Primera Technology, a developer and manufacturer of desktop label printing technology, has developed a new system to print directly onto cookies and a variety of other foodstuffs.

Using edible inks, Eddie prints full-colour photographs and text directly onto the surface of cookies, lollipops or other suitable food items. For example, the printer will hold up to 12 90mm cookies on a circulating tray. Each cookie is automatically drawn into the printer one at a time. The printer then prints directly onto the surface of the item, rotates, and feeds and prints the next cookie. Different tray templates will be available for various sized and shaped cookies and other foods.

Anticipated users include bakeries, candy makers, caterers, food service, event planners and amusement parks.

The printheads and all inks are certified as GMP components. Eddie is also the first and only printer ever to be approved by NSF, a US-based company that certifies hundreds of thousands of items used in food preparation, including tables, cookware, machines and other devices for use in food service.

Software shipped with the printer allows customers to send photos directly from their iPhone or Android device to a touchscreen PC. Customers can then size and crop their image, add text, pay for the numbers of cookies desired, and then print. Custom-printed cookies are produced in just 15 seconds per unit.

Eddie is currently being introduced at trade shows, such as Hotel, Restaurant & Catering in London this week. Availability will be on a first come, first served basis during the first quarter of 2020.

Watch a video of Eddie in action below: