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IRTA and MAF RODA Sign a Strategic Partnership to Drive Innovation in Fruit Grading and Postharvest Technologies
IRTA and the MAF RODA Group, through CEDIS MAFRUT, have formalised a collaboration that will accelerate R&D in machine vision, spectroscopy and advanced fruit-grading systems
On Thursday, 27 November 2025, a collaboration agreement was formalised between the MAF RODA Group, through its subsidiary CEDIS MAFRUT, and IRTA. The signing took place at the Agrobiotech Forum, currently being held in Lleida, and the alliance will drive new R&D projects in machine vision and spectroscopy applied to fruit quality.
This agreement follows the public tender through which IRTA renewed its trial grader, incorporating equipment from the MAF RODA Group featuring some of the most advanced fruit selection and analysis systems available in the sector:
- “GlobalScan 7” for external defect detection.
- “IDD8” for identifying internal defects in pome fruit (apple and pear).
- “INSIGHT 2T” for measuring Brix by transmittance, analysing the light spectrum that passes through the fruit.
In addition, the “INSIGHT R” system, already in use at IRTA, is being maintained. This technology enables Brix analysis by reflectance.
Advanced technology for applied research
The incorporation of this grader provides IRTA with the ability to carry out its analyses using state-of-the-art technologies and, in the case of the INSIGHT system, to compare current results with previous methods, further strengthening its leadership in applied agri-food research.
The agreement stems from the shared commitment of both organisations to develop initiatives that deliver tangible value to the sector. Key areas of future collaboration include:
- Research into Brix prediction models using artificial intelligence (AI).
- Certified training for fruit grader operators capable of mastering these next-generation technologies. This responds to one of the most frequently cited and urgent needs in the sector: the demand for qualified professionals able to meet the challenges of modernisation and international competitiveness.
Through this alliance, CEDIS MAFRUT (MAF RODA Group) and IRTA reinforce their commitment to innovation, technology transfer and specialised training, contributing to sustainable development and excellence in the agri-food sector.
About IRTA
IRTA (Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology) is a research institute dedicated to agrifood R&D&I across the fields of plant production, animal production, food industries, the environment, global change and agrifood economics. The transfer of its scientific advances helps modernise the sector to provide consumers with safe, high-quality food while improving public well-being. IRTA is attached to the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food (DARPA) of the Government of Catalonia and is part of the CERCA research system.
