeply respectful of the land and all living beings.
SAVING, RECOVERING, REGENERATING
Tackling climate change is a global challenge, and every action matters. That’s why we’re committed to using energy and natural resources more efficiently, starting with how we power our offices and production plants.
48% of the electricity we consume currently comes from renewable sources. And over the past five years, we’ve installed photovoltaic plants with a total capacity of 4 MW, helping us generate clean energy on-site and reduce our carbon footprint. We’ve chosen to accelerate this journey through our Energy & Water Plan, a scheme designed to bring us to 24 MW of installed capacity by 2030.
But energy is just one part of the equation. Over the past two years, we’ve increased the volume of recycled and reused water by +164% at our sites located in water-stressed areas. Saving, recovering and regenerating are the principles guiding our transition to a more sustainable way of doing business. Because building a better future doesn’t happen all at once. It happens one day, one step and one plant at a time.
CLOSE TO PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES
When it comes to resources, none matter more to us than our people. At the heart of everything we do are the nearly 9,000 individuals who help bring our vision to life every day. They are the soul of our Group and help us bring the joy of food to the world.
Our ongoing commitment to equal rights and opportunities is dedicated to them. Since 2020, we’ve achieved gender pay equality, and in 2023 we introduced a new parental leave policy that ensures all new parents – regardless of gender, marital status or sexual orientation – receive at least 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave. In 2024, we took another step forward by launching a collaboration with LEAD Network, aimed at supporting and advancing the growth of women.
Our commitment doesn't stop at our offices or production sites, it extends to all the communities we share this planet with. In 2024, we donated over €2 million to local projects and distributed more than 3,700 tonnes of food to people in need. And because we know that time is one of the most valuable resources, we dedicated over 1,000 hours to corporate volunteering, with more than 300 of our colleagues taking part in hands-on initiatives to fight food waste and improve access to food. Because being a truly sustainable company means responding with urgency and solidarity, especially to those who need it most, both within our communities and beyond.
ALWAYS LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
As we look to the future, we continue to follow a clear and purposeful path, guided by our values and driven by bold, inspiring goals. By 2030, we aim to source 250,000 tonnes of raw materials each year from regenerative agriculture, expand our photovoltaic energy capacity and increase recycled and reused water volumes by 250% at sites located in water-stressed areas. We are also committed to reducing packaging materials by 4,000 tonnes and to further improving the nutritional profiles of our products.
This is a concrete, integrated plan that underscores our intention to remain a leader in sustainability. As our CEO Gianluca Di Tondo puts it:“Our commitment is coming to life through a new strategic approach to sustainability, fully integrated into our business strategy. This journey will guide us through to 2030, transforming our vision into daily actions and concrete commitments.”
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