Join GEA at the 2026 Cheese Expo

Sustainable Dairy Processing Solutions

Today’s dairy processors face a wide range of challenges — from fluctuating feed and milk prices to transportation costs, inflation, supply‑chain pressures, rising energy demands, and growing climate considerations. To remain competitive and future‑ready, processors must adopt forward‑thinking, resource‑efficient production strategies.

At GEA, we help customers enhance product quality, increase output, and significantly reduce energy and water consumption. Our mission is to deliver sustainable processing solutions that protect the planet while strengthening long‑term profitability. As global demand for milk and value‑added dairy products continues to rise, GEA remains at the forefront of innovation. With decades of experience and deep industry expertise, we design, engineer, and supply complete plants, processing lines, and equipment for:

• Raw milk treatment
• ESL filling of dairy beverages
• Production of butter, ice cream, yogurt, and cheese
• Infant formula, milk powder, whey, and whey derivatives
• Cheese slicing and thermoforming packaging

Our capabilities include project management, installation, commissioning, and comprehensive after‑sales service. Every GEA solution is designed for hygiene, food safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability — helping processors anticipate new trends and meet evolving market demands. We also support customers in turning sustainability ambitions into actionable strategies. Through site‑level assessments, technical pathways, and phased investment scenarios, GEA provides practical roadmaps for resource‑efficient, low‑carbon operations.

About the Cheese Expo

More than 4,000 industry leaders, cheesemakers, processors, suppliers, and researchers come together to explore the latest advancements in cheese technology, whey utilization, product safety, marketing, and more.

The event is organized by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and the Center for Dairy Research (CDR).

Focus Areas at the 2026 Cheese Expo

• At this year’s event, GEA will highlight advanced real‑time monitoring and intelligent digital solutions that integrate directly with plant equipment and processes, delivering significant improvements in manufacturing efficiency, reliability, and cost‑effectiveness.
  
  We will also showcase GEA OptiPartner, our optimization software for evaporators and spray dryers, which uses intelligent algorithms and hard‑/soft‑sensor data to enhance performance and operational stability.

Visit GEA at Booth #1037

Our booth will feature a broad selection of equipment, technologies, and digital solutions.

Featured Exhibits:

• Model R membrane filtration plant
• Westfalia Separator MSI 230‑01‑772 Add Better* milk/whey skimming separator with efficient integrated direct drive
• GEA MegaSlicer L – a high‑performance slicing solution with an advanced interleaving system that applies film or paper between slices, ensuring precision and versatility across diverse applications
• A selection of Aseptomag® valves for aseptic processing
• Multiple Tuchenhagen VARIVENT® 3A‑compliant valves, including the 24/7 PMO Valve® 2.0 (double‑seat valve), with LEFF® function and T.VIS A‑15 control tops Add Better
• Hilge NOVATWIN+ flexible twin‑screw pump Add Better
• A representative 3D‑printed model of an Atlas RAY® freeze dryer designed for specialty dairy products, starter cultures, and probiotics
• Niro Soavi NiSoMate® particle size distribution monitoring system Add Better
• GEA MINICOMPACT is a combined stretching and molding unit ideal for mozzarella production. Featuring steam and hot water stretching, dipping arms, and our VULCAN anti stick technology. This versatile unit offers capacities of up to 220 lb/hr and can produce a wide range of products - from 0.18 oz mozzarella pearls to 4.5 lb pizza cheese blocks. It’s an excellent choice for dairies starting production, as well as for R&D teams and new product development.

Video & Animation Highlights

• Updated FILTERMAT® spray dryer with integrated belt dryer for cheese, whey permeate, high‑fat non‑dairy creamers, and other sticky/thermoplastic products

• Fully automated slicing, loading and packaging line for cheese application to reach efficient production and sustainability goals.

Engineering for a Better World

*About GEA Add Better - Our Add Better label identifies GEA solutions that deliver significantly improved efficiency and environmental performance compared to earlier designs. All Add Better products meet strict ISO 14021 requirements and are TÜV‑validated as our most resource‑efficient offerings.