Salvatore Torrisi

Born in Catania on 07/07/1941.

1963: Graduates in Agricultural Sciences from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Catania with a score of 110/110 with honors.

1964-1966: Attends the Citrus Research Center at Riverside, University of California for two years as a researcher and obtains a PHD in Plant Physiology with a research thesis later published in the American Society of Horticultural Science.

1966: Upon his return to Italy, IRFIS publishes his book "Technical Aspects of Citrus Cultivation".

1967: He begins his professional career as an agronomist and nutritional specialist of citrus fruits

1969: Founded the 'Agriculture Industrial Development' (A.I.D.) S.p.a.

1970: Collaborates, as a consultant for 'Compagnie Sucreiere', in the development of 7000 hectares of sugar cane plantations in Senegal.

1971-1985: As Managing Director of the Agricultural Industrial Corporation during these years, sales exceeding 200 million dollars were achieved. The main sector of activity is characterized by the construction of both underground and overground irrigation systems, as well as new spray and drip systems for fruit crops to be used in agricultural companies covering over 20,000 hectares. These systems are implemented in Italy, and foreign activities are developed particularly in the field of land reclamation and irrigation in Libya, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Jordan for a total of 40 million dollars. Over 6000 anti-frost fans are produced and sold, installed in Italy and mainly exported to Greece, France, and the United States (California). Between 1979 and 1980, the foundations were laid for the startup and transformation of AID into a high-tech company, and the new Research and Development Center for new agricultural technologies was established. Studies, design, and implementation of 10 processing and packaging plants for citrus fruits, grapes, pears, peaches, and grain storage centers were carried out, along with turnkey projects for land reclamation and irrigation in Libya and Saudi Arabia for over 30 million dollars.

1982-1983: Important research projects are initiated in the biotechnology and robotics sectors with a total investment of 10 million dollars over 5 years. The Research Center employs over 40 highly qualified researchers and technicians.

1984-1985: Among other projects, a new machine for frost protection called "Polyguard" was developed for integrated crop defense with a fully automated system for combined protection against frost and for carrying out any foliar treatments on citrus groves, vineyards, and orchards. Over 1200 units were sold for 50 million euros between 1983 and 1993.

1992-1993: A new research project is launched with an investment of 5 million dollars for the development of an advanced orange harvesting robot. The project was completed in 2003 with the creation of a functional precompetitive prototype in the field.

1998: Dr. Torrisi founds a new company, AAT Agroindustry Advanced Technologies spa, assuming the role of Managing Director. AAT, which incorporates all the agroindustrial activities of the parent company AID, develops and produces with a substantial investment in R&D, patenting a machine for juice extraction for fast food chains, hotels, and more recently, a vending model for schools, small and large offices, and companies on a global level. This new product, from 1998 to 2004, generated total sales of over 30 million euros. Over 10,000 Oranfresh juicers have been exported to more than 40 countries worldwide. The company's mission is to increase the consumption of freshly made juice. Among the major clients are Autogrill, IKEA, all airport bars in Italy, the Doutor chain in Japan with over 1500 fast food restaurants, etc.

2002-2006: The company is committed to restructuring production plants with a total investment of over 4 million euros aimed at producing new juicing machines and new process technologies for fresh fourth-range products for both the commercial sector and direct consumption. In 2006, it introduces the first small juicing robot for commercial establishments.

2007: The AAT becomes a joint-stock company of which Dr. Salvatore Torrisi is the CEO. On November 29th, Dr. Salvatore Torrisi receives the "Leonardo Quality Italy 2007" award from the Minister of International Trade for Innovation and Export, conferred by President Napolitano at the Quirinale Palace (Rome) to Agroindustry Advanced Technologies.

2008: The highly innovative new Vending OR100 is successfully launched on the market among all vending machines currently available.

2009: The first low-cost automatic juicer for household use is successfully launched, distributed on international markets thanks to its high sales potential derived from the modern "Made in Italy" design and the innovative juicing process.

The company, always evolving with innovative research and projects, currently employs around 70 staff members including researchers, qualified technicians, and employees, as well as specialized consultants for specific high technology projects.