From dairy plants and breweries to bakeries and canneries, the modern food industry depends heavily on precision, cleanliness, and efficiency. The food processing pump is one of the most vital components enabling these standards.
Whether transferring viscous sauces, pumping milk through a pasteuriser, or filling bottles with beverages, food processing pumps play a central role in maintaining product integrity and operational flow. Their importance goes beyond just moving materials—they’re at the heart of safe, hygienic, and efficient food production.
At Pumps & Accessories, we are proud to be the sole distributors in Southern Africa for some of the world’s leading pump brands, including:
- WAUKESHA Cherry-Burrell
- Gram Equipment
- APV Valves
These brands represent decades of innovation, reliability, and hygienic excellence in food-grade pumping solutions.
What Are Food Processing Pumps?
Food processing pumps are specially designed mechanical devices used to transport, handle, or transfer food products and ingredients throughout processing lines. Unlike general-purpose industrial pumps, these units are manufactured using food-grade materials and built to meet strict sanitary standards.
Food pumps are engineered to:
- Maintain hygienic conditions
- Handle delicate or shear-sensitive products
- Withstand clean-in-place (CIP) or sterilise-in-place (SIP) processes
- Ensure consistent flow and precision dosing
- Operate efficiently with minimal product loss or waste
From liquids to semi-solids and even products containing particulates, food pumps are built to keep things safe, clean, and flowing.
Why Are Food Processing Pumps So Important?
Hygiene and Sanitation
Maintaining food safety is non-negotiable. Food processing pumps are designed to meet international hygienic standards, including 3A, EHEDG, and FDA guidelines. They are built from materials like stainless steel, with smooth internal surfaces to eliminate bacteria traps and enable effective CIP procedures.
Efficient Product Transfer
Pumps are essential for moving ingredients and finished products through complex production lines. Pumps keep production smooth and consistent without compromising texture or structure, whether it’s high-viscosity peanut butter or free-flowing juice.
Product Integrity
Shear-sensitive or particulate-laden foods (like yoghurts with fruit pieces or soups) must be handled with care. Positive displacement pumps like WAUKESHA’s ECP (external circumferential piston) models ensure gentle handling while maintaining consistent flow rates.
Versatility and Adaptability
Food processing pumps can be adapted to various applications, including:
- Mixing and blending
- Metering and dosing
- Filling and packaging
- CIP/SIP systems
- Heat exchanger feed
Their ability to work under different temperature, viscosity, and pressure conditions makes them indispensable.
Waste Reduction and Cost Efficiency
Modern food-grade pumps minimise product loss during transfer and cleaning. This protects your bottom line and contributes to more sustainable production practices.
WAUKESHA: A Global Leader in Food Processing Pumps
Pumps & Accessories proudly represents WAUKESHA Cherry-Burrell, a trusted name in the food and beverage industry for over 50 years. WAUKESHA is renowned for its rotary positive displacement pumps, especially the External Circumferential Piston (ECP) design.
Key Features of WAUKESHA ECP Pumps
- Handles viscous, abrasive, or delicate food products
- Offers low shear and non-pulsating flow
- Constructed from 316L stainless steel
- Designed for CIP/SIP compatibility
- Achieves high volumetric efficiency
- Reduces downtime with easy maintenance and minimal moving parts
Used across dairy, beverage, bakery, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, WAUKESHA pumps continue to lead in innovation and performance.
Trusted Brands Under One Roof
In addition to WAUKESHA, we offer a comprehensive range of hygienic solutions from:
- Gram Equipment: Specialists in ice cream and frozen dessert processing, Gram’s pumps and systems ensure temperature control and smooth product handling from mixing to packaging.
- APV Valves: A key player in hygienic flow control, APV valves and pumps are used for dosing, blending, and sterilisation processes across a variety of food and beverage applications.
Where Are Food Processing Pumps Used?
Food processing pumps are integral to nearly every phase of the production line.
Dairy Industry
- Milk transfer and pasteurisation
- Yogurt and cheese curd handling
- CIP systems
Beverage Production
- Juice, soft drink, and beer bottling
- Syrup transfer
- Carbonated beverage handling
Bakeries
- Dough and batter handling
- Syrup glazing
- Fillings and toppings
Canning and Processed Foods
- Soups, sauces, and purées
- Transfer of particulate-laden liquids
- Sterile food environments
Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical
- Creams, gels, and extracts
- High-purity water systems
- Cleanroom-compatible pumping solutions
Choosing the Right Food Processing Pump
The correct pump choice depends on several variables:
- Viscosity of the product
- Presence of solids or particulates
- Temperature requirements
- Flow rate and pressure demands
- Hygienic and regulatory compliance
The Pumps & Accessories team will work closely with you to select the right pump configuration, material, and accessories for your specific process needs.
FAQs About Food Processing Pumps
What makes a pump “food-grade”?
Food-grade pumps are constructed using non-toxic, corrosion-resistant materials (such as stainless steel) and are designed to comply with sanitary standards like 3A, EHEDG, and FDA. They also support easy cleaning processes like CIP and SIP.
Can food processing pumps handle solids or particulates?
Yes. Many positive displacement pumps (such as WAUKESHA’s ECP series) are built to gently move viscous materials and solids-in-liquid without damaging the product.
How do I maintain hygiene with my food-grade pump?
Food pumps should support clean-in-place (CIP) systems, feature crevice-free construction, and use approved seals and gaskets. Regular inspection and preventive maintenance are also crucial.
Are these pumps energy efficient?
Yes. Modern food-grade pumps are designed for high volumetric efficiency, reducing both energy use and product waste during operation.
Can Pumps & Accessories help me with installation and support?
Absolutely. We provide product selection, technical support, installation guidance, and after-sales service to ensure smooth operations and long-term reliability.
Looking for High-Performance Food Processing Pumps?
With decades of experience and exclusive access to global pump brands like WAUKESHA, Gram Equipment, and APV Valves, Pumps & Accessories is your trusted partner in hygienic pumping solutions across Southern Africa.
Let us help you design and implement a pump system that enhances your product quality, operational efficiency, and food safety standards.
Contact us today to speak to a technical advisor.