A Dutch grocery store has a 3D printer that allows you to make custom cake designs. The Albert Hejin portable food printer enables customers to create and print bespoke cake decorations they can take home. This isn't the first edible experiment with 3D printing or even customized food for consumers -- Annina Rüst's Pie Bot installation created unique gender gap-visualizing desserts and literal pie charts.
The Eindhoven supermarket is running a pilot illustration program in their confectionery department that lets customers create custom cake designs using Doodle3D. After doodling on a tablet, their drawing is converted into a 3D printed version using a byFlow 3D printer. The printer uses molten chocolate (Nutella, melted white or dark chocolate) that goes onto pre-made bakery products.
3D Printed Cake Decorations
Albert Hejin Uses a Portable Food Printer to Offer Custom Cake Designs
Trend Themes
1. Custom Cake Designs - The trend of using 3D printers to create custom cake designs offers an opportunity for bakeries and confectionery shops to provide unique and personalized cake decoration services.
2. Portable Food Printer - The rise of portable food printers presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for grocery stores and supermarkets to offer on-demand customization of food products like cake decorations.
3. Edible 3D Printing - The growing field of edible 3D printing allows for the creation of intricate and detailed cake decorations, opening up possibilities for professional cake decorators and pastry chefs to explore new design options.
Industry Implications
1. Bakery and Confectionery Industry - The bakery and confectionery industry can leverage 3D printing technology to revolutionize cake decoration services and enhance customer experiences.
2. Grocery Retail Industry - The grocery retail industry can embrace portable food printers to attract customers, differentiate their offerings, and provide a unique customization experience.
3. Food Technology Industry - The food technology industry can continue to advance edible 3D printing technology, enabling businesses to create innovative and visually appealing food products.