GEA unveils Lauterstar 2.0 to enhance brewing efficiency 

GERMANY – GEA, a leading supplier of process technology for the food and beverage industry, has introduced the Lauterstar 2.0, an advanced lautering system designed to boost brewing efficiency and streamline production processes.  

The system aims to cater to the evolving demands of brewers in a market increasingly focused on quality and sustainability. 

The Lauterstar 2.0 incorporates cutting-edge automation capabilities that allow brewers to optimize extract yields while reducing energy consumption. By enabling precise control over the lautering process, the system enhances productivity and ensures consistent product quality across batches. 

Peter Sterk, Product Manager for Brewhouse Technology at GEA, highlighted: “Brewers have grown used to filtration taking a lot of time. We scrutinized these processes and found that we can lauter faster if the filter cake can be prevented from clogging. The GEA Lauterstar 2.0 achieves a productivity increase of ten percent and an extract efficiency of 98.7%.” 

The improved efficiency of the Lauterstar 2.0 is achieved through optimized geometry and drainage points in the wort run-off cones.  

Additionally, the system features a user-friendly interface, allowing brewers to adjust parameters in real-time to maintain high-quality standards while adhering to regulatory requirements. 

Beyond its technical advancements, the Lauterstar 2.0 is designed for seamless integration with existing production lines, making it a viable solution for mid-sized breweries seeking to scale operations without incurring significant capital costs. 

In addition to enhancing productivity, the Lauterstar 2.0 supports brewers in reducing their environmental footprint by using resources more efficiently, aligning with the industry’s sustainability goals. 

The launch of the Lauterstar 2.0 comes as GEA reports strong financial performance. In the third quarter of 2024, the company recorded a 6.6 percent organic growth in order intake compared to the prior-year quarter, amounting to EUR 1,301 million (US1.37B).  

Revenue grew organically by 1.4 percent to EUR 1,350 million (US$1.4B), with EBITDA before restructuring expenses rising by 4.9 percent to EUR 217.1 million (US$228.37M). 

GEA’s CEO Stefan Klebert expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory, citing increased profitability and robust order intake.  

The Group plans to achieve an average organic revenue growth of more than 5 percent annually by 2030, with an expected EBITDA margin of 17–19 percent and a return on capital employed exceeding 45 percent. 

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