1. The Hershey Company began its partnership with 3D Systems, the industry’s leading 3-D printing company, in January 2014.
2. One year later, the company debuted its 3-D chocolate printer — the world’s most advanced — to the technology community at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
3. On December 19, 2014, the company unveiled the printer at a live exhibition event at its largest global retail store, Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction in Hershey, Pa., giving consumers the opportunity to witness live 3-D printing, and be scanned to see what they would look like as a piece of 3-D chocolate.
4. Since its debut at Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction last year, Hershey and 3D Systems have evolved the technology based on consumer feedback and the latest generation 3-D chocolate printer was on display at the Sweets & Snacks Expo.
5. With each iteration of the printer, it is getting faster and more precise.
6. The 3-D printer prints intricate designs and custom shapes that are simply not possible with traditional chocolate molding.
7. The company has printed chocolate busts of people, logos, buildings, animals and much more in conjunction with 3-D scanning technology.
8. The Hershey Co. is exploring the future use of 3-D printed food. As a confectionery leader committed to innovation and consumer insights, Hershey knew it needed to be at the forefront of technology that will become ubiquitous someday.
9. What makes 3-D chocolate printing so compelling is the capability it gives Hershey to meet a growing consumer need for unique and meaningful food experiences. There is something incredibly special about designing a piece of chocolate that has meaning to you and watching it print before your eyes.
10. Hershey is exploring a range of commercialization options, from owning the printers and selling the final product, to selling the printers to stores so they can make unique and special designs for their shoppers. With disruptive technology, the possibilities are nearly endless.
