GEA Boosts Olive Oil Production with Advanced and Sustainable Technology

GEA is an international technology company specialized in the design and supply of industrial solutions for food processing, including olive oil. Through its Oils and Fats division, GEA provides complete systems and individual machines for all stages of the olive oil production process, from olive reception to final product clarification.

GEA’s experience in the olive oil sector dates back to the 1930s, enabling the company to develop advanced technologies focused on improving yield, oil quality, and energy efficiency. Its solutions are designed for both small olive mills and large industrial facilities and can be adapted to different production volumes and local conditions. The company delivers complete turnkey plants as well as specific pieces of equipment that can be integrated into existing installations.

The production process covered by GEA includes olive cleaning and preparation, milling, paste malaxation, oil separation using centrifugal decanters, and subsequent purification with separators and clarifiers. These stages are optimized to preserve olive oil quality and to meet the most demanding standards of the food industry. GEA works with both continuous and batch systems, offering technological flexibility to producers.

One of the most notable aspects of GEA’s solutions is the use of two-phase extraction systems, which significantly reduce water consumption compared to traditional three-phase systems. This reduction contributes to greater environmental sustainability of the process, decreases effluent generation, and facilitates by-product management. In addition, the company develops solutions for the valorization of these by-products, helping producers improve overall plant efficiency.

GEA operates an Olive Oil Center of Excellence in Úbeda, in the province of Jaén, one of the world’s leading olive oil–producing regions. From this center, the company provides technical support, plant design, commissioning services, maintenance, training, and specialized consulting. This comprehensive approach enables producers to optimize their processes, improve oil quality, and adapt to current sector challenges such as sustainability and resource efficiency.