Benito Orihuel explains the transition of citrus postharvest practices from the laboratory to packinghouses

The Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), the School of Agricultural Engineering and Natural Environment (ETSIAMN), and Postharvest.biz organised the IX Postharvest Technology Course – Citrus and Emerging Crops in the Mediterranean Region, held from 21 January to 6 March 2026. Citrosol once again sponsored the course, demonstrating its ongoing support for specialised training and knowledge transfer within the sector.

The course aimed to provide comprehensive and specialised training in storage, processing and packaging technologies for key Mediterranean crops, including citrus, persimmon, avocado, kiwi, pomegranate, stone fruit, berries, nuts and vegetables, among others. On 13 February, the programme featured a presentation by Benito Orihuel, Postharvest Adviser at Citrosol.

On this occasion, Orihuel presented the talk “Postharvest treatments in citrus: from the laboratory to packinghouses”. The session was highly practical and helped attendees connect scientific evidence with real-world application in commercial packinghouses.

During the presentation, Benito Orihuel focused on key aspects such as decay control and its impact on losses and claims, the correct application of postharvest treatments, and fungicide resistance. He also presented Citrosol’s innovative CATsystem technology, which monitors and corrects in real time the reductions that occur in drenchers, waterfalls and dipping tanks, both in fungicide concentrations and in the disinfectants used in treatment solutions.

The session took place midway through this latest edition of the Postharvest Technology Course – Citrus and Emerging Crops in the Mediterranean Region, supported by Citrosol. The course concludes this week and has been very well received by both academic and industry professionals.

Benito Orihuel, profile

Benito Orihuel is a recognised specialist in postharvest biology and technology, with a career that combines business leadership, applied research and technical advisory work in the fruit and vegetable sector. His academic background includes a degree in Chemistry, a Master’s degree in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, and a PhD in Postharvest Technology.

Throughout his career he has held key roles in leading companies in the postharvest sector. After extensive previous experience, he joined Productos Citrosol S.A., where he served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for 13 years and Scientific Director for 9 years, contributing to positioning the company as a leader in postharvest treatments and technologies in the Mediterranean region and other international markets.

After stepping down as CEO in 2020, he continues to collaborate with Citrosol as Postharvest Adviser, contributing to the company’s R&D strategy as well as marketing and communication activities. His professional career also includes outreach work and participation in scientific publications related to postharvest biology and technology, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in this field.

About Citrosol

Although Productos Citrosol S.A. was founded in 1984, its activity in postharvest treatments and technology began in the 1960s within Electroquímica del Serpis S.A., both companies based in Potries, Valencia (Spain). As a result of significant organic growth over the past 15 years, Citrosol currently employs 136 people, including staff located in several countries and in its subsidiaries in South Africa, Peru and Uruguay, as well as personnel in Egypt. At its facilities in Potries, the company operates an R&D laboratory and a pilot plant of more than 1,200 m². Much of its growth has been driven by its strong focus on innovation. Citrosol received the CEPYME Innovation Award in 2015 and 2020, as well as the 2020 Innovation in Business Award from the Valencia Chamber of Commerce.

Citrosol was originally established as a specialist in postharvest treatments and technology for citrus. Over the past 15 years, however, its R&D activities have led to the development of solutions to extend the commercial life of avocados, peppers, tomatoes, peeled garlic and other fruit and vegetables. The company is currently introducing its IV range solution, the Citrocide® Fresh-Cut System, which significantly reduces water and carbon footprints in the production of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. Through its treatments and technologies, Citrosol contributes to reducing losses and food waste in fresh fruit and vegetables.