Three-dimensional printing for the pastry, cake decorating and baking industries has arrived.

CSM Bakery Solutions and 3D Systems Corporation, the originator of 3D printing and solutions, have announced they have reached an agreement to collaborate in the development, sale and distribution of 3D printers, products and materials for the bakery and food industry.

The global agreement allows the two industry leaders to join forces to bring innovative and creative 3D printed culinary products to the market. CSM will support the development of and have exclusive rights to utilize 3D Systems’ ChefJet Pro 3D printer for high-resolution, colorful food products for the professional culinary environment.

“We are very excited about what this opportunity can mean for the food industry,” says Marianne Kirkegaard, CSM’s president and chief executive officer.

The partnership enables collaborative research and development, engineering, design and printer development that will be focused on specific sourcing, food product development and go-to-market plans. After careful analysis and extensive discussions, planning, and market research, CSM and 3D Systems have formalized this agreement and are beginning the work to bring prototypes to the market.

“Our agreement with 3D Systems has the potential to re-shape the food industry,” Kirkegaard says. “Across a number of industries, 3D printing has helped transform industries and there’s every reason to think the same can be true for the food industry. We are excited to partner and continue to expand capabilities and culinary opportunities with their platform.”

Vyomesh Joshi, 3D Systems president and chief executive officer, expresses similar optimism about the agreement.

“Our extensive and versatile portfolio of materials addresses the widest range of applications and performance in 3D printing – from culinary to industrial,” he says. “As we continue to drive innovation and explore strategic partnerships with industry leaders, our partnership with CSM is a perfect fit to leverage our technology and capabilities to expand applications and materials.”

Showcased at the National Restaurant Association Show 2015 in Chicago, the ChefJet Pro from 3D Systems can create full-color bespoke confections for an unlimited array of applications, such as sculptural, ornate cake and cupcake toppers, candies, delicate latticework or logo sugar cubes.

Speaking at the 2015 NRA Show, Tom Vaccaro, dean of Baking and Pastry Arts at the Culinary Institute of America, posed a question to the audience: “What will cakes look like in the future? With this technology, they can really take any shape. In a lot of ways, this technology touches the creativity of the chef and also your guests. You could pretty much say to your guests: Tell me your dreams.”