CSM Bakery and 3D Systems to bring 3D printing to food industry
The Georgia, US-headquarted bakery ingredients provider has teamed up with the $159.5m originator of 3D printing equipment to work on a number of prototypes based on 3D System’s Chefjet Pro 3D printer specifically for the professional culinary environment.
According to Sebastian Siethoff, CSM Bakery Solutions’ senior VP of Corporate Strategy and CMO, there are many prototypes available already.
“The beauty about this technology is it essentially bypasses classic concepting, prototyping and development, and allows food professionals and chefs to conceive, design and print new, intricate, sweet creations – from scratch – within hours,” he told BakeryandSnacks.
He confirmed the companies anticipates the platform to be fully sales ready by late 2018.
Broad scope
Siethoff noted CSM and 3D Systems are considering a number of business models at this time, keeping the project’s scope fairly broad.
“We do see a very high degree of relevance with culinary chefs around the country in both traditional and non-traditional channels,” he said.
When asked what price the technology will come in at, he said it is “tough to determine exactly what ‘expensive’ might mean to different groups but it’s clear that 3D technology has reached a point where it will be seen as an attractive investment proposition for the food Industry.
One of a kind
“We are not aware of similar agreements in this space today," said Siethoff.
CSM president and CEO Marianne Kirkegaard said the agreement with 3D Systems has the potential to reshape the food industry.
She noted 3D printing has helped transform a number of industries and there is every reason to think the same can be true for the food industry.