3D printing is turning heads yet again.
Dozens of industries have begun using 3D printers to improve certain tasks. We’ve seen 3D printed tools for the auto industry, we’ve seen all kinds of toys and other products printers out, and we’ve even seen doctors use 3D printers for skull and heart surgery.
But 3D printed food?
The U.S. catering industry employs about 261,189 people and not too many printers, but that could soon change now that 3D printed food is available. Additionally, the global contract catering market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from 2016 to 2021.
According to Food Ingredients, byFlow and Verstegen Spices and Sauces have partnered up in hopes of revolutionizing the food catering industry. Verstegen has provided 3D foot printing fillings for their 3D printer called, the Focus and byFlow is a seller and producer of 3D food printers.
“The benefits of 3D Food Printing are very quickly visible for high cuisine, as the printer makes it possible to experiment with shapes, flavors and differentiate from competition,” said a byFlow spokesperson. “However, we do target, and wish to continue [targeting], all professionals from food industry, including smaller bakeries, patisseries etc., as the printer and customization of food it offers can be valuable for everyone.”
3D foot printing was once a sought after technology that seemed like it was always a futuristic innovation. Clearly, that technology is already here and is now an innovative method of food preparation. Since 3D printers can physically construct fresh ingredients, there could be massive changes in not just the catering industry but throughout the world.
This new technology can print meats, dairy products, chocolate and other sweets, vegetables, and all kinds of meals designed in shapes that would never be achievable by molding or by hand.
“You can make multiple dishes together and make 4-5 prints in one print, which means that you need about 10 minutes,” added the company spokesperson. “If you have 4-5 dishes you have 15 dishes in 10 minutes — so less than 1 dish per minute.”
