According to the phnompenhpost newspaper, Cambodian pepper exports doubled from the previous year, although the export of Kampot pepper decreased by more than 27% (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries).
The total amount of pepper exports reached 3,693.25 tons in 2019, an increase of 53.17% compared to 2018 with 2,411.20 tons. In particular, exports of Kampot decreased from 69 tons to 50 tons compared to last year (according to Kampot Pepper Association – KPPA)
“The production of Kampot pepper in 2019 reached 125 tons but exported less than half due to not finding export markets. In particular, about 70% of exports and 30% of domestic sales. Main export markets are Europe, USA, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. We have just found a new partner to export pepper to Russia, which is expected to be a new market for our Kampot pepper with geographical indications, ”said KPPA president.
Kampot pepper was granted a geographical indication (GI) by the WTO in 2010. Currently, the GI-certified growing area is 250 hectares in Kampot and Kep provinces. Like champagne or Sichuan pepper, it must be grown in predefined areas to keep GI.
Confirel Co Ltd's Deputy Managing Director, Him Piseth, said his company exported about 14 tons of spices in 2019, failing to meet its target of 20 tons due to falling demand and orders. The export is less visible because of the weak demand of the global pepper market.
Members of KPPA have increased from 387 households in 2017 to 440 households this year. Meanwhile, the number of distributors has increased from 21 to 35 companies.
Despite not reaching the target, the price of Kampot pepper remained stable, with black pepper being sold at a price of about $ 15 / kg, red pepper at $ 25 / kg and white pepper at $ 28 / kg. Cambodian pepper is exported to Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Korea, France, Germany, Czech Republic, England, Saudi Arabia, India, Taiwan, Belgium, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Russia, Hong Kong, USA and Bulgaria.
