Cambodia Seeks Bigger European Markets for Cashew Nuts and Kampot Pepper

Cambodia Seeks Bigger European Markets for Cashew Nuts and Kampot Pepper

PHNOM PENH, November 11, 2026 — Cambodia is seeking to expand exports of cashew nuts and Kampot pepper to European markets through improved product quality, greater domestic investment and stronger international trade partnerships, as the second Cambodia Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum (CCPTF) opened in Phnom Penh.

The opening ceremony of CCPTF 2026, held under the theme “Cambodia to the World: Trade with Europe”, was presided over by Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul. Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Hem Vanndy and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina also attended.

Speaking at the event, Bryan Fornari, Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Cambodia, said Europe remained an important market for Cambodian products, while stressing that meeting European standards could also strengthen their competitiveness globally.

“Meeting the standards of the EU market on quality, food safety and traceability helps Cambodian products become more competitive, not only in Europe but also in global markets. This is the spirit of global gateway,” he said.

Fornari explained that the initiative aimed to go beyond promoting trade with Europe by helping partner countries such as Cambodia attract investment, improve standards and strengthen connections to international markets.

He added that long-term competitiveness would depend not only on production but also on value addition, skills development and stronger partnerships between governments and businesses.

In her opening remarks, Cham Nimul described the forum as an important platform for producers, processors, exporters and investors to exchange knowledge, attract investment in local processing and value addition, and explore new markets, particularly in the European Union.

She highlighted cooperation among the three ministries to connect the entire agricultural value chain, from cultivation and processing to quality improvement, market development and sustainable exports.

The approach supports the Royal Government’s goal of transforming Cambodia from a supplier of agricultural raw materials into a producer and exporter of higher-value agro-industrial products, she said.

Nimul added that the Ministry of Commerce continued to promote market diversification, make use of free trade agreements, develop Cambodian brands and help local businesses participate in major international trade fairs, including SIAL Paris and Anuga. The ministry also organises business-matching events to connect Cambodian products with international buyers.

She highlighted the distinctive qualities of Cambodian cashew nuts, known for their large size and rich taste, and Kampot pepper, which is selected by renowned chefs at prestigious restaurants worldwide.

Through the ministry’s trade promotion and facilitation efforts, Cambodian agro-processed products, including cashew nuts and pepper, are now available in 23,000 international retail outlets, including Costco, E.Leclerc, Carrefour and Tesco, she said.

To further strengthen the sector, Nimul called for greater domestic processing and packaging capacity, improved product quality and compliance with international standards, expanded digital traceability, better access to financing and stronger Cambodian branding.

German Ambassador to Cambodia Silke Röfer said the second edition of the forum reflected a shared commitment to developing Cambodia’s cashew and pepper industries and strengthening their international competitiveness.

She described the theme, “Cambodia to the World”, as timely and ambitious, adding that Cambodian products had opportunities to reach new customers, enter new markets and establish themselves as recognised international suppliers.

Röfer said Cambodia’s cashew sector had become an important pillar of its agricultural economy, with the country ranking as the world’s second-largest producer of raw cashew nuts.

She emphasised the potential to capture more value domestically through processing and product development, while pointing to Kampot pepper’s recognition as a European Union geographical indication as an example of how quality and origin can distinguish Cambodian products.

Germany is also an established market for Cambodian pepper, with exports valued at approximately $5.4 million in 2025, she added.