Prue Leith and Pasta Evangelists founder Alessandro Savelli

Prue Leith and Pasta Evangelists founder Alessandro Savelli

Prue Leith and Pasta Evangelists founder Alessandro Savelli

Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith is in line to make a small fortune from the sale of a UK pasta company. 

Pasta Evangelists, which delivers fresh meals and sauces, is to be snapped up by Barilla Group for £40 million after thriving in lockdown. 

The deal would provide TV star Leith with a handsome payday along with other early investors, restaurant critics Giles Coren and William Sitwell. 

The business was set up four years ago by Alessandro Savelli, a former banker, and is chaired by James McArthur, previously chief executive of Harrods. 

Pasta Evangelists makes dishes such as lobster and crab tortelloni, and pappardelle with slow-cooked beef shin ragu, which can be ordered online or bought in Marks & Spencer and Harrods for up to £13. 

In 2018 Savelli went on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den show to seek investment but left empty-handed. Nevertheless, in February last year the company raised £3.5 million in funds. Barilla, the owner of famous brands such as Voiello and Academia Barilla, was founded in 1877 in Parma, Italy.

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This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk

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