Italian pasta giant Barilla to acquire Gal Gadot-backed mac-and-cheese brand

Italian pasta giant Barilla has announced its acquisition of the mac-and-cheese brand Goodles. Founded in 2020 with the goal of offering a healthier version of the popular dish, the brand counts Israeli actress Gal Gadot among its early investors. The financial terms of the deal have not been officially disclosed. Goodles was valued at approximately $88 million in 2023 and currently holds a 7.8 percent share of the US mac-and-cheese market. This acquisition signals Barilla's effort to expand its presence in the innovative and health-conscious food sector within the American market.