Cocuus, a Spanish food tech company, has set an ambitious target for 2024 to produce 1,000 tonnes of 3D-printed plant-based bacon. This initiative aligns with the growing global market for alternative proteins, which is projected to reach $290 billion by 2035. Supported by early investors including Cargill and Big Idea Ventures, Cocuus aims to boost the production and distribution of this plant-based bacon in retail and other channels.
In Northern Spain, Cocuus and its partner Foody’s have established what they claim to be the world’s first industrial-scale facility for 3D-printed plant-based meat. This facility boasts advanced printing technology capable of producing 250 kilos of plant-based bacon per hour. Their first product, plant-based bacon, has already seen retail success, being introduced in over 400 Carrefour supermarkets under the Foody’s brand. This bacon is noted for having less than 10% vegetable fat and being free from common allergens like gluten and soy.
Cocuus’ CEO, Patxi Larumbre, highlights the efficiency of their technology, stating it can achieve in 5 minutes what would otherwise take two pigs a lifetime. This innovation is seen as a solution to the global protein shortage.
Beyond bacon, Cocuus plans to expand its range to include vegan tuna, shrimp, and other plant-based seafood products, as well as exploring ways to upcycle meat off-cuts into high-quality prime cuts using 3D printing. Their collaboration with Cargill has been instrumental in scaling up production and advancing technology.
Since its founding in 2017, Cocuus has raised $8.8 million in funding, supporting its growth and the construction of the new production facility. Larrumbe views reaching industrial scale as a significant achievement, marking years of R&D and the beginning of mass-producing alternative proteins critical for food security and environmental sustainability.
Reference: https://vegconomist.com/cultivated-cell-cultured-biotechnology/printed-technology/spain-cocuus-1000-tonnes-3d-printed-plant-based-bacon-2024/
