CIV Press review
Huelva, Spain – January 2026 – CIV - Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti announces a significant strengthening of its Research & Development department with the appointment of Juan Carlos Gutierrez Ruiz as Breeder for strawberry varieties destined for southern markets.
Already an integral part of the team since August 2025 as Strawberry Technician at the strategic Huelva hub, Gutierrez Ruiz now assumes a key role. In his new position, he will lead next-generation breeding for southern varieties, overseeing agronomic trials and providing top-level technical support to growers operating in the main Mediterranean production areas.
This appointment reflects CIV’s commitment to accelerating genetic innovation, focusing on varieties that combine environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and superior organoleptic quality, thereby meeting the demands of an increasingly competitive global market.
Key appointment and strategic goals
Federico Stanzani, CIV’s General Manager, commented enthusiastically:
"Juan Carlos’s promotion is a cornerstone of our expansion strategy. His deep technical expertise, combined with an in-depth understanding of local dynamics, will allow us to further refine our breeding program. Our goal is clear: to provide growers with cutting-edge solutions that ensure both profitability and exceptional quality standards."
Juan Carlos Gutierrez Ruiz stated:
"Assuming this role is both an honor and an exciting challenge. My focus will be on selecting strawberry varieties capable of making a real difference in the field, supporting growers in optimizing their production. We will work to strengthen CIV’s leadership as a strategic partner for fruit innovation in Southern Europe and beyond."
Commitment to innovation and excellence
Through this initiative, CIV reaffirms the strategic importance of its Huelva site as a hub for experimentation. Beyond Juan Carlos’s expertise and professionalism, the company proudly highlights its long-standing and productive collaboration with renowned consultants Tirado & Vargas. This synergy further enriches CIV’s professional outlook and demonstrates its ongoing commitment to innovation and agronomic excellence in the strawberry sector.

Source: CIV

