Here at 3D Rapid Print, one of the fastest growing 3D Printing companies in the Thames Valley, we like to keep abreast of the latest innovations in 3D printing.
On February 14th 2020, self-appointed “world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate & cocoa products” Barry Callebaut of Zurich, Switzerland announced what it described as “the world’s first personalized 3D printed chocolate at scale” via its Mona Lisa decoration brand. (It is clearly not coincidence that this announcement was made on valentine’s day.) At the launch event, they collaborated with professional pastry chef Jordi Roca to help him make a 3D printed chocolate sculpture. Named Flor de Cacao, Barry Callebaut claims that it represents a cocoa bean that opens like a cacao flower upon physical contact with hot chocolate sauce. (The masses will have to make of this what they will.)
The service involves making a 3D printed prototype based on the customer’s design, shape and size preferences. Once the prototype is approved and the design is finalised, the product can be printed as many times as necessary before being shipped out. This service was first made available to chefs, hotels, coffee chains and restaurant establishments in unspecified countries in Europe; the first customer was hospitality chain Van der Valk of the Netherlands.
Barry Callebaut argues that food aesthetics are increasingly important, claiming that a recent study done by them showed that 70% of consumers want to try new and exciting chocolate experiences and 60% want to share them on social media. However, the details of the study are not public knowledge and given Barry Callebaut’s obvious pro-chocolate bias, their word here is clearly not to be taken at face value. For reasons unknown, business magazine Forbes stated that the survey revealed that 60% of consumers were willing to share new chocolate experiences on social media, as opposed to wanting to. Also for reasons unknown, the Spanish version of Barry Callebaut press release announcing their new service refers to the study as independent. It also contextualised its use of the words “food aesthetics are increasingly important” in terms of the survey results, as opposed to the words “Millennials and centennials want to celebrate life with new experiences and stories.”
3D printing is an amazing tool. It can grow your small business or start a mini revolution in an industry. Explore what it can do for you when you contact us today.
Disclaimer: Featured image of “Affiche Chocolat Idéal” is in the public domain as it is a faithful photographic reproduction of a two-dimensional, public domain work of art. The author of the work of art itself died in 1939, ergo it is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author’s life plus 80 years or less.
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