Cascade valorization of coffee pulp (Coffeaarabica L.), cocoa bean husk, and cocoa podhusk (Theobroma cacao L.) through multicriteriadecision analysis

Objective: To integrate compositional data from coffee pulp, cocoa shell, and cocoa pod husk to estimate potential yields per ton of dry biomass, prioritize food-oriented valorization pathways, and propose a conceptual cascade utilization scheme. Design/methodology/approach: Data on proximal composition, fiber fractions, phenolic compounds, monosaccharides, and fatty acids from three agro-industrial by-products were combined. Based on these data, potential yields were estimated for antioxidant, fiber-based, lipid-based, and fermentable pathways. A multicriteria analysis was then applied to integrate yield magnitude and compositional suitability and to establish a priority ranking among valorization pathways. Results: Coffee pulp showed the greatest co-valorization potential by combining a relevant phenolic fraction with high availability of fermentable sugars. Cocoa shell showed the highest relative suitability for a lipid-based pathway, whereas cocoa pod husk stood out for fiber-based applications, with a secondary fermentable pathway that was also competitive. Limitations on study/implications: The proposal represents a compositional prioritization exercise and a conceptual cascade scheme. No agronomic validation, dose-response assessment, economic analysis, environmental evaluation, or industrial scale-up was performed. Findings/conclusions: The integration of chemical composition, potential yields, and route-specific quality indicators transformed descriptive characterization into a decision-support framework for guiding food-oriented valorization and sequential use of these residues.