Cocuus, a pioneering tech startup from Pamplona, Spain, is making waves in the food industry with its innovative approach to producing 3D-printed meat. Founded six years ago by Patxi Larumbe and Daniel Rico, the company has set out on a mission to blend science, technology, and nutrition in revolutionary ways. Their work focuses on creating “mimetic foods,” which replicate the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional meat and fish dishes through advanced 3D printing techniques.
The company first gained significant attention three years ago by 3D-printing a steak and sharing it on social media, sparking controversy and interest alike, including from major investor Cargill. Cocuus specializes in developing both the formulas and the machinery needed for printing foods that not only cater to meat lovers but also offer options for people with dietary restrictions, such as those who have difficulty swallowing. These foods range from vegetable-based bacon and foie gras to beef steaks that incorporate real meat remnants typically discarded during slaughter, thus offering a more sustainable and ethical alternative.
Larumbe, with a background outside the conventional food industry, brings a fresh perspective by combining expertise from various fields, including physics and nutrition, to innovate in food production. This interdisciplinary approach has led to the creation of unique food products that are not only healthier (e.g., lower in saturated fats) but also scalable for industrial production. Cocuus claims to have achieved what no other company has by producing mimetic foods at an industrial scale, with substantial sales figures for their meat-free foie gras and vegan bacon products in Carrefour stores.
Despite potential skepticism from traditionalists, especially in a region where beef is highly valued, Cocuus aims to demonstrate the benefits of their technology, including the potential for higher returns for farmers by utilizing parts of the cow that would otherwise be wasted. Larumbe’s philosophy underscores a drive for progress through dissent and innovation, positioning Cocuus as a leader in the field of 3D-printed foods and a disruptor in the global food industry.
