Gal Gadot's Food Company Goodles Acquired by Italian Pasta Giant Barilla
Israeli actress Gal Gadot is poised for a significant financial exit as Italian pasta giant Barilla has signed an agreement to acquire Goodles, the American mac and cheese brand she co-founded and invested in. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, so Gadot's exact payout remains unknown. However, the Wall Street Journal reported that Goodles was valued at $88 million during a 2023 funding round, a figure representing its valuation at that time, not the current acquisition price.
Goodles, launched in late 2021, entered the U.S. market with a product designed to offer a more nutritious version of mac and cheese. Gadot was part of the founding team with her husband Yaron Varsano, and in 2023, she was identified by the company as a "founding partner" and a strategic investor. Her involvement extended beyond financial investment, as she participated in public relations, brand building, business development, and fundraising efforts, according to a 2022 Forbes interview.
Gadot has previously shared that her fondness for mac and cheese dates back to her childhood in Israel, where relatives from the U.S. would bring the dish. She aimed to create a version aligning with her and her family's nutritional preferences. Goodles has since captured a notable share of the U.S. mac and cheese market, reporting its first profit in 2024 and achieving a 7.8% market share in the category.
The acquisition comes as the U.S. market sees shifts in consumer tastes towards healthier options and increasing competition. Barilla had reportedly been monitoring Goodles for some time, with acquisition talks beginning in June. Following the deal's completion, Goodles is expected to continue operating independently within the Barilla Group, maintaining its operations in Santa Cruz, according to company statements.
Guido Barilla, chairman of the Barilla Group, commented on the acquisition, stating that the group had observed Goodles for a while and was impressed by its brand and growth. This move marks another significant business step for Gadot, who has been involved in Goodles' establishment and expansion since its inception. The precise amount Gadot will receive upon the deal's finalization is yet to be publicly announced.
