3D printed chocolate objects: Hershey partners with 3D Systems

Some day, the Hershey chocolate you eat may come in all sorts of weird shapes and sizes.

The Hershey Co. this week announced it has agreed to a multiyear partnership with 3D Systems, a company known for building a 3D printer capable of creating objects out of foods, including chocolate.

“Whether it’s creating a whole new form of candy or developing a new way to produce it, we embrace new technologies such as 3D printing as a way to keep moving our timeless confectionery treats into the future,” said William Papa, The Hershey Co.’s chief research and development officer, in a statement.

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Hershey is the first major food company to jump into 3D printing and it could pay off for the chocolate maker should 3D-printed confectioneries take off.

3D Systems gained some attention earlier this month at the Consumer Electronics Show where it showcased the ChefJet, which was printing chocolate objects at the electronics convention.

Currently, the ChefJet is still a very expensive machine and the edible objects it prints are very delicate, but with the backing of Hershey, 3D Systems may be able to quickly improve its product.

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