Barry Callebaut opens world’s first 3D Printing Studio to craft unseen chocolate experiences

Posted 14 February, 2020

The Barry Callebaut Group has announced the launch of the world’s first personalised 3D printed chocolate at scale, through its global decoration brand Mona Lisa.

Mona Lisa is the first brand to launch personalised 3D printed chocolate at scale, made from Belgian chocolate. Barry Callebaut said the move revolutionises the world of chocolate craft by combining industry-leading production technology, bespoke design and the business’s chocolate expertise – allowing chefs to craft their own creations and reproduce them rapidly and affordably, no matter how intricate or specific the design.

Through the new Mona Lisa 3D Studio, chefs now have creative tools at their disposal. For the launch event, Mona Lisa teamed up with Jordi Roca – one of the world’s most creative pastry chefs – to help him unleash his creativity through a unique 3D piece made out of chocolate. His latest creation ‘Flor de Cacao’ represents a cocoa bean that opens up like a cacao flower through contact with hot chocolate sauce.

Jordi Roca's 'Flor de Cacao' creation — *Jordi Roca’s Flor de Cacao creation*

“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.”

The Mona Lisa 3D Studio is equipped with innovative precision technology capable of printing thousands of pieces at a time while retaining a bespoke hand-made appearance. Chefs and 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. This service will be first available to chefs and hotels, coffee chains and restaurant establishments in specific European countries. The first customer of the Mona Lisa 3D Studio is Van der Valk, a hotel chain in the Netherlands.

A recent Barry Callebaut research study showed that 70% of consumers want to try new and exciting chocolate experiences – and 6 out of 10 want to share it on social media.

3D printing is addressing consumer desires by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible aesthetically. With the new technology, chefs can develop unseen and unique creations and expand their craftsmanship while working with Belgian chocolate.