GEA strengthens beverage education and research at Geisenheim University with advanced pilot-scale technology

Preserving juice through flash pasteurization at Geisenheim University means more than making a drink – it teaches students how to think in processes. Michael Ludwig (second from left) heads the Beverage Technology Center for non-alcoholic applications. Source: Geisenheim University

(IN BRIEF) GEA has supplied Geisenheim University’s new Beverage Technology Center (GTZ) with a fully integrated pilot-scale processing plant designed for both education and applied research in beverage technology. The setup includes a flash pasteurizer, CIP/SIP system, carbonator, separator, and automated interconnection matrix, providing flexibility for students to design, test, and analyze complete process chains. By replicating industrial production standards on a smaller scale, the facility enables hands-on learning while also supporting applied research into sugar reduction, plant-based beverages, and dealcoholization methods. The GTZ serves as a hub for collaboration between academia, vocational programs, and industry, reinforcing Geisenheim’s position as a leading institution in beverage education. GEA’s early involvement in planning and its focus on pilot-scale innovation highlight the growing role of scaled-down systems in shaping the next generation of beverage professionals and technologies.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 30-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — GEA has partnered with Geisenheim University to equip its newly inaugurated Beverage Technology Center (GTZ) with a state-of-the-art multipurpose processing line tailored for teaching and applied research. The installation mirrors industrial beverage production on a smaller scale, giving students and researchers the ability to explore practical processes in a controlled, flexible environment.

At the core of the facility is a comprehensive pilot system consisting of a flash pasteurizer, CIP/SIP cleaning and sterilization modules, a carbonator, an automated interconnection matrix, and a separator suitable for applications in fruit juice, beer, and wine. All equipment is mounted on compact skids with an integrated maintenance walkway, making the setup accessible for training while upholding industry standards.

State-of-the-art pilot setup: The GEA line includes a flash pasteurizer, CIP/SIP system, carbonator, separator, and automated interconnection matrix. All units are skid-mounted with a surrounding maintenance walkway – a configuration specifically developed for educational use. Source: GEA

Astrid Heller, project manager at GEA and specialist in non-alcoholic beverage processing, explained that the system is designed to help students understand processes and design them effectively: “With this installation, they can experiment with process variations, identify control points, and gain first-hand experience of the hygiene and efficiency requirements of modern industrial production.”

The automated interconnection matrix allows flexible configuration of process steps, enabling learners and faculty to construct and adjust entire production sequences. Michael Ludwig, head of the Beverage Technology Center for non-alcoholic applications, emphasized that this approach deepens students’ grasp of real industrial automation, giving them insight into beverage production from pasteurization through to filling: “We aim to train the future innovators who will drive production, product development, and industry transformation.”

Beyond serving as a training platform for Geisenheim University students, the GTZ is designed as an open hub for collaboration across academia, industry, and vocational education. Research institutes, corporate partners, and Germany’s federal vocational class for fruit juice technology will all benefit from the center’s resources. Technical workshops, continuing education courses, and joint pilot projects are part of its mandate, strengthening Geisenheim’s role as one of Germany’s leading institutions in beverage science and technology.

GEA contributed early to the project’s development, working alongside the university on system planning before construction began to ensure optimal integration of utilities, automation, and process requirements. This collaboration highlights how academia and industry can jointly advance education and research.

The installation reflects GEA’s growing strategic focus on pilot-scale solutions for research, education, and innovation centers worldwide. By combining industrial-level automation with didactic usability and flexible multipurpose design, such systems are proving essential for both teaching and product development.

In addition to education, the GTZ supports applied research in emerging fields. Current projects include sugar reduction in fruit juices to meet new EU guidelines, the development of plant-based beverage alternatives, and comparative studies on dealcoholization methods. With GEA’s technology, these investigations can be carried out under semi-industrial conditions, replicating the quality and efficiency of full-scale beverage production.

Media Contact:

Fanny Förster
Trade Press for Beverages; Liquid Dairy, Flow Components; Environment Social Governance (ESG), New Food
Phone: +49 (0)211 9136-1504
pr@gea.com

About GEA

GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. For instance, every second pharma separator for essential healthcare products such as vaccines or novel biopharmaceuticals is produced by GEA. In food, every fourth package of pasta or every third chicken nugget are processed with GEA technology. With more than 18,000 employees, the Group generated revenues of about EUR 5.4 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2024 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customers’ production. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company’s purpose: ”Engineering for a better world.”

GEA is listed on the German MDAX, the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also a constituent of the leading sustainability indices DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability and Dow Jones Best-in-Class World.

SOURCE: GEA Group