Although the idea of 3-D printed food may sound a bit gimmicky, 3D Systems (DDD -1.72%) has been working to improve its image. Last September, 3D Systems acquired The Sugar Lab, a 3-D printing company that specializes in customized 3-D printed edibles made from sugar. Later this year, 3D Systems will begin shipping the ChefJet and ChefJet Pro, two professional quality food-grade 3-D printers capable of producing 3-D printed chocolate and sugar creations. With these products, 3D Systems is essentially betting that 3-D printed edibles is likely an emerging and growing trend that will continue to take hold in the coming years.
In the following video, 3-D printing specialist Steve Heller asks Liz von Hasseln, co-founder of The Sugar Lab and creative food director at 3D Systems how the company plans on improving the novelty nature of 3-D printed food that exists today. Going forward, 3D Systems investors should monitor how the ChefJet and ChefJet Pro are preforming by listening to the company's upcoming conference calls. If these products prove successful, it could suggest that 3D Systems is establishing a first-mover advantage in a segment of the 3-D printing industry that has significantly less competition.
