ELEA Technology GmbH has outlined an active start to 2026, combining customer trials, technology development and a packed international trade-show calendar, as interest in Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology continues to expand across beverage, fruit and potato processing applications.

The year opened with a series of on-site customer trials at ELEA’s facilities, including a multi-day visit from a beverage producer from China, accompanied by representatives of ELEA’s local partner Lenno. The sessions focused on evaluating PEF treatment in fruit-based beverages, with trials carried out on lychee and watermelon juice as well as mango purée. According to the company, the objective was to assess taste stability and product quality following PEF treatment while meeting microbial safety requirements specified by the customer. Samples processed during the trials are currently undergoing laboratory analysis.

On the second day of the visit, the focus shifted to PEF-assisted extraction. ELEA demonstrated how the technology can improve extraction efficiency from raw materials, with grape trials showing noticeably higher yields. The trials were led by ELEA R&D engineer Marc Schmidt.

Beyond customer testing, ELEA also held a joint working session with DIL Engineering GmbH, which manufactures the company’s PEF Advantage systems. The meeting combined technical collaboration with informal team-building activities, reflecting the close operational relationship between the two companies.

Technology development remains a priority, particularly in potato processing applications. During a recent PiCon trial in ELEA’s pilot hall, a wide range of potato varieties were processed to further train the company’s AI-supported system. The trials included washing, peeling, PEF treatment and slicing, with sensor-equipped equipment collecting process data. According to ELEA, the resulting datasets are used to improve the system’s reliability and performance under real production conditions.

Trade-show activity will form a central part of ELEA’s 2026 outreach. The company will return to Fruit Logistica from 4–6 February in Berlin as a co-exhibitor with Upmann Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG. At the event, ELEA will present PEF solutions for applications including snacks, French fries, potato chips and air- and freeze-drying. Sales Manager Johannes Pfeiffer and Technical Sales specialist Sveva Cesari will be present on the stand.

Further confirmed appearances for 2026 include ProPak Philippines, WOOE in Madrid, Enoforum in Zaragoza, Fooma in Tokyo, SnackEx in Lisbon, FoodPro Australia in Melbourne, Anuga FoodTec India, Gulfood Manufacturing in Dubai, Simei in Milan and Interpom in Kortrijk. ELEA has also announced plans to host another PEF Advantage Day later in the year.

With continued investment in trials, data-driven processing tools and a strong international presence, ELEA is positioning 2026 as a year focused on scaling PEF adoption across multiple food processing segments, including potatoes.