Major Investment to Boost US Pasta Production
Italian food giant Barilla has announced a significant expansion of its pasta manufacturing operations in Avon, New York. The two-phase project, which includes a $145 million investment for the first phase, is designed to enhance the company’s production capacity to keep pace with the rising demand for pasta across the United States.
The announcement was shared by the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to the region. Melissa Tendick, president of Barilla’s business in the Americas, emphasized that this strategic spending is essential to meeting the growing appetite for their products among American consumers.
Expansion Details and Timeline
The first phase of the expansion is slated for completion by March 2028. Key features of this initial development include:
- Construction of a new 52,000-square-foot production building.
- Installation of one new production line and three additional packaging lines.
- Development of a new warehouse facility to manage the increased storage and distribution requirements.
This infrastructure is designed to support a second phase of investment, which will introduce an additional production line to the Avon site. The Avon facility, which first opened its doors in 2007 following an initial $75 million investment, has become a cornerstone of Barilla’s North American supply chain alongside their existing plant in Ames, Iowa.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
Beyond increasing production output, the expansion is expected to have a positive impact on the local workforce. Barilla anticipates that the project will create more than 90 new jobs once both phases are fully operational. Governor Hochul praised the initiative, noting that the partnership highlights the region’s strength in advanced manufacturing and its role in fostering economic growth.
“This expansion marks an important step in our continued growth in the US and underscores our commitment to the Town of Avon,” said Fabio Pettenari, vice-president of supply chain at Barilla Americas.
Financial Performance and Growth
Barilla’s investment comes during a period of strong financial health for the family-owned company. The group recently reported global revenue of €4.84 billion ($5.61 billion), with the Americas accounting for 22.4% of total group sales. Furthermore, the company noted that the US pasta retail channel saw growth in both volume and value in 2025, driven by firmer domestic consumption trends.
With 30 plants operating across 11 countries and a global workforce of approximately 9,000 employees, Barilla remains a dominant force in the global food industry, continuously upgrading its facilities to support long-term sustainability and production efficiency.
