Italian pasta-producer Barilla has launched a 3D-pasta-printer prototype at the Cibus International Food Exhibition in Parma, which enables the production of custom-made pasta.
The creation of the 3D Pasta Printer originated from a collaboration with TNO, the Dutch Research Centre (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research).
In 2015, the first prototype using 3D printing technology was created, capable of producing fresh pasta in two minutes, using dough prepared only with durum-wheat semolina and water. This innovation will make it possible to create unique shapes otherwise not obtainable with the traditional technology used in pasta production.
The technology offers the opportunity to create designed pasta not only in terms of shape, but also changing the taste, texture, colour and nutritional value, as ingredients such as vegetables, pulses, whole grains or other types of flours can be used to develop pasta that is richer in fibre, or has a higher protein content.
The project is still in the research and development phase.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
