BARILLA TO ACQUIRE GOODLES Italian pasta giant Barilla has agreed to acquire Goodles, the fast-growing U.S. mac-and-cheese brand known for higher-protein, higher-fiber products. Terms weren’t disclosed. Goodles launched in 2021 and has grown its share of U.S. shelf-stable mac-and-cheese spending to 7.8%, up from just 0.8% three years ago. Over the same period, Kraft fell to 36.6% from 42.2%. The company says ~80% of its sales come from consumers who either weren’t previously buying mac and cheese or are now buying more of it. Goodles was valued at $88M in 2023 and turned profitable in 2024. Barilla approached the company about a deal in June. Goodles will remain a standalone brand, with CEO Jen Zeszut staying on and all 73 employees retained.