What would you describe Barilla's strengths as a company? Barilla’s strengths come from their top-notch management. Management wants to have the best product in the market. They do not want to short anyone of traditional, flavorful Italian cuisine. Management does this while also finding new manners to market products distinct from competitors.

What are its prospects in the pasta and bakery business going forward? For just Barilla, I feel as though they are on a very high plateau. Though with Academia Barilla, the company has found a way to go beyond just pasta and sauce. Having Barilla in the name of Academia Barilla could help, sales to lower income people may rise because they can associate Barilla with a nice Italian brand.

How would you assess Barilla's efforts so far in establishing Academia Barilla? They deserve an A+ for their efforts. Most companies would not want to commit to something that is not gaining profits and spending a lot of effort.

What is the potential of Academia in the United States? The potential is there, it is a matter of if they want to sell to just restaurants or retail stores also. If they can make Americans realize the difference in the ”fake” Italian products they can make progress.

What will be the challenges in marketing Academia as a local product in the U.S.? The challenges will be the price constraints, and figuring out how to market a high priced item. They are trying to make expensive products a local product. They will need to only aim to sell items in cities with the highest income range. The consumers they think will buy the products are high-income individuals. How do you market to these people.