Estudio de viabilidad para la creación de una empresa de transformación artesanal de cacao colombiano

Abstract

Colombia holds a privileged position in the global fine-flavor cocoa market, with significant production of this crop. However, more than 80% of cocoa beans are commercialized without transformation, concentrating most of the added value in international intermediaries. This situation motivates the development of an artisanal business model aimed at capturing that value at the source. The objective is to determine the technical and financial feasibility of creating a Colombian artisanal cocoa processing company capable of generating added value. The study adopts a research approach with a descriptive scope. Secondary information was obtained from Fedecacao, the ICCO, the FAO, the DANE, and the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture. Financial analysis follows the discounted cash flow methodology using indicators such as NPV (Net Present Value), IRR (Internal Rate of Return), B/C Ratio (Benefit-Cost Ratio), and EUAC (Equivalent Uniform Annual Cost), under the guidelines of Project Management Institute’s PMBOK® (PMI, 2021). The proposed artisanal process complies with Colombian standards NTC 1252 and NTC 792, as well as Resolution 2674 of 2013 regarding Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The financial study yielded an NPV of COP $130,799,629 at a WACC rate of 16.5%, an IRR of 44.3%, a B/C ratio of 1.14, and a break-even point achievable at 78.2% of installed capacity. Sensitivity analysis confirms project feasibility in four out of five simulated scenarios. The Colombian artisanal cocoa processing company is technically, commercially, and financially viable, with the potential to generate positive impacts through the inclusion of small rural producers, the creation of specialized employment, and the strengthening of the national cocoa value chain.