Cambodia’s export pepper market is expected to increase as key insiders seek to raise production of quality pepper.
In a virtual meeting yesterday, pepper exporters, associations and processors discussed sector problems, including quality, cross-border transport and unstable supplies.
Amru Spice, Confirel, Sela Pepper, the Kampot Pepper Promotion Association (KPPA) as well as other exporters and international development partners attended the meeting organised by the Cambodia Pepper and Spice Federation (CPSF).
CPSF’s president Make My said that the discussion was mainly on how to boost exports to markets and helping exporters, processors and agricultural cooperatives meet and make connections.
Currently, almost all ordinary pepper is exported to Vietnam. Premium pepper and geographically indicated (GI) pepper are exported to the EU, South Korea and Japan at good prices.
Cambodia has 6,700 hectares of pepper plantations nationwide. They produce about 20,000 tonnes a year.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry stated GI pepper accounts for between 70 and 100 tonnes per year, with organic pepper contributing between 100 to 150 tonnes yearly. Normal pepper production is roughly 18,000 tonnes annually.
The price of normal pepper is between $2.50 and $3.75 per kilo. GI pepper prices are $15 to $28 per kilo.
Sok Sarang, adviser to the KPPA said that contract farming will help supply a stable supply for process and exports.