Barry Callebaut, through its Mona Lisa decoration brand, has unveiled a new service for creating 3D-printed chocolate at scale.
The Mona Lisa 3D Studio is equipped with precision technology capable of printing thousands of pieces at a time while retaining a hand-made appearance.
According to Barry Callebaut, customers can personalise a chocolate decoration with their own design, shape and size preferences, before a team of designers transform the product into a digital 3D prototype with samples.
Once the prototype is approved, the final product can be quickly reproduced at scale. The creations can be used for desserts, confectionery, hot drinks and pastries.
The service will be first available to chefs and hotels, coffee chains and restaurant establishments in some European countries.
“Innovation is an important pillar of Barry Callebaut’s proven ‘smart growth’ strategy. I am delighted that the Mona Lisa 3D Studio allows chefs to create unique consumer experiences at scale,” said Pablo Perversi, chief innovation, sustainability and quality officer at Barry Callebaut.
Pastry chef Jordi Roca used the technology to create his own 3D chocolate piece called Flor de Cacao.
“This technological breakthrough innovation positions the Mona Lisa brand at the forefront of the industry and strengthens Barry Callebaut’s global leadership in decorations.”
For the launch event, Mona Lisa teamed up with pastry chef Jordi Roca to help him unleash his creativity through a unique 3D piece made out of chocolate. His creation, Flor de Cacao, represents a cocoa bean that opens up like a cacao flower through contact with hot chocolate sauce.
“This new way of working with chocolate is going to take consumers by surprise, with previously unthinkable shapes produced at scale and with impressive precision,” said Roca.
“I’m usually inspired by the things I can’t do as they represent a creative challenge – but now, thanks to Mona Lisa 3D Studio, I can take my chocolate craftsmanship to the next level. I can imagine any new kind of design and it will come to life.”
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024
