It is a scientific work with an economic and engineering approach which compile the industrial and research experitise of tens of specialists from different disciplines in the diversification of sugar agroindustry during four decades.

This great work and its results gave place to the preparation of 457 page digest divided into six parts: diversification, raw material, the 30 bagasse by-products, the 27 molasses by-products and other 14 by-products, use of wastes, energy in the production of cane sugar and an analysis of alternatives of diversification using process inrtegration techniques.

According to experts, this material is a classic of world sugar related literature and due to its characterisitics, originality and technological worth should be acknowledged for its contribution to the dissemination of knowledge about diversification of sugar cane.

This material contributes effectively to outline the strategy of cane producing countries because it compiles the updated technological trends in sugar agroindustry incorporating new by-products as a result of research and technology assimilation.

On 1988, the handbook was published for the first time in English and Spanish being revised, extended and reedited on 1990. On 1999 it was edited in Portuguese and on 2 000 it took place the second revised and extended edition. At present, a digital edition is being prepared.

The edition in these three languages has allowed specialists from all over the world to consult this book and has lay for specialists hiring in the field of diversification and for opportunity and starting up studies in Latinamerican countries as well as in countries from other continents.

Based on this topic, specialization studies and master and doctors’ degree theses have been developed. It is considered a valuable text for pre and posgraduate teaching because it is written in a clear and pleasant way. The work was presented in Expoazúcar 2 000, 2 001 and in Diversificación 2 000.