Caracterización socio económica y productiva del sector panelero de San Juan de Rioseco Cundinamarca.

Abstract

Panela is a traditional Colombian product made from sugarcane juice through artisanal processes, with great economic and social importance in rural areas. Colombia is the second largest producer worldwide, with more than 1.2 million tons annually, although it only exports 2% of its production. This low participation in the international market reflects great potential for expansion, especially in regions where demand for natural, organic, and sustainable foods is growing. The study analyzes the evolution of the panela sector, its productive and commercial structure, as well as the internal and external factors that affect its competitiveness. Through a SWOT matrix and a market study, strengths such as artisanal quality and international recognition are identified, along with weaknesses related to high production costs, fragmentation of the chain, and technological limitations. Opportunities include product diversification, organic certification, and access to emerging markets, while threats arise from competition from alternative sweeteners and the volatility of global trade. Strategic recommendations focus on the technological modernization of trapiches, obtaining international certifications, creating cooperatives, reducing intermediaries, and strengthening logistics. Likewise, the importance of positioning panela as a premium product through digital marketing, international fairs, and alliances with organic distribution chains is highlighted. The internationalization of panela not only represents an opportunity for economic growth, but also a way to improve the quality of life of more than 350,000 peasant families, consolidating Colombia as a global leader in a market of growing sustainable and social value.