Skip to main content

Cocuus

ApplicationPamplona, SpainFounded 2017· One of 686 Application companies tracked by AMPulse

Food tech company using 3D bioprinting and robotics to produce industrial-scale plant-based and hybrid protein products

CEO / Founder
Miguel Arbeloa
Team Size
11-50
Stage
Active
Total Funding
$8.8M
Latest Round
Venture Round
Key Investors
Big Idea Ventures, Cargill Ventures, Eatable Adventures, Tech Transfer UPV, Spain FoodTech, CDTI Innovación (Innvierte), Tech Transfer Agrifood FCR

Technology & Products

Key Products

Cocuus offers industrial solutions for the production of plant-based and cell-based animal protein analogues (mimetic food) using 2D/3D laser printing, bioprinting, and robotics. Their technology enables the large-scale production of products like cutlets, bacon, lamb ribs, and salmon at a rate of 8 kilograms per minute. They have also launched a new multilayer system for fat marbling and textural variety in alternative protein products.

Technological Advantage

Proprietary 2D/3D laser printing and bioprinting technology enabling realistic meat texture replication at scale

Differentiation

Value Proposition

First company to produce 3D printed plant-based proteins at industrial scale for retail distribution

How They Differentiate

Industrial-scale production capability, actual retail distribution, partnership with Cargill

Market & Competition

Target Customers

Supermarkets, food retailers, food service companies, consumers

Industry Verticals

Food Technology, Alternative Proteins, Retail, Food Service

Competitors

Revo Foods, Zuustento, Novameat

Growth & Milestones

Growth Metrics

1,000 tonnes production target 2024, products in 400 Carrefour stores in Spain

Major Milestones

Founded 2017, Cargill partnership (2022), Pre-Series A €2.5M, Products in Carrefour stores (Oct 2023), Industrial facility opened (2024)

Notable Customers

Above Foods Europe (formerly Foody's, ENHOL Group's Brotalia S.L., acquired by Above Food Corp. in 2024)

https://cocuus.com

AM patents

AM-relevant patents linked to this company.

Patents
3
Granted
0
Families
2

Leading domains: equipment (3), process (3)

Filings by year: 2021: 3

  1. FOOD EXTRUDING DEVICE04378663 · EP
  2. FOOD EXTRUDING DEVICE2023007050 · WO
  3. FOOD EXTRUDING DEVICE20240315306 · US

Funding rounds

  • Venture Round€1.059M2026-03Source: CDTI official announcement
  • Pre-Series A€2.5M2022-06Lead: Big Idea Ventures · Source: Press
  • Seed€2M2021-06Source: Press

Why this company matters

AMPulse analysis, not a company disclosure

Cocuus occupies a distinctive position in the alternative protein space as the first company to achieve industrial-scale 3D food printing for retail distribution. While most food bioprinting efforts remain at lab or pilot scale, Cocuus has built production capacity of 1,000 tonnes per year and placed products in 400 Carrefour stores in Spain, bridging the gap between additive manufacturing and mainstream food retail.

The company's core technology combines 2D/3D laser printing, bioprinting, and robotics to produce plant-based and cell-based protein analogues that mimic the texture and appearance of animal meat. Its proprietary MEATMETHICA system can output products such as cutlets, bacon, lamb ribs, and salmon at a rate of 8 kilograms per minute. A recently introduced multilayer system adds fat marbling and textural variety, addressing a common shortcoming of alternative proteins.

Cocuus targets supermarkets, food retailers, and food service companies. Its strategic partnership with Cargill, announced in 2022, provides access to global ingredient supply chains and distribution networks. The company also works with Foody's (ENHOL Group) and has secured retail placement through Carrefour. Key competitors include Revo Foods, Zuustento, and Novameat, but Cocuus differentiates on throughput and actual retail presence.

The company's main strategic moat lies in its proprietary bioprinting hardware and software, which it has protected through at least one patent. However, the alternative protein market remains capital-intensive and subject to shifting consumer demand. Cocuus's ability to scale beyond its current 1,000-tonne target and expand into cell-based meat production will determine whether it can sustain its first-mover advantage in industrial 3D food printing.