PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's export of renowned Kampot pepper, one of the country's only two products registered as a geographical indication (GI) in the European Union (EU), rose by 39 per cent in 2023, a farmers' representative said on Thursday (Jan 11).
Nguon Lay, president of the Kampot Pepper Promotion Association (KPPA), said the country exported 110 tonnes of Kampot pepper last year, up 39 per cent from 79 tonnes in 2022.
"The demand for Kampot pepper has bounced back after a steep plunge of 31 per cent in 2022," he told Xinhua.
He attributed the export growth last year to China's approval for Cambodia's pepper to get direct access to the Chinese market in last May.
According to Lay, about 85 per cent of the pepper was shipped to Europe and the remaining 15 per cent was sold to other countries, including the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea, among others.
He said Kampot pepper comes in three varieties -- black, red and white -- selling for US$15, $25 and $28 per kilogram, respectively.
"China is a big market, and we hope our export of Kampot pepper to China will continue to grow this year and in future years," Lay said.
Renowned for its delicate aroma and strong spicy taste, Kampot pepper, the country's GI product since 2010, is currently popular in the European market.
Located in the southwestern region, the coastal province of Kampot has approximately 240 hectares of pepper farms, Lay said, adding that a hectare produces an average of 2.5 tonnes of pepper per annum.
The harvest season runs from March to June. - Xinhua
