PERSONALISATION SOLUTIONS
3D printing with chocolate creates an innovative retail experience
Early in 2026 at the CES 26 exhibition in Las Vegas, Sweet Robo, a US-based robotic vending and automated retail experience company, debuted an interesting 3D chocolate printer designed to enable on- demand printing of chocolate shapes, designs, and custom logos.
ChocoPrint is able to
print intricate patterns and customised shapes to create branded chocolate designs. The larger unit in the range is able to create two-chocolate figures in a choice of either milk, dark or white chocolate. The
robotic machine is
able to print custom designs, uploaded photos, logos and personal messages layer by layer in chocolate. Users can choose a template or upload their own artwork via a touchscreen and can watch as their creation come to life in minutes, transforming an ordinary treat into a personal ised,
shareable
moment. “Sweet Robo was built on the
idea that robotics can do more than streamline transactions,” explained Dennis Branch, Chief Revenue Officer at Sweet Robo. “Our focus is on removing friction in retail
T while creating experiences
that drive engagement, brand connection, and scalable growth.” The company already vending able
offers that
are cotton to
machines deliver
candy, ice cream,
balloons, marshmallows, candy, popcorn, and other items on demand and its machines have been piloted and deployed across a variety of entertainment, media, and consumer brands to highlight how automated retail can drive engagement, incremental revenue, and brand loyalty without adding operational complexity. Kennedy’s Confection is interested to see how the idea of 3D printed chocolates in the
retail develops. environment
he use of digital printers as part of confectionery and cookie production enables the creation of unique designs and
personalisation of products for both small- and large-scale projects. There are a variety of different types
of cookie printers but put simply a digital cookie printer is a device that allows the application of bespoke designs to the surface of a product using edible inks. They offer a solution to add personalised detailed designs, logos or text to a product. Digital food printers usually consist of
several key components, including the following:
• Printing system: The printer is responsible for the precise reproduction of graphics on the product, using food-grade inks. It should have been adapted to the delicate surfaces of baked goods, so as not to damage the cookies during printing.
• Food grade inks: The ink used must be designed for food applications and certified for food contact. These inks come in a variety of colours and can be used to create multi-coloured graphics.
• Working surface (substrate): This is the area on which the printing is placed. Depending on the printer used, this could be
a flat or rotary substrate and this can affect the type of product that can be printed and the potential production capacity.
• User interface: This is a control panel that allows users to select a pattern, configure settings and control the printing process.
For confectionery and cookie producers’ digital food printing has the ability to turn product variety from a production burden into a commercial advantage. It can make product
personalisation profitable by
adding value without adding complexity to the production process. Imagine three enquiries – a hotel wants 1,200
OCTOBER 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 35
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