Frequently Asked Questions

Supplier Diversity and Inclusion is a proactive business process that seeks to give diverse suppliers equal access to corporate procurement opportunities. Barilla is committed to developing a diverse supply base that reflects the dynamics of the ever-evolving consumer marketplace, as well as Barilla’s global workforce.

Suppliers must be certified as “diverse” to receive assistance, referrals, or to be recognized as part of Barilla’s Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Program. Certification can be obtained by demonstrating that the business is at least 51% owned and operated by a U.S. citizen who qualifies for one of the designated minority categories. Agencies through which suppliers can obtain the proper business certifications include:

- National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and regional affiliates, www.nmsdc.org
- Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), www.wbenc.org
- National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), www.nglcc.org
- National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), https://www.nawbo.org/resources
- Small Business Administration (SBA), https://certify.sba.gov
- Veterans Affairs (VA), www.dva.wa.gov/program/veteran-owned-business-certification
- US Women's Chamber of Commerce (USWCC), https://uswcc.org/certification

The following categories of suppliers are eligible for Barilla’s Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Program:
- 8(a) business
- H.U.B. Zone
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer -Owned Business (LGBTQ)
- Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
- Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
- Small Business (SB)
- Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
- Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
- Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)

While Barilla will require third-party certification for suppliers to be considered a diverse firm, there is still an opportunity for those suppliers that do not have a third-party certification. Barilla also partners with organizations whose values reflect our own, and we encourage primary suppliers to Barilla to have Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Programs as well.

Barilla has implemented a Supplier Diversity Registry and Database which allows suppliers to register their companies and to be included in the procurement process for goods and/or services. Click here for more information on our Supplier and Diversity program and registration process.

Barilla is committed to including diverse businesses in the procurement processes across our supply chain. A business’ chance of being selected as a vendor depends on its offerings and if these offerings align with current opportunities and business needs. All businesses that register with Barilla’s Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Program Registry and Database will be thoroughly reviewed by our procurement team.

The Barilla Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Program Database captures supplier information, key contacts, core competencies, additional capabilities, and certification documents. The database is a resource for employees across the Barilla network and provides access to a wealth of qualified diverse suppliers and critical information to assist in the expansion of the program.

Registration with the program does not guarantee business. Barilla’s Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Program facilitates the connection between diverse suppliers and Barilla’s procurement team. When a company registers for the program, Barilla will review the supplier’s information and determine any opportunities.

If Barilla makes a connection with a diverse supplier for a possible opportunity, the diverse supplier will be expected to complete all documents included in the associated RFI, RFP or RFQ the same as any other supplier. Please see the attached sample documents:

Sample RFP Template
Preliminary Questionnaire for Supplier Approval
Contract Template
Cost Breakdown for RFP

At this time, opportunities include, but are not limited to, networking opportunities, focused learning groups (e.g., how to respond to an RFP), and individual coaching.

Barilla’s mission is to create opportunities so that diverse firms can do business in the highly competitive food and consumer products industries, while continuing to grow and develop their expertise.

Barilla is already a corporate member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (“NMSDC”) and supports NMSDC’s focus on capacity-building for diverse firms. The natural next step for Barilla is to implement a formal Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Program.

Barilla’s goals for the supplier diversity program include:

• Mentor and develop diverse firms, so that they can grow and expand while doing business in the highly competitive food and consumer products industries.
• Continue to provide consumers with the highest quality products.
• Do right by customers by ensuring our partners and vendors in business are reflective of the communities we serve.

Barilla will increase its total number of active diverse suppliers by 5% by 2020. Additional goals include:

• Actively seek to include more diverse firms in all RFP processes.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and development opportunities to diverse firms.
• Graduate diverse suppliers from the program as they grow and expand, and have a steady pipeline of new diverse suppliers to mentor and develop.
• Strengthen business and community network with local Chambers of Commerce representing diverse suppliers.