Overview
- The two companies announced an agreement on Wednesday, September 3, 2026, but they did not disclose the purchase price and said the transaction must win regulatory approval before closing.
- Goodles will remain headquartered in Santa Cruz and operate as an independent, standalone brand with CEO Jen Zeszut and the company’s 73 employees retained.
- Goodles was founded in 2020, rebranded from Gooder Foods, drew 2023 financing led by L Catterton, was valued at about $88 million after that round, and reported its first profit in 2024.
- Barilla plans to pair its global scale and recent U.S. manufacturing investments — including a $145 million Avon, New York project — with Goodles’ nutrient-forward product positioning and retail traction.
- The deal could intensify competition in the boxed mac-and-cheese aisle long led by legacy brands and may expand Goodles’ international reach, though customers are watching for any changes to recipes or ingredients.