2001 - The Barilla Group acquires the Mexican pasta brands Yemina and Vesta. In the same year, Barilla passes yet another historical milestone, producing a record 300,000-plus tons of pasta.
2002 - Barilla celebrates its 125th anniversary. World-famous director Wim Wenders and leading Italian writer Alessandro Baricco commemorate the event with a 90-second film dedicated to the fundamental values underlying Barilla’s activities. Barilla is one of the main sponsors of the first Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, as part of its year-long celebration of food and culture. The Barilla Group launches “Academia Barilla,” a new business division and line of premium food products targeted to professional chefs and upscale restaurateurs to promote authentic, fine Italian dining around the world. The German bakery chain Kamps becomes a member of the Barilla Group.
2003 - Barilla Tortellini are launched in the U.S. and are honored with the Research Chefs Association Culinology Innovation Award for “Most Innovative Retail Product of the Year.” Barilla pasta reaches market share of more than two times its next branded competitor.
