The project aims to build a holistic center for coffee processing which will be able to process 3.750.000 kg coffee cherries per year, with an output of 750.000 kg of parchment (pergamino) coffee. In this center, the coffee growers will sell the coffee cherries, unlike the traditional way in which they sell their production as parchment coffee. The center will be in charge of processing the coffee, developing the stages of wetting, fermenting, and drying.

Coffee in cherry processing plant in which coffee cherries are purchased from 612 families settled within its area of influence, with capacity to process 6,000 ton/year of coffee in cherries. In this plant the most modern equipments with the lasts technology for pulp removal, fermentation, classification, washing and drying coffee are used to obtain the highest efficiency in the process; minimizing energy, fossil fuel and water consumption, without impacting the quality of the coffee. Additionally, the results of research and development for processing coffee wastewater treatment developed in the country are apply, minimizing the environmental impact associated to wastewater discharged directly into surface water source.

This action was/ is being replied in:

• Jardín La Arboleda Processing Plant.
• Andes La Chaparrala Processing Plant (being built).

Project Results

• Reduction of 78% in the water used for the processing of coffee in cherries, equivalent to 6.5 m3 of water per ton of coffee in cherries. This represents 29,390 m3 of water saved per year.
• Replacement of 100% of the coal used in the co ee drying process at the dry parchment co ee farms, which are now suppliers of co ee in cherries for the Processing Plant,
  with co ee husks.
• Reduction of 37,680 m /year of wastewater discharging directly into surface water source within the process at the farmsImprovement in the quality of life for the co ee growers due to the reduction in working hours for processing of co ee in cherries.
• Minimization of risks of loss or theft of dry parchment co ee at the farms.
• Standardization of the processing process.
• Reduction in the quantities of dry parchment co ee rejected due to product quality.
• Participation of co ee growers in training, prevention and cultural programs.
• Savings for the co ee growers of USD 80/ton of dry parchment co ee produced associated to the direct cost of the processing (labor, energy, maintenance and investment in infrastructure).