Citrotec^® participated in the International Citrus & Beverage Conference (ICBC) 2026, held from September 15 to 18 in Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA. As one of the conference sponsors, the company joined leading companies and professionals from the citrus and beverage industry from different countries.

Organized by the University of Florida/IFAS, ICBC brought together experts, researchers, suppliers, and industry representatives to discuss issues shaping the present and future of the sector. The program covered topics ranging from the global citrus industry landscape and economic issues to new processing technologies, innovation in ingredients and formulations, consumer trends, and challenges related to citrus production.

For Citrotec^®, returning to the conference provides an opportunity to follow industry developments closely, exchange experiences with professionals from different markets, and strengthen relationships with customers and partners.

“ICBC is one of the most important gatherings for the international citrus industry, and being here as a sponsor reinforces our commitment to this market. It is an environment where we can listen to our customers and partners, understand the challenges faced in different regions, and at the same time demonstrate Citrotec^®’s ability to develop solutions tailored to the specific needs of each plant. This proximity to the market is essential for us to continue evolving and creating opportunities in different countries,” says Marcelo Bellarde, CEO of Citrotec^® International.

“With each edition, we see greater participation and new opportunities. It is very important for Citrotec^® to be here because many of the relationships we build today can lead to successful projects and partnerships in the future,” says Paulo Sampaio, Technical Director at Citrotec^®.

For Noé Juarez, General Director of Citrotec^® Mexico, the company’s presence at the event also helps it better understand customer needs and turn those needs into projects.

“Our mission is to connect what our customers are looking for with the solutions, projects, and teams we can develop together. Being close to the market allows us to better understand each challenge and turn that understanding into concrete opportunities,” he says.

Technology and new demands in the citrus industry

In addition to discussions about the sector’s broader landscape, ICBC 2026 highlighted technological advances in citrus processing. Topics included new technologies for concentrates, solutions aimed at improving process efficiency and circularity, and innovations related to the use of citrus-derived ingredients.

Citrotec^®’s participation in the conference is also aligned with the company’s strategy to expand and strengthen its international operations. In recent years, the company has advanced projects and developed relationships in markets such as the United States, Egypt, Argentina, China, and Mexico, among others, expanding the presence of its solutions for the citrus industry across different regions.

“Events such as ICBC help us maintain a close view of the global market. The citrus industry is constantly evolving, and keeping up with these changes is essential to developing solutions that meet our customers’ needs. Citrotec^® seeks to become increasingly connected to these demands and bring its expertise and engineering capabilities to different markets,” Bellarde concludes.