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Italian-inspired food brand Brami has secured $33 million in Series B funding in a round led by VMG Partners, as the company looks to expand its supply chain capabilities and accelerate growth.

The funding round also included participation from existing investors La Molisana, Pentland Ventures, Lerer Hippeau and Gather Ventures.

Founded in 2016 by first-generation Italian American Aaron Gatti, Brami has positioned itself as a challenger brand in the better-for-you pasta category by emphasising traditional ingredients and production methods.

The company’s pasta products are made using just two ingredients – durum wheat semolina and lupini bean flour, a combination designed to deliver higher protein and fibre while maintaining the taste and texture of traditional Italian pasta.

Gatti said: “Our goal is for Americans to reconsider their relationship with Italian cuisine, starting with pasta. Italians eat significantly more pasta than Americans and yet consistently rank among the healthiest populations in the world. The difference is in the quality.”

Brami says the new capital will support investments in manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure as demand continues to grow.

The investment comes as demand for functional and protein-forward foods continues to reshape centre store grocery categories.

Wayne Wu, general partner at VMG Partners, said: “We believe Brami has been able to redefine the category in part because of their high standard for real ingredients and artisan manufacturing integrity. The team is meticulously focused on ingredients, process and quality, which becomes increasingly difficult as brands scale.”

A key component of Brami’s production strategy is its partnership with Italian partnership with Italian pasta manufacturer, La Moslina.

The company’s growth also reflects broader consumer interest in foods that combine protein with additional nutritional benefits such as fibre.