Barilla announces partnership with U.S. skier

BANNOCKBURN — Barilla, the Italian food company, announced that since the start of the season it has been collaborating with the U.S. Ski Team’s Mikaela Shiffrin.

The 17-year-old, who recently secured third place at the slalom in Levi, Finland and is considered one to watch for heading into the World Cup in Aspen, Colo. on Nov. 24, and Sochi, Russia 2014, will now take to the slopes wearing the well-known Barilla logo on her helmet.

“We are excited to be working with such an incredibly talented athlete,” said Giannella Alvarez, Barilla Americas group president. “Mikaela is an inspiration to all of us, and we hope our partnership will inspire others to lead healthier, more active lifestyles, whether that’s skiing down mountains or jogging around the neighborhood or eating wholesome foods.”

The partnership between Barilla and Shiffrin is based on shared values, including nutrition, quality and family. As a popular source of complex carbohydrates and high protein foods, Barilla pasta has been a favorite among athletes for many years, the company said. Shiffrin regularly turns to Barilla Whole Grain, Plus and other better-for-you varieties to fulfill her evolving nutritional needs for training. The brand is a staple in the Shiffrin household and the basis for many family meals.

“I am very excited to be working with a family-owned company like Barilla,” Shiffrin said. “In my opinion eating some complex carbohydrates before a workout can really enhance my muscle performance and endurance when I’m training, and give my brain the fuel it needs to keep plugging away at schoolwork.”

Fans can explore Mikaela’s Tumblr Travel Log at www.Barilla.com/mikaelashiffrin.

Barilla, originally established in 1877 as a bread and pasta shop in Parma, Italy, leads in the global pasta business, the pasta sauces business in continental Europe, the bakery products business in Italy and the crispbread business in Scandinavia.

Barilla owns 42 production sites, 14 in Italy and 28 outside Italy, and exports to more than 100 countries.