On June 5, 2025, an unprecedented academic dialogue brought Colombia and Thailand together in the webinar "Valorization of Coffee By-products." This event, part of a series of four virtual meetings, showcased pioneering advances in coffee production developed at the “La Sultana” Academic and Experimental Center of the University of Cauca.

A bridge of knowledge between Colombia and Thailand has been forged, enriching the coffee agroindustry through innovation. The June 5 webinar, "Valorization of Coffee By-products," marked the third chapter in an exciting series of online sessions exploring the diverse processes and products that bring Cauca’s coffee to life. This unique space fostered an enriching exchange with Thailand, a Southeast Asian country that contributed its own expertise in the field. The discussion focused on the remarkable results achieved at the La Sultana Academic and Experimental Center, managed by the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Cauca and located in the village of Urubamba II, municipality of Timbío, Cauca.

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In the general presentation titled Coffee 360, the main experiences and contributions of Unicauca’s researchers to coffee culture—a world in itself—were shared. Precisely because this is such a broad field, key aspects were addressed, including cultivation, the operations required to produce the final beverage, and the valorization of by-products such as mucilage, pulp, and husk.

The event, coordinated by the Division of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Engagement with the Environment (DAE), featured presentations by Professor Sandra Morales Velasco (Agroindustrial Engineering Program), Professor José Luis Hoyos Concha (Department of Agroindustrial Engineering), and Professor Alfonso Enrique Ramírez Sanabria (Department of Chemistry). The session was also attended by Dr. Francisco José Pino Correa, Vice Rector for Research, and Fredy Javier López Molina, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, who emphasized the significance of ‘Luz para la Posteridad’ Coffee, produced at the La Sultana Center. On this point, Professor Alfonso Ramírez noted: “These webinars were born from a collaboration between the governments of Colombia and Thailand. Colombia seeks to support the development of this agroindustry, encouraged by the Thai government.”

From this institution that is #HeritageForAll, we are proud to know that our University is taking part in international processes that contribute to the economic strengthening of our countryside and region. We extend special recognition to our professors and researchers, whose daily dedication continues to support the development of Cauca through the practice of science.

Written by: Communications Management Center