The Pre-Congress of the ISSCT Centennial Congress 2025 has officially begun!

The day started with a warm welcome to international visitors, followed by engaging talks, insightful factory tours, culinary experiences, and cultural performances that enriched this first gathering. 🌾💫

With great enthusiasm, we successfully concluded Day 1 of the Pre-Congress at the Factory, leaving participants inspired and eager for what lies ahead. 💛

Spotlight on Pre-Congress Tour

The XXXII ISSCT Centennial Congress 2025 — a landmark event commemorating 100 years of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists — opened with an enriching Pre-Congress Tour on August 22 and 23, 2025, across the Valle del Cauca and Risaralda regions of Colombia.

Immersive Factory Visits: Two Distinct Zones

Participants had the unique opportunity to explore the heart of Colombia’s sugarcane industry through technical factory visits in two key regions:

• Zone 1 – Central and Southern Valle del Cauca
  Guests visited leading mills in the fertile valley, experiencing first-hand the integration of field operations with modern factory processes. From harvesting systems to the refinement of sugar, each stop offered participants a look at how traditional expertise is merging with digital tools and sustainability practices. The visits were complemented by vibrant cultural expressions and local gastronomy, giving participants a full taste of the Valle del Cauca’s heritage.
• Zone 2 – Northern Risaralda (around Pereira)
  In the lush landscapes surrounding Pereira, participants explored mills that showcased innovative approaches to bioenergy, alcohol production, and sustainable packaging. The backdrop of the coffee-growing region added a unique flavor to the experience, blending sugarcane technology with the biodiversity and cultural richness of Colombia’s coffee axis. These visits emphasized how the region’s factories are driving forward with circular economy practices and cutting-edge research applications.

Across both zones, participants highlighted the warm hospitality of the host mills, the depth of technical knowledge shared, and the memorable cultural immersion that made each visit more than just a learning opportunity.

The Pre-Congress Tour set the stage for the Centennial Congress with a perfect balance of technical depth, cultural richness, and Colombian hospitality. The energy and inspiration gathered during these first days promise an exceptional continuation of the ISSCT 2025 Centennial journey.