Not Your Nonna’s Carbonara: Why Barilla Dared to Reinvent an Italian Food Classic 

The pasta brand's initiative promotes food inclusivity and cross-cultural connections

Be among trailblazing marketing pros at Brandweek this September 23–26 in Phoenix, Arizona. Experience incredible networking, insightful sessions and a boost of inspiration at ADWEEK’s ultimate brand event. Register by May 13 to save 35%.

With a celebrated food culture, Italy is known for protecting its culinary traditions even as many of its recipes have transcended borders. 

So some food lovers may be surprised that pasta brand Barilla is shaking up one of Italy’s best-known dishes: carbonara

Coinciding with National Carbonara Day April 6, Barilla has launched an initiative called Open Carbonara, which offers up a cross-cultural rendition of the Italian classic. Created by Publicis Italy, the campaign promotes food inclusivity, as the brand’s research reveals that 58% of people say they face some form of limitation when it comes to eating. 

Traditional carbonara is a dish of Roman origin, prepared with spaghetti, guanciale (cured meat made from pork cheek), pecorino Romano, eggs and pepper.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in