Coffee cultivation in the Department of Cauca, Colombia, is vital for much of the department’s economy. Coffee processing generates waste, such as pulp, which accounts to about 40% of the fresh fruit. Currently, in most cases in Cauca, coffee byproducts are discarded, and, in other cases, the coffee pulp is used for fertilizers, generating environmental problems due to its decomposition. This research aims to design a process for supplying a functional food in the form of an energy bar based on coffee pulp and other components of the region, such as quinoa and panela, helping to mitigate the environmental impact of coffee production. Our research included four phases. First, we determined the study area; in the second phase, we studied an energy bar’s nutritional and physical characteristics. Then, the requirements and specifications of the bar were defined, and the authors documented the process diagram, variables within the process, and the quality plan. Finally, the authors conducted experiments to determine optimal mixing proportions. From the experiment with the mixtures, we found a formulation that satisfies the needs and specifications of the bar which is composed of 50% cereals, 30% panela syrup, and 20% coffee pulp. The selected formulation’s qualitative properties (organoleptic, chemical, and microbial) are acceptable for human consumption and provide high energy content of 365.21 and 291.56 kcal/100 g for the energy bar and coffee pulp raisins, respectively.

The development of Latin American cities has been characterised by disorderly expansion. This urbanisation looks set to continue, and, by 2050, there will be a considerable demand for resources, spaces, and food to survive in emerging societies. All this requires an increase in urban freight logistics operations. Although several stakeholders are involved, citizens tend to be overlooked when planners and decision makers look to solve the problems generated by freight operations. This research focuses on logistics activities and stakeholder perceptions in areas of high vehicular flow and commercial establishment density in the mid-sized Colombian city of Popayán. Drawing on the methods proposed in previous studies conducted in Latin American cities, this paper’s scientific value lies in its comprehensive approach, integration of quantitative and qualitative data, and application of PLS-SEM analysis. Its contribution to sustainable urban planning is evident through insights into optimising urban logistics, enhancing stakeholder engagement, promoting sustainable transport, and informing policy formulation. These aspects make the paper a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and urban planners seeking to create more sustainable and efficient urban logistics systems. The results show a correlation between commercial establishments’ locations and urban logistics operations. Overall, the research creates an ample scope for studying stakeholder perceptions and urban logistics in other mid-sized Latin American cities.

El diseño de experimentos (DoE) se ha convertido en una estrategia potencial para analizar las condiciones de un proceso, debido a la eficiencia de la metodología para identificar los factores significativos en la variabilidad de un producto. En este sentido, este artículo de investigación presenta la aplicación de un diseño factorial de experimentos de cuatro factores y dos niveles para estudiar el efecto significativo en el sobrepeso de un embutido de una línea de producción en una empresa de alimentos en eldepartamento del Cauca. Los resultados determinaron que el sobrepeso es afectado significativamente por los cm3 o porción de llenado, además de analizar que una variable externa, como la temperatura, no ejercía efecto sobre el peso del embutido. La aplicación de este tipo de metodologías puede replicarse en un proceso de producción para monitorear, identificar y analizar los factores de mayor magnitud sobre la variable de respuesta.

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is considered a functional food due to its composition, which is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, theobromine, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. Several studies have shown that flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce oxidative stress and protecting against cardiovascular diseases. In addition, their ability to stimulate nitric oxide production improves blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. These benefits, coupled with its ability to improve mood and cognitive function, position cocoa as a key ingredient in the development of functional foods aimed at improving quality of life and preventing chronic diseases. This research aims to create a product that incorporates cocoa and essential oils extracted from aromatic plants native to the department of Cauca. This represents a significant step toward the sustainable use of these ingredients in the region, promoting consumer welfare and health while strengthening sustainable practices, fostering innovation, and boosting economic and social development in the department. The research is developed in five phases: determination of the study area, characterization of the cocoa production chain in the department of Cauca, selection of essential oils, application of an experimental mixture design and physicochemical and microbiological analyses of the final product. From the experimental design of the mixture, it was determined that the most appropriate formulation of the bar is 60% dark chocolate (70% cocoa), 29% sweet chocolate, 10% pure strawberry and 1% fennel essential oil (Foeniculum vulgare), reaching an average sensory acceptability of 3.23 on a five-point hedonic scale. The qualitative properties (organoleptic, chemical and microbial) of the selected formulations are acceptable for human consumption and provide a high energy content of 506.25 kcal/100 g for chocolate bars filled with strawberry puree and fennel essential oil.

La distribución de mercancías en ciudades intermedias de Latinoamérica se ha convertido en un desafío logístico que involucra diferentes factores: intereses de las partes interesadas, infraestructura disponible, cambios en las cadenas de suministro, tendencias en tecnología y demanda de productos por parte de los consumidores. Dada a la falta de integración entre el sector privado y público, los tomadores de decisiones optan por medidas poco eficientes para la regulación de la distribución de mercancías de comercios minoristas. Considerando que el comercio minorista es de gran importancia económica en mercados emergentes como el Latinoamericano, esta investigación analizó las operaciones de distribución en última milla del comercio minorista en el centro histórico de Popayán, Colombia. La metodología fue de tres fases: identificar, evaluar y comprender la logística de los establecimientos comerciales en el área de estudio. Como resultado relevante, se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las subzonas, con una distribución que depende del tipo de producto. Por tanto, este estudio puede servir de base en la formulación de políticas públicas para esta ciudad, con base en métodos de otros estudios realizados en ciudades latinoamericanas. La línea de investigación tiene un amplio campo por recorrer en el estudio de las entregas de última milla y logística urbana.