Every year, CheeseExpo brings together the best of the dairy industry and 2026 confirmed one thing: cheesemaking is entering a new era driven by efficiency, data, and deeper process understanding. From meaningful conversations to emerging technologies, here’s what stood out and where the industry is heading next. A stronger presence, meaningful conversations CheeseExpo 2026 was defined by insights, innovation, and strong team collaboration. With one of the best teams we’ve ever assembled, we had the opportunity to connect with over 200 professionals who stopped by our booth throughout the event. Conversations ranged from early-stage discussions to active project opportunities, with a strong focus on: Yield improvement Process efficiency Automation and monitoring Real-world cheesemaking challenges This year also saw a noticeable increase in larger-scale producers, bringing more complex needs and higher expectations. Key Industry Trends to Watch Several major trends emerged: Efficiency and quality go hand in hand Manufacturers are looking to improve performance without compromising product quality, driving demand for better control and standardization. Growth in cottage cheese and protein-based products This segment continues to expand, increasing the need for advanced coagulation and separation technologies. Labor challenges and knowledge gaps A shrinking workforce and reduced in-house expertise are accelerating the shift toward automation and integrated solutions. Ongoing cost pressures From tariffs to raw material variability, cheesemakers are under pressure to optimize yield and reduce losses at every stage. What cheesemakers are looking for Across the board, clients are prioritizing: Higher yield and better resource utilization Automation to reduce manual labor Improved traceability and process visibility Consistent, high-quality products More than ever, they’re also looking for partners who bring knowledge, not just equipment. Qualtech at CheeseExpo 2026 At our booth, we showcased key solutions designed to meet these needs: Coagulation sensor (CS-550) Filtration technologies Spark IoT Casotech Visitors responded very positively once engaged, with strong interest in technologies that help increase yield, improve efficiency, and reduce resource usage. Many were also surprised to discover the full scope of our offering, highlighting our ability to support beyond individual equipment. More than equipment: A complete approach Our strength lies in combining technology with expertise. We help cheesemakers: Gain full visibility over their production Improve product quality and consistency Optimize operations through real-time data Centralize solutions with a single, trusted partner In today’s environment, this integrated approach is key to long-term success. A long-term commitment to the industry Since 2012, Qualtech has been a consistent presence at CheeseExpo. Over the years, both the show and the industry have grown significantly larger booths, more attendees, and increasingly advanced technologies. Today, we are proud to be among the exhibitors that industry professionals actively seek out. As we celebrate 30 years of expertise, this presence reflects the trust we’ve built across the industry. What’s next: Looking ahead to american cheese society annual conference 2026 While CheeseExpo is behind us, the conversations and opportunities are just getting started. Next up is the American Cheese Society (ACS) Annual Conference, taking place July 7–10, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky. This event offers a different but complementary perspective, bringing together not only producers and processors, but also artisans, retailers, and industry experts from across North America. For Qualtech, ACS is an opportunity to: Continue conversations started at Cheese Expo Connect with a broader range of cheesemakers, including artisan producers Share insights on building a complete cheese production ecosystem Highlight how engineering, equipment, automation, and data come together to support better outcomes As the industry evolves, these moments of connection are essential. They allow us to better understand the challenges cheesemakers face and continue developing solutions that truly make an impact. We’re looking forward to continuing the discussion in Louisville.

Why Measuring Milk Coagulation Is Essential in Cheesemaking Milk coagulation is one of the most critical stages in cheese production. Identifying the optimal cutting time directly impacts: cheese yield solids retention curd quality consistency between vats reduction of losses (components) Traditionally, cheesemakers rely on experience, visual observation, and manual tests. However, these methods can vary depending on operators, milk types, and production conditions. To address this challenge, Qualtech, in partnership with Bliq Photonics, developed the CS-550 coagulation probe, a cutting-edge optical technology that enables real-time, non-contact, in-line measurement of casein aggregation. What is the CS-550 Coagulation Probe? The CS-550 is an in-tank optical sensor designed to analyze coagulation directly inside the cheese vat without disturbing the curd. The system is: sampling-free calibration-free CIPable (Clean-in-Place) compliant with 3-A sanitary standards (certification pending) It continuously generates a coagulation curve, allowing operators to precisely identify: identify the golden batch the coagulation time the optimal cutting point based on the recipe How Does the CS-550 Sensor Work? The technology at the core of the CS-550 relies on two key innovations. 1. Patented Hilo Optical Technology Hilo combines two distinct illumination methods to improve image quality and isolate relevant casein structures. 2. Smart Image Processing The SPARQ processing system analyzes: diffraction patterns generated by the laser the density and organization of casein structures the evolution of gel formation over time This provides reliable, precise, and reproducible data, independent of milk variability. Real-Time Data for Maximum Precision The CS-550 provides a continuous gelation curve , illustrating the evolution of casein aggregation: Beginning: caseins freely suspended Progression: protein network formation Apex: complete aggregation Optimal cutting time determined This allows cheesemakers to make data-driven process decisions. Key Benefits for Cheese Plants The CS-550 sensor delivers major advantages to the cheese industry. 1. Elimination of Manual Tests No more sampling or disturbing the curd. 2. Fully Automated Cutting The sensor can communicate directly with the PLC to automatically trigger the next steps in the process. 3. Improved Solids Retention Accurate cutting timing increases recovery of proteins and fats. 4. Reduced Fine Losses in Whey By avoiding cutting too early or too late. 5. Standardization Between Vats Ideal for plants seeking consistent and repeatable quality. 6. Early Detection of Process Anomalies A key tool to reduce downtime and improve batch quality. 7. Data Available Throughout the Plant Through full integration with Spark IoT : historical data tracking alarms real-time trends automated reports Simple and Hygienic Installation The sensor is designed for fast and easy installation: Direct tank mounting (NA connect) Hygienic design compliant with 3-A standards Materials: 316 stainless steel and borosilicate glass window Operating temperature range: 4°C to 85°C It integrates easily with existing infrastructures (4-20 mA, Ethernet/IP, M12 I/O), making it compatible with most cheese plants. Why Choose an Optical Coagulation Sensor? Because it allows cheesemakers to: improve process reliability reduce human variability improve cheese quality optimize every liter of milk increase plant profitability reduce production errors by detecting anomalies early The optical technology used in the CS-550 originates from the biomedical field , a sector known for its extremely high precision standards. A Must-Have for Modern Cheese Plants The CS-550 is not just a sensor, it is a process optimization tool. At a time when cheese plants must: increase efficiency reduce losses ensure consistent product quality automate production processes the CS-550 coagulation probe stands out as one of the most precise, reliable, and innovative solutions available on the market.

Industry 4.0 is rapidly transforming factories, and at Qualtech, we firmly believe that technologies must be accessible, scalable, and truly useful on the floor. This is why we integrated Spark IoT into our own processes and now recommend it to our clients. The industrial IoT solution Spark IoT helps manufacturers improve equipment performance, optimize processes, and make informed, data-driven decisions. Why has IoT become essential? The Internet of Things connects industrial equipment to create a direct link between physical operations and their digital representation. This technology helps factories to: Monitor equipment behavior, performance, and consumption in real time Document and analyze production processes Ensure constant quality control Maintain full product traceability Detect failures quickly Reduce unplanned downtime with predictive maintenance Optimize resources and processes Support data-driven decision-making Foster continuous improvement At Qualtech, IoT also allows us to accelerate startups, enhance technical support, and open new avenues in R&D. Spark IoT is a complete solution that includes: Real-time data acquisition and analysis Performance dashboards Production reports and archiving Quality control tools Traceability Monitoring and optimization tools Why Qualtech trusts Spark IoT Before recommending it, we used it ourselves. Spark IoT is now part of our internal tools to: Monitor system performance at client sites Document and optimize startups Support engineers in process analysis and improvement Provide clients with reliable operational data This hands-on experience allows us to confirm that Spark is a solid, effective, and industry-ready solution. A solution already adopted across the industry About a dozen plants use Spark IoT daily Another dozen integrate it during our startups New modules are under development Partnerships are emerging in other industrial sectors Spark IoT is now used beyond dairy and food processing thanks to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness. A shared vision: supporting factories in their digital transformation Our mission is clear: support manufacturers in their 4.0 journey with solutions that are not only innovative but also accessible, practical, and adapted to real-world conditions.

After several years of research and development, the process optimization team resumed work on the cheddaring system in May 2022. Our main mandate was to take charge of the vessel project, continue its development, and bring the system to market. In March 2024, Qualtech reached an important milestone: the sale of the very first project integrating this system. How Our Cheese Processing Cheddaring System Works? 1. Drainage Conveyor: controlling moisture from the start The first step is draining whey from the curd. The conveyor uses a specially perforated belt to accelerate this process.The adjustable speed allows precise control of the moisture percentage at the outlet—an essential parameter for ensuring final cheese quality.Fully enclosed, the conveyor prevents contamination and maintains optimal temperature.This technology replaces manual operations typically carried out in a finishing table, reducing variability and improving hygiene. 2. The vessel: structuring, heating, and preparing the mixture The curd then enters a vertical vessel where it slowly descends for about the required time. This configuration ensures a uniform and controlled transformation.The vessel is equipped with a double wall to maintain the ideal temperature and quickly reach the desired pH. An integrated pH probe indicates the exact moment when the mixture is ready for extrusion.When the required parameters are reached, the cheese is extracted from the vessel, giving it its characteristic fibrous structure.This step replaces several manual movements such as flipping and stacking while improving product consistency. 3. Laminating Conveyor: giving the final shape and texture Once extruded, the cheese is cut into slabs using an integrated guillotine and placed onto the laminating conveyor. Depending on the type of cheese desired, different pressing actions are applied to obtain the final texture.The slabs are then sent to a mill where they are cut, refined, and salted. This conveyor ensures a continuous flow and eliminates much of the traditional manual labor. A complete and coherent solution Together, these three pieces of equipment create an automated, hygienic, and precise production line. They reduce human handling, improve consistency, and allow cheese factories to increase capacity while maintaining superior quality. Two Key Benefits: reduce physical handling and ensure controlled transformation 1. Eliminating difficult manual tasks Cheese production normally involves physically demanding tasks such as flipping or stacking blocks. With our automated equipment: · Less labor is needed for heavy tasks · Workplace quality of life improves by reducing repetitive or strenuous motions · Risks of accidents and injuries decrease significantly 2. A closed and controlled environment Full control of the environment ensures consistent, safe, high-quality cheese: · Reduced loss and better production flow · Increased yield thanks to continuous control of pH, temperature, and humidity · Consistent product, batch after batch A true source of pride It is a real point of pride for Qualtech to offer such an innovative solution.Beyond financial gains, the system reduces the impact of labor shortages by eliminating physically demanding tasks.This innovative technology is a genuine game changer for our customers. Demonstrations in several cheese plants using the prototype have generated positive reactions, and we are confident this type of project will become a standard in our future orders.