Jul 27 2023

Foodys (ENHOL Group) and Cocuus Announce a Groundbreaking Collaboration

The agreement focuses on the industrialization and commercialization of 3D bio-printed food products

Navarrese companies Foodys (ENHOL Group) and Cocuus have recently announced a collaboration aimed at revolutionizing the production and distribution of plant-based products. The agreement focuses on the industrialization and commercialization of 3D bio-printed food products. By leveraging the innovative capabilities of bio-printing technology, Foodys and Cocuus are set to establish the world's first large-scale plant-based food bio-printing facility.

In March of this year, Foodys, located in Tudela (Navarra), successfully integrated the first in a series of cutting-edge 3D bio-printers developed by Cocuus. This collaboration enables the industrial manufacturing of plant-based meat and fish analogs, propelling the industry forward in terms of sustainability, flavor, and food innovation.

This partnership represents a remarkable achievement in the worldwide food sector. With a primary emphasis on creating top-notch plant-based substitutes, the facility's inaugural product will be plant-based bacon, serving as its flagship product. Packaged conveniently in refrigerated trays weighing 120 grams, this plant-based bacon provides numerous benefits compared to its traditional counterpart. Delivering a lower fat content, with only 10% vegetable fat derived from either sunflower or olive oil (in contrast to the 40% saturated fat found in regular bacon). This characteristic appeals to health-conscious individuals, in addition to being both gluten-free and soy-free, thereby accommodating various dietary preferences and restrictions.

In terms of pricing, the initial strategy aims to align the cost with similar vegan products available on the market. However, the ultimate goal is to achieve competitiveness with animal-based bacon, made possible by the scale of production capacity at the facility. Cocuus' CEO and co-founder, Patxi Larume, explains that the production line has a capacity of one thousand tons per year, ensuring an adequate supply to meet consumer demand.

Looking beyond plant-based bacon, Foodys and Cocuus have ambitious plans to expand their plant-based product range. Future offerings will include analogs of fish and seafood, such as shrimp, salmon, octopus, foie gras, and tuna. To support this growth, Cocuus has invested approximately two million euros in a state-of-the-art, 4,000-square-meter technological center in Landaben, Navarra, inaugurated in November 2022.

Cocuus' approach to bio-printing sets it apart from conventional 3D printing models. Their revolutionary multidirectional bio-printing process incorporates axial tomography (CT scans) to emulate the natural composition of food products, accurately mapping fat, meat, bone, and vascular pathways. This data is then fed into Cocuus' proprietary machinery, allowing for precise replication of the desired food items. The company aptly terms this technique "Food-to-Data, Data-to-Food."

With the establishment of the world's first large-scale plant-based food bio-printing facility, Foodys and Cocuus are spearheading a transformative shift in the food industry. Their innovative approach, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and flavor, paves the way for a more inclusive and environmentally friendly future.