THE world’s first 3D printer for gummy sweets has launched at intu Merry Hill.

Katjes Magic Candy Factory is the first ever food certified 3D printer for gelatine free sweets and News reporter Dan Sharp was one of the first to try a taste of the magical treats.

As more of a chocolate fan that a sweet-tooth, I didn’t know what to expect when I was invited along to try a brand new sweet stand at Merry Hill.

Compared to the neon lights and over-the-top grandeur of some of the shopping centre’s other stands, Magic Candy Factory stood understated with its warming sweet green look.

The company is the idea of managing director Melissa Snover and everything produced is vegan, allergen free and Halal and Kosher friendly.

As well as the 3D printed experience, which can create – almost – any design, the Magic Candy Factory has also launched its ‘Magical Mix and Make’ system, which offers 40 ready-made sweets which are also free from gelatine and made from natural ingredients.

In my head, these words of natural ingredients instantly made me think “these aren’t going to taste great”, but how wrong I was.

Any trepidation I might have had about trying these ‘healthy’ sweets quickly disappeared when I took my first bite.

The strong flavour really hit home and was not something I expected.

But back to the main event. A 3D printer which allows sweet lovers to choose and print an edible shape, message, selfie or hand drawn design in one of eight flavours.

I had the Stourbridge, Dudley and Halesowen News logos made by the machine and they all took about five minutes to produce from start to finish, coming complete with a time-lapsed video of their creation.

Dudley News:

Maybe it’s the pessimist in me, but again I wasn’t expecting much, but the finished product is something that is quirky, contemporary and very, very tasty.

“Head magician” Melissa told the News: “The machine really is at the forefront of innovation in the 3D printing and confectionary world.

“It started out with an idea that I had last year and it’s incredible to see it here in real life printing out sweets. It really is a magical experience.

“I wanted to make sure everyone is able to enjoy Magic Candy so we’ve developed the sweets to be vegan, vegetarian and suitable for Halal and Kosher diets.

“The sweets are also all made with natural colours and flavours from real fruit and vegetable extracts.

“We are so excited to start inspiring the people of Dudley and the West Midlands with our magical creations.”

Having already launched in the USA, the company has some pretty famous fans including Heidi Klum, Elijah Wood and Tom Hiddleston, and who can blame them.

If you’re looking for a Christmas present for a sweet tooth that’s different than the usual tin of Celebrations, or if you’ve ever wanted to eat a selfie of yourself, then here is your chance.

Creations can be made online at www.magiccandyfactory.com, or get the full 3D sweet experience by visiting the stand in the lower mall at intu Merry Hill.