US company launches device that prints edible messages on beer foam

The alcohol industry is set to get its own version of computerised ‘latte art’ with the launch of a programmable machine which prints images and text onto beer foam using an edible, malt-based ink.

Beer Ripples has been produced by a Maryland-based company that has already launched a similar version of the product that prints designs on coffee foam.

The beer device, however, uses a special ink to create “beautiful, high-resolution images” on beer foam. The printing process takes up to 11 seconds and can reproduce both images and text.

The printer is operated using a WiFi connected touchscreen and fits glasses 18cm in height.

Users can choose from the company’s image library, or alternatively, they can download the free Ripples app, available on iOS and Android devices, and add one of their own.

CEO of Beer Ripples, Yossi Meshulam, said: “We are excited to unveil Beer Ripples and bring the same personalisation to beers as we have over the past two years with coffee customers.

“We have already served millions of Ripples with customers such as Hilton, Lavazza, Four Seasons, and restaurants and coffee shops around the world. Now, venues serving beer, from pubs and clubs to hotels and sporting venues, can take advantage of the opportunities for engagement, loyalty, and emotional connection that Ripples provides”.

The product is currently only available in the US and Canada and is intended for commercial rather than personal use. It retails for US$3,000 and requires an additional $1,500 annual subscription fee which includes enough ink for 6,000 prints a year.