The Agroindustrial Research and Development Plant (PAID) is an academic and training center established in 2004 as an initiative for innovation in food science and technology.
As part of their specialized Learning-by-Doing, students from Agroindustry Career have the opportunity of conducting applied research within an environment that promotes innovation.
PAID facilites are unique in Honduras: they have a state-of the art pilot processing area (300 m2), a sensory evaluation lab (65 m2), office areas (150 m2) and a classroom area with capacity for 50 persons.
Our clients include medium and small enterprises, ngo´s, processors and/or diverse institutions related to the regional agroindustry. We provide technical consulting (with the support of all of our specialists within Agroindustry Career), training (workshops/seminars), new product and process development, facilities rental, and sensory evaluation studies.
Capabilities in processing area
The processing area is equipped with the highest technology to conduct diverse unit operations at a laboratory and pilot scale, which include:
- Dehydration
- Blanching
- Particle size reduction
- Juice and oil extraction
- Homogenización
- Baking
- Pasteurization
- Commercial sterilization
- Packaging
Capabilities in Sensory Evaluation Lab
The Sensory Evaluation Lab includes a 10-booth evaluation area equipped with computers, a panel discussion area, and a preparation and storage area. Services offered include:
- Difference tests
- Consumer tests (Affective)
- Descriptive analysis
Grain Processing Lab
Recently, PAID lodges the Grain Processing Laboratory, where freshmen students process diverse products from grains as part of their Learning-by-Doing and at the same time get an induction research and development in food products.
