Surveillance and strategic intelligence for natural ingredients in Valle del Cauca

Abstract

Through surveillance and strategic intelligence, the purpose of this research is to explore the scientific, technological and commercial trends of 10 natural ingredients prioritized in the framework of the project “Strengthening R&D capabilities for the production of Natural Ingredients (NI) from residual biomass in Palmira, Valle del Cauca, West” developed by Universidad del Valle, Corporación Biotec, and the Valle del Cauca’s Government. This is consistent with Valle del Cauca’s recognition and leading position in the agricultural sector domestically and internationally, making it an attractive territory for investments with an impact on the region’s growth, well-being and competitiveness. The use of agribusiness residual biomass could enhance these fruit sector’s advantages in developing NI that generate added value to the chain, positively impacting public health, the food industry, and cosmetics. This research’s methodology is based on strategic surveillance and intelligence applied to 10 NI. From these, the relevant information is explored and knowledge generated to support the selection of three potential NI from the residual biomass of tropical fruit trees in the department, which will be produced at prototype scale at a later stage of the project framework. The NI prioritized in this research come from the residual biomass of fruit trees such as pineapple, soursop, and peach palm fruit.