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Barilla to acquire Gal Gadot-backed mac-and-cheese brand Goodles

The world's largest pasta maker plans to operate the startup as an independent unit following regulatory clearance.

The short version

  • The Barilla Group reached an agreement to buy Goodles, a mac-and-cheese company co-founded by actress Gal Gadot and CEO Jen Zeszut.
  • Goodles will maintain its Santa Cruz, California headquarters and continue operating independently under its current 73-person team.
  • The transaction remains subject to regulatory review, and financial details were not disclosed.

Key facts

  • The Barilla Group agreed to acquire Goodles, which was established in October 2020 as Gooder Foods.[Variety]
  • The startup was co-founded by actress Gal Gadot, Jaron Varsano, and CEO Jen Zeszut.[Variety]
  • Following the transaction, Goodles will remain based in Santa Cruz, California, and operate as a stand-alone entity under Zeszut and its 73 employees.[Variety]
  • Financial terms for the acquisition were not publicly disclosed.[Variety]

What remains uncertain

  • Gal Gadot's specific role with the brand after the acquisition closes has not been confirmed.[Variety]
  • The deal is pending regulatory approval, and an exact closing timeline has not been announced.[Variety]

Sources