Nguon Lay, Chairman of the Kampot Pepper Promotion Association, said that by the end of December 2019, the Association had sold about 50 tons of pepper, lower than the 68 tons in 2018, according to the Khmer Times on 3 / first.
“Pepper productivity has increased and good quality,” said Mr. Nguon.
Of the sold pepper, 30% is consumed in the domestic market, mainly for tourist shops and 70% is exported.
“Pepper sales at souvenir shops in Cambodia have decreased. Previously they could sell about 7-8 tons but now only sell 1-2 tons,” Mr. Nguon added.
The Kampot Pepper Promotion Association has 455 members including farmers and companies with pepper plantations.
These plantations cover 290 hectares of land in Kampong Trach district, Kampot province.
The main markets of Kampot pepper are EU, USA, Japan, China and Korea.
Hay Ly Eang, president of Confirel Company – one of the Campuhia pepper exporters, said the quality of pepper would be improved to maintain demand abroad.
Kampot Pepper Promotion Association sells black pepper at $ 15,000 / ton, while red and white pepper prices are USD 25,000 / ton and USD 28,000 / ton respectively.
The remaining pepper products stored by farmers may be sold in the domestic market but at a lower price, depending on demand, Nguon said.
Kampot pepper was certified Geographical Indications (GI) from the European Union (EU) in 2016. Geographical indication is a sign used to indicate products originating from region, locality, region territory or country.
Use of Geographical Indications plays an important role in certifying product quality, is carried out in the traditional manner, or enjoys a certain reputation due to its geographic origin.
According to Economy & Consumer