MELBOURNE: Italy’s No.1 pasta brand, Barilla, will return to the Australian Open 2019 after a successful debut at the tournament last year. Barilla’s ‘Masters of Pasta’ custom-built restaurant will be situated in the Vineyard precinct of Grand Slam Oval, showcasing delicious and creative ways for fans to enjoy Barilla pasta and sauces.
Defending champion and 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer will also return as Barilla’s official Masters of Pasta ambassador. According to Forbes, Federer’s deal with the Italian brand that began in 2017, is valued at $40 million.
“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Barilla for Australian Open 2019,” Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said.
“Barilla has a proud and rich history, with a passion for quality and innovation, traits we share at the Australian Open. We look forward to welcoming the Barilla team, and their delicious Italian food, back to the Australian Open as part of our ever-expanding food offerings.”
“We’re excited to be returning to the Australian Open in 2019 to celebrate our continuing partnership with tennis champion Roger Federer,” Barilla Australia MD Terry Ryan said.
“We look forward to bringing our authentic Italian restaurant experience to Grand Slam Oval, where Executive Chef Andrea Tranchero has prepared an outstanding menu of delicious pasta dishes for tennis fans to enjoy.”
Barilla has been the sponsor of other tennis stars such as Steffi Graf and Stefan Edberg in the past. At present, it has associations with AS Roma in the Serie A and the Italian national basketball teams.
