SIMEI 2026 Special: Solutions for winemaking, breweries, and bottling lines

From November 17 to 20, 2026, Fiera Milano Rho will host the 31st edition of SIMEI , the International Winemaking and Bottling Machinery Exhibition organized by Unione Italiana Vini. For four days, wineries, breweries, distilleries, bottlers, and machine manufacturers will meet to discuss processes, bottling, quality, and sustainability. Universalflex will be present in Pavilion 3 – Stand D30.

In this special feature, we gather useful information to prepare for your visit and take stock of the components that make the difference in terms of hygiene, reliability, and maintenance costs in a winemaking or bottling plant.

The challenges of wineries, breweries and bottling lines

From harvest to packaging, a beverage plant works with delicate fluids, frequent cleaning cycles, and strong seasonal production variations. The most common challenges among our customers are fourfold:

1. Hygiene and sanitation: each point of contact with the product must be washable, free of stagnant areas and compatible with CIP/SIP cycles and with the detergents used.
2. Fluid Compatibility: Musts, wines, beers, and spirits have different acidity, alcohol content, and temperatures. The choice of tubing and gasket material depends on the type of fluid.
3. Regulatory compliance: materials suitable for food contact, compliant with MOCA regulations (in particular EC Regulation 1935/2004) and international standards such as FDA.
4. Production continuity: During the harvest or at bottling peaks, a failing pipe or a worn gasket means line downtime and product loss.

Systems and machinery are the heart of companies and trade fairs, but their reliability depends on individual components: pipes, fittings, gaskets, and valves.

From tube to valve: components for the beverage industry

Certified and connected food-grade flexible hoses

Flexible hoses for the Food & Beverage industry connect various sections of the system: from the reception of grapes or raw materials to the transfers between tanks, all the way to bottling. The choice of material, as mentioned above, depends on the fluid, temperature, and washing protocol. Universalflex assembles and internally connects ready-to-install hoses, compliant with MOCA and FDA standards, with crimped ends to eliminate dead spots.

Stainless steel fittings for hygienic lines

The connection between pipe and fitting is the most delicate point of an assembly. Stainless steel fittings in AISI 304 and 316L must be chosen based on the system standard (DIN 11851, Clamp, SMS, ISO) and assembled with precise tolerances to ensure a continuous and easily sanitized flow. For more information on materials and selection criteria, please see our technical guide to stainless steel fittings.

Standard and special turned gaskets

The seals for pumps, dispensers, fillers, and valves come into direct contact with the product and detergents. Universalflex produces special and standard CNC-machined seals in PTFE, EPDM, FPM, and silicone. This allows for rapid production of even small batches or discontinued spare parts, starting from a worn sample or technical drawing. Among the solutions developed and patented are the Phoenix , Cleaning Infinity , and Aseptic Infinity lines.

What you will find at the Universalflex stand

At Stand D30 – Pavilion 3 our technical-commercial team will be available to:

1. A careful analysis of the application and identification of the pipe, gasket or valve best suited to your operating parameters (pressure, temperature, chemical aggressiveness);
2. Evaluate the replacement of components subject to premature wear or unsuitable for sanitization cycles;
3. Develop customized gasket and valve designs with the support of the technical office;
4. Let you experience firsthand products, materials, and patented solutions for the Food & Beverage industry.

How to prepare for your stand visit

To make the most of your time at the fair, we recommend gathering some essential information before your visit:

• Fluid characteristics: typology (must, wine, beer, distillate), alcoholic strength, acidity, presence of solids or particles.
• Operating conditions: pressure, temperature and line diameters.
• Cleaning protocols: detergents and sanitizers used, wash temperatures and steam cycles.
• Specifications: drawings, codes or samples (even worn ones) of the components to be replaced.

If you prefer a private meeting without waiting, contact our team to schedule an appointment at the stand.

We look forward to seeing you in Milan, Hall 3 – Stand D30! Register on the trade fair portal and stop by. To stay up to date on news and events, sign up for the Universalflex newsletter.

FAQ about SIMEI 2026 Special: Solutions for winemaking, breweries, and bottling lines

When and where is SIMEI 2026? SIMEI 2026 will be held at Fiera Milano Rho from Tuesday, November 17, to Friday, November 20, 2026.

Where is the Universalflex booth at SIMEI 2026? Our team is waiting for you in Hall 3, Booth D30.

What is Bevertech? Bevertech is the new event dedicated to Liquid Food & Beverage technologies, born from the collaboration between Unione Italiana Vini and Ipack Ima, and held concurrently with SIMEI.

What products will Universalflex present at SIMEI? Certified food-grade flexible hoses and fittings, stainless steel fittings, standard and special turned gaskets, patented aseptic filling valves, and pneumatic components for line automation.

Is it possible to schedule an appointment at the stand? Yes, you can contact Universalflex via the website's contact page to arrange a meeting with the technical-sales team during the trade show.

Did Universalflex also participate in Cibus Tec 2026? Yes, Universalflex was present at Cibus Tec in Parma, from 27 to 30 October 2026. Read the Cibus Tec 2026 Special.