Propuesta de creación de empresa productora y comercializadora de jugo embotellado a base de mucílago de cacao.

Abstract

The present degree work is oriented to the search for innovative methods to provide added value to the raw materials that are produced in Ecuador, specifically to the country's cocoa sector. Currently, Ecuadorian cocoa is recognized worldwide for its fine aroma and flavor, however, the CCN51 variant, being one of the most harvested, has an excess of pulp, also known as mucilage, which is not used and is consider a waste. Under these premises, the creation of a company that can take advantage of the surplus of mucilage for the elaboration of a minimally processed bottled juice that is marketed within the city of Guayaquil is proposed. For the production of beverages, industrial machines will be necessary that allow the optimization of the production process, among the main ones are mixing tanks, pasteurizing machine and bottle filling machine. Additionally, it will seek to ensure the safety of the products sold through microbiological analyzes that will be carried out at the time of receiving the raw material and at the time of finishing each production. Through market research and financial analysis, it was possible to demonstrate the feasibility of the project. Both the indicators of acceptability of the product by the target customers and the financial studies show the good reception that the product would have within the city of Guayaquil. The possible risks and problems that may arise during the implementation of the project and how to mitigate them effectively without greatly affecting the development of the business were also mentioned. With the development of the project, it is concluded that the use of cocoa mucilage by creating a bottled drink is a viable alternative to provide greater profitability in terms of cocoa cultivation in Ecuador.