Barilla Logo

Barilla is a renowned Italian brand known for producing pasta. Pietro Barilla founded the company in Parma. He established it to provide high-quality pasta. The brand quickly became a symbol of Italian culinary traditions. It focuses on creating products that enhance everyday meals.

Meaning and history

Barilla was founded in 1877 in Parma, Italy. Initially a small shop and bakery, it evolved into a pasta factory by 1910. By 1936, the brand modernized its production processes, which greatly increased pasta production. Significant years in Barilla’s history include 1971, when it became the largest pasta manufacturer in Italy. In 1993, Barilla expanded internationally by acquiring a Swedish bakery company, further solidifying its global presence. The brand emphasizes sustainability and innovation in its operations.

What is Barilla?
Barilla is a top pasta maker globally, famous for its wide range of high-quality pasta and other culinary products. It stands out for combining traditional Italian cooking principles with modern production techniques. The brand is a staple in households looking for authentic Italian pasta.

1910 – 1918

This emblem presents a vintage scene within a red-bordered oval. A chef in traditional attire juggles a pan and a loaf, evoking old-world Italian cooking. The scene sits against a cream backdrop, with a rustic barrel and bread bowl underscoring the culinary theme. The phrase “MARCA DEPOSITATA”, meaning registered trademark, grounds the image with authenticity. This logo radiates classic charm and culinary heritage, a nod to timeless Italian gastronomy.

1918 – 1921

The logo transitions from a complex illustration to stark simplicity. “BARILLA” appears in bold, black, uppercase letters against a white background. The design is minimalist, prioritizing brand recognition. It sheds historical imagery for contemporary, unadorned typography. This reflects a shift to modern branding, focusing on name impact over detailed visuals.

1921 – 1924

The logo has transitioned to a strikingly bold typographic design. Featuring just the word “BARILLA”, the letters are black, with pronounced serifs and variations in stroke width. This typeface conveys solidity and modernity. The design’s simplicity is a dramatic departure from the previous logo’s illustrative style, indicating a clear, confident brand identity. The absence of imagery highlights a focus on the name itself, suggesting reliability and quality in their products.

1924 – 1949

Now, the logo showcases a cursive, red script. The letter “B” sweeps back with a flourish, creating a sense of movement. “Barilla” is now fully lowercase, except for the initial capital. This design exudes a friendly and approachable vibe, in contrast to the previous logo’s formality. It implies craftsmanship and personal touch, a departure from the stern block letters before. This script suggests elegance and flair, resonating with the artistry of pasta-making.

1949 – 1952

The logo now encapsulates “Barilla” in a red oval with a white outline. The cursive font remains, but is crisper, bolder, and more streamlined. The “B” retains its flair, but the other letters follow more conventional cursive strokes. This design confines the name, creating a compact and more recognizable visual. The encapsulation suggests completeness, quality control, and a distinct brand enclosure. It’s a harmonious blend of tradition and modern design principles.

1952 – 1954

The logo retains the iconic red oval but drops the white outline for a seamless look. The script of “Barilla” now flows with increased elegance and prominence. Each letter, particularly the “B,” features more pronounced curves and flourishes, enhancing the brand’s visual flair. This design emphasizes fluidity and refinement, aligning with an image of gourmet finesse. The script’s artistic strokes echo the craftsmanship in pasta making.

1954 – 1956

The logo revisits the white outline, encircling the red oval for a pronounced contrast. The “Barilla” script within is refined, with delicate touches to the cursive that evoke elegance. The letters “B” and “R” now exhibit more pronounced curls, adding a sense of sophistication. This design reestablishes the balance between tradition and a modern, clean aesthetic. It signals the brand’s commitment to quality and its esteemed heritage. The white outline gives the logo a visual pop, enhancing brand visibility.

1956 – 1969

The logo maintains the previous composition but introduces a softer cursive font, conveying a more relaxed and welcoming feel. The white border around the oval remains, defining the red background that now seems brighter, ensuring the brand name stands out. The “Barilla” script is less ornate, favoring readability and a friendlier appearance. These subtle changes suggest a brand that values clarity and approachability, aiming to resonate more intimately with consumers. The design choice reflects an accessible, yet refined brand identity.

1969 – 2003

The logo retains the classic oval but swaps the script for a solid, sans-serif font that reads “Barilla.” This shift to a more modern typeface suggests a contemporary edge. The red and white color scheme is unchanged, yet the new font offers a clean, more industrial look. The crisp lines of the letters convey efficiency and modernity. This typographical update signifies a step towards a more streamlined and future-facing brand identity. It portrays simplicity and directness, aligning with mid-century design trends.

2003 – 2015

The logo has evolved, adding a three-dimensional effect to the red oval background, giving it depth and modernity. The white outline and font remain, but they now cast subtle shadows, implying a light source and creating a lifelike presence. This dimensional shift reflects a brand moving with the times, embracing a more dynamic and contemporary look. The overall effect is more engaging and visually striking, designed to stand out in a competitive market. The choice to add dimension suggests a brand that is tangible and forward-thinking.

2015 – 2022

The iteration of the logo ditches the previous 3D effect for a flat design. The red remains vibrant but now has a matte finish. The white border and font are crisp, offering stark, clean contrast against the red background. A registered trademark symbol has been added, indicating the brand’s established status. This transition reflects a modern trend towards simplicity and digital optimization. The flat design is more versatile for various media, representing a brand adapting to contemporary aesthetics and functionality.

2022 – Today

In this evolution, the logo incorporates the founding year, “DAL 1877,” atop the red oval, celebrating the brand’s heritage. This addition in modest white typeface honors the company’s long-standing history. The oval now has a deeper shade of red, and the white font of “Barilla” remains prominent and unchanged, preserving the brand’s modern and clean look. The integration of the establishment year is a tribute to Barilla’s tradition and enduring presence in the market, marrying its historical roots with a modern design ethos.