an incredible success story

Behind the success of a company lies the dream and work ethics of an unusual entrepreneur

When you picture high tech robots, a barn is not the setting that immediately springs to your mind… But, this is nonetheless exactly how CITF started. Nestled in the heart of the Cognac vineyards, the company was created by François Lalut in 2009 - in the backyard of his parents’ farm - in a lovely sun-drenched hamlet.

Driven by his solid engineering background, determination and sheer passion, he overcame all the obstacles that he had to face. He succeeded in achieving a new concept based on a global approach to automation and industrial projects. And this vision for the future of winemaking was quickly shared by many talented professionals. From 5 employees in 2009, they are now 90 in 2018.

The innovative spirit of François Lalut has been recognized on several occasions over the years, and the latest prizes awarded to the business include: Winner of National “Vins & Numérique” award for ALIEN and Star Entrepreneur in 2017.

In 2018, François Lalut is now launching CITF in the US with its latest creation: the optical grape sorting robot ALIEN.

News

CARDPLAKER

The new innovation by CITF

CARDPLAKER is a robotic system able to handle large format cardboard sheets for loading and unloading digital or screen-printing machines, perfect for printing POS products. [Read more]

"entRAID", the French Army Race

CITF supports injured soldiers

Every year, the French army organises a race to support injured french soldiers in worldwide, named EntRAID. [Read more]

Wine Business IQ in Napa Valley

CITF will present its latest innovation : WOODY

On May 22nd & 23rd, will take place IQ, a forum for premuim & ultra-premium wineries from California, focused on innovation. Once again, CITF will attend to this exhibition (booth 124). [Read more]

French American Business Awards 2019

CITF has been nominated in the category "Wine Country Awards"

We are pleased to announce the nomination of CITF for the French American Business Awards 2019 in the category "Wine Country Awards". During a dinner celebration, the best French and American [Read more]

NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BVNA & CITF GROUP INC.

Since december 2018

CITF Group Inc is proud to announce its partnership with Bucher Vaslin North America (BVNA) since December 2018 for the distribution of its high-tech grape sorter ALIEN. In the end of January 2019 [Read more]

Innovation Awards

Silver Award for ALIEN

CITF is very proud to announce that Alien, its high-tech grape sorter, received a prestigious ‘Silver Award’ at the Vinitech-Sifel Exhibition in Bordeaux this past November. [Read more]

ALIEN in an american daily show

A piece on automation during harvest

ALPHA OMEGA WINERY welcomed reporter Emily Turner and photographer Scott Eason from @kpixtv (CBS affiliate in SF) to the winery today for their piece on automation during harvest. [Read more]

Alpha Omega Winery Tests New "Alien" Grape Sorting Robot

Wine Business - October 2018

Ultra-premium Napa Valley winery Alpha Omega, based in St. Helena, is the first U.S. winery to beta-test the new “Alien” optical grape sorting robot during the 2018 harvest, developed by CITF Group In [Read more]

GRAPE HARVEST 2018

Two partners of exception

ALIEN's adventure continues! We are very proud to announce you our partnership with ALPHA OMEGA WINERY. Indeed, during the grape harvest 2018, ALPHA OMEGA WINERY welcomes our robot ALIEN. [Read more]

We are talking about us in the Press!

Wine Business Monthly - May 2018

WINE BUSINESS MONTHLY magazine dedicates 3 pages to CITF and its robot ALIEN. To discover more about ALIEN, meet us May 23 and 24 at IQ! [Read more]

WINE BUSINESS IQ

Save the date, May 23 & 24

ALIEN takes your harvesting into the future The disruptive optical grape sorting robot is unveiled in the US for the first time. Exclusively at IQ 2018! [Read more]

ALIEN

Testing its reliability in Australia

To enjoy the australian vendange, ALIEN flew to the Southern hemisphere escorted by two CITF technicians. This was the perfect occasion to test all the adjustements made on the machine since the last [Read more]

WINNING THE 2017 ECONOMY AWARD

François LALUT, the entrepreneur of the year

This Wednesday December 13th was held at the Espace Carat in Angouleme the “Charentais of the year” ceremony, hosted by Charente Libre. During this evening François LALUT received for the second time [Read more]

WINE & DIGITAL NATIONAL AWARDS

CITF received the prize of the best wine production

On October 16th 2017, François LALUT was present at the Montmartre Vendange Festival in Paris for the presentation of the National Wine and Digital Awards. These prizes awarded by French Tech Culture [Read more]

ALIEN IS DOING THE HARVEST!

Bordeaux 2017 Vendange

ALIEN, our optical grape sorting robot developped in partnership with JGC company has made its first demonstration during the 2017 vendange at Bordeaux Château Calon Segur and Château Haut Bailly. [Read more]

CITF, FRANCOIS HOLLANDE’S SPECIAL GUEST

World Innovation Contest

On this Wednesday, February 22nd CITF was François Hollande’s guest at the ceremony in honor of the qualified competitors of the 3rd stage of the World Innovation Contest. [Read more]