Action plan and strengthening strategies for the roasted coffee and cocoa production chain

Strengthening the coffee and cocoa roasting industries in the Department of Huila requires a comprehensive intervention to achieve sustainability and international competitiveness. The diagnosis identifies critical gaps in four fundamental areas: business management, marketing, processing, and legal aspects. In the administrative sphere, over 60% of companies in both sectors lack a defined organizational structure and exhibit weaknesses in their teleological component (mission, vision, and values). Furthermore, the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) is limited due to a lack of training, which relegates digital sales to the background in favor of traditional methods. Regarding processing, there is a notable lack of traceability and quality control. In the coffee sector, the precise origin of raw materials is frequently unknown, while in the cocoa sector, inadequate drying techniques lead to the presence of mold in 77% of the beans. The plan proposes medium-term strategies, such as the development of specialized traceability software and the implementation of quality laboratories following ISO standards. Finally, legal informality remains a major obstacle; a high percentage of roasters operate without INVIMA registration or registered trademarks. Short- and medium-term strategies focus on institutional alliances to promote formalization and the attainment of international certifications (Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance). These phased actions aim to transform artisanal production into a technically advanced, legally sound industry with high added value in the global market.