Wet grinding for even better coffee flavor
GEA has developed a wet grinding technique for adding Roast and Ground (R&G) coffee to coffee extract. The process preserves the coffee flavor and aromas much more effectively than dry grinding and increases your drying capacity. It’s called MicroWet.
The principle is simple: by adding roasted coffee to instant coffee, you can lock in that freshly-ground roasted coffee flavor with 100% yield from the coffee beans. The process also produces an improved mouthfeel. MicroWet from GEA advances this process by using low-temperature, wet grinding that retains aroma and taste more effectively and really sets your products apart from the competition.
Micro-ground coffee is added to the feed stream immediately before spray or freeze drying. First the beans are pre-ground then mixed with a portion of the coffee extract stream. This mixture is cooled and double-ground using corundum stone mills to create fine particles (around 20 μm) before it re-joins the main dryer feed.
This wet grinding technique operates at a low temperature so that it captures and preserves both the flavor and aroma of the coffee bean producing an even better tasting product and a unique drinking experience. What’s more, this system increases the overall yield of the coffee beans and increases the capacity of the dryer.
GEA MicroWet grinding system can be integrated within an existing coffee line or work as a standalone system.

Key benefits:
| Data for standard execution | |
|---|---|
| Extract inlet feed capacity | Up to receipt of 3,000 kg/h extract |
| Roast coffee dosing | Up to 100 kg/h roast coffee (adjustable) |
| Particle size | D(v, 50) ≈ 20 μm, D(v, 90) ≈ 60 μm |
| Extract with R&G, outlet temperature | ≈ 30°C, max. 40°C |
GEA’s past fiscal year was one of significant growth and further profitability gains. In particular, the technology group substantially increased order intake, with all divisions contributing here. GEA also made progress in all Mission 30 strategic growth areas. In addition, GEA met key interim targets under its climate plan ahead of schedule. Major milestones in fiscal year 2025 were admission to the DAX index, the award of one of the largest contracts in the company’s history, and streamlining of the corporate structure.
Thanks to a new SmartParc manufacturing site, food processors in the U.K. are cutting their running costs and emissions. With GEA heating and cooling technology at its core, this collaborative production model demonstrates how innovation is accelerating the industry’s net-zero ambitions.
“Brewing eggs is like brewing beer.” It’s the kind of comparison that makes you smile – and then it clicks: Something complex suddenly feels simple. Through this personal film, set in the agricultural heartland of the U.S., we explore precision fermentation and the real-world work it takes to turn an idea into food.