Revo Foods, an Austrian startup, has launched the world’s largest industrial 3D food-printing facility in Vienna, known as the "Taste Factory." This state-of-the-art facility utilizes Revo’s proprietary 3D Structuring technology to produce plant-based seafood alternatives, with a focus on replicating the texture and nutritional profile of traditional fish products. The company's first product, a mycoprotein-based filet inspired by salmon, is set to hit European supermarkets in early October 2024.
The Taste Factory is capable of producing up to 60 tons of plant-based seafood per month, marking a major leap in the application of 3D printing to food production. Unlike conventional food manufacturing, which often involves high temperatures that can degrade nutrients, Revo’s method uses milder conditions that preserve the food's micronutrients. By precisely combining proteins and fats, the technology mimics the fibrous texture of muscle meat, offering a more sustainable and nutritious alternative to conventional seafood.
Revo’s approach is focused on innovation through the use of mycoprotein, derived from fermented mycelium, a nutrient-dense biomass that requires minimal processing. The company believes that sustainability and culinary satisfaction must go hand in hand. Niccolo Galizzi, Head of Food Tech at Revo Foods, emphasized that the 3D Structuring technology offers numerous possibilities to tailor products to consumers’ tastes while focusing on taste, nutrition, and texture.
Revo Foods' expansion into 3D food printing follows previous milestones, including the unveiling of an industrial-scale 3D printer designed to create plant-based seafood alternatives. This innovation aims to address pressing environmental issues such as overfishing and the carbon footprint of livestock farming, contributing to a more sustainable food system.
The Taste Factory represents a significant step in the evolution of 3D food printing, which has already shown promise in other areas, such as laser-cooked desserts. Researchers have explored the potential of combining 3D printing with laser technology to produce food with precise textures and flavors, offering customized meals tailored to individual dietary needs. As Revo Foods continues to refine its technology, the future of food production looks set to be increasingly shaped by 3D printing, with the potential to revolutionize both sustainability and culinary experiences.
