Goodles, the mac-and-cheese brand in which actress Gal Gadot is an investor, announced that it clinched a deal to be acquired by the Barilla Group, the world’s largest pasta company.
Gadot, best known for portraying Wonder Woman in DC’s superhero films, and her husband, Jaron Varsano, were founding investors in the Goodles brand, which is marketed as a more nutritious alternative to other mac-and-cheese products in the market.
With Barilla’s acquisition of Goodles, it’s unclear how Gadot might be involved with the brand going forward. A representative for Goodles confirmed only that Gadot is an investor. In past communications, the company has referred to the Israeli actress as a “founding partner.”
Financial terms of Barilla’s deal to buy Goodles were not disclosed. Upon the close of the merger, pending regulatory approval, Goodles will remain headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, and will continue to operate independently as a stand-alone brand. Goodles co-founder and CEO Jen Zeszut will continue to lead the 73-employee team.
Founded in October 2020 as Gooder Foods, Goodles “was born out of the idea that everyone’s favorite comfort food, mac and cheese, could be more nutritious, incredibly delicious and bring joy,” the company says. “Goodles and the Barilla Group share several common values, including a passion for food and an obsession with quality and taste. This acquisition will strengthen both brands’ commitment to bring beloved products, made with carefully selected ingredients, to the tables of people around the world.”
