At CES, 3D Systems announced its intention to enter the new 3D printed food market with the ChefJet and ChefJet Pro 3D printers. Both printers can layer sugar to create 3D printed candy, cake toppers and other sugar sculptures. Now the company is partnering with one of the biggest chocolate producers in the world to advance 3D printed food technology.

3D Systems announced this morning that is has entered into a multi-year joint agreement with The Hershey Company to develop 3D printing technologies. To be more specific, the two companies will work on creating edibles, both chocolate and non-chocolate, through 3D printing.

“We believe that innovation is key to delivering relevant, compelling consumer experiences with our iconic brands,” said William Papa, Vice President and Chief Research and Development Officer, The Hershey Company. “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.”

The agreement will join together “Hershey’s world-class food science and manufacturing expertise with 3DS’ powerful 3D printing technology and knowhow to deliver new consumer experiences.” At CES, we got to see some pretty wild sugar sculptures that are seemingly only possible on 3D printers. This new partnership may help Hershey create new chocolate and candy that defies convention.

As for 3D Systems, it feels that this partnership will help it make 3D printing even more mainstream.

“Mainstreaming 3D printing is fundamental to our success and we are fortunate to partner with Hershey, the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and confection to expand the 3D printing experience into delectable edibles,” said Chuck Hull, Chief Technology Officer, 3DS.

With the partnership just being announced, we won’t see anything emerge from it for a while. Still, it’s exciting to think we’re only a few years away from being able to buy 3D printed chocolate at a store.

Image via The Sugar Lab