GEA invests an impressive EUR 18 million in US protein tech center

GEA, a leading technology provider in the food industry, is investing EUR 18 million (USD 20 million) in a technology center for alternative proteins in the state of Wisconsin, USA. The center will focus on pilot testing microbial, cell-based, and plant-based foods using GEA’s state-of-the-art technologies. Groundbreaking is scheduled for spring 2024, with the opening planned for 2025. The USA is a favorable market for alternative proteins, with a growing demand for sustainable food options and a regulatory environment that supports innovative food technologies. The new food center aims to bridge the gap in the innovation landscape and drive the development of complementary proteins through technology. It will also provide facilities for manufacturers to conduct scaling and testing work without the need for their own infrastructure investments. The center will not only focus on testing and validating processes but also promote the training of biotechnology specialists. This investment is part of GEA’s strategy to focus on new food as a growth driver in the food industry. GEA has previously opened a technology center for cell cultivation and fermentation in Germany.