Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2022
US lawsuit concerning Italian-origin marketing
Two US consumers filed a proposed class action alleging that Barilla’s Italian branding could lead consumers to believe that products were made in Italy even when manufactured in the United States. A judge declined to dismiss the claims at an early stage after finding that economic injury had been alleged.
2022
Continuing Russian operations after invasion-related restrictions
Barilla suspended new investment and advertising in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine but continued producing essential food products. Reporting about increased performance by the Russian subsidiary generated scrutiny over the company’s continued presence in the country.
2013
Controversy over comments about same-sex families
Chairman Guido Barilla said he opposed adoption by gay families and did not want same-sex families represented in the company’s advertising. The comments led to boycott calls and significant criticism. He later apologized, while Barilla introduced inclusion-related initiatives and subsequently supported LGBTQ causes. Chairman Guido Barilla said in a radio interview that the company would not use a gay family in its advertising and expressed a preference for a traditional family model. The remarks prompted criticism from LGBTQ+ organizations, boycott calls and international media coverage. He later apologized, while Barilla announced measures focused on diversity and inclusion.