GI Status In Thailand Granted To Cambodian Pepper, Palm Sugar
Kampot pepper and Kampong Speu palm sugar have been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status in Thailand, under efforts to prevent unscrupulous traders passing off versions of the Cambodian products.
The Ministry of Commerce announced that Thailand has become the second ASEAN country to recognize the geographical indication (GI) status of certain Cambodian goods, following Vietnam, which extended legal protection to these products last year. GI status, akin to a trademark, guarantees the quality and authenticity of goods originating from a specific region. For instance, any product labeled as “Kampot pepper” must be sourced from the designated regions of Kampot and neighboring Kep province.
The agreement with Thailand, finalized on Monday, was the result of negotiations involving the Ministry of Commerce, the French Development Agency, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, the European Union, and the French Embassy. Op Rady, director of intellectual property at the Commerce Ministry, explained that the GI status allows Vietnamese and Thai authorities to take action against anyone attempting to sell counterfeit Kampot pepper or Kampong Speu palm sugar in their countries. Rady noted that while Kampong Speu palm sugar is not yet widely used in Thailand, Kampot pepper is already available in Bangkok supermarkets. To date, there have been no infringements on the GI status of these products.
Sam Saroeun, president of the Kampong Speu Palm Sugar Association, stated that GI status will provide crucial protection for Cambodian producers. “We will inform our members and companies that Kampong Speu palm sugar has been registered as a GI product, ensuring that exporters can file complaints in case of infringement,” he said. Sok Sarang, an advisor to the Kampot Pepper Promotion Association and Kampong Speu Palm Sugar Association, added that this move will help promote high-quality Cambodian products. “I have seen Kampot pepper on sale in Thailand, and now some companies there are interested in purchasing large quantities for resale,” said Sarang. “Currently, 70 percent of Kampot pepper is exported to Europe. We must explore other potential markets to ensure our sustainability.” He also mentioned that while the market for Kampong Speu palm sugar is more limited, prices are better this year compared to last year.
Last year, Kampot pepper received GI certification from the EU. Kampong Speu palm sugar is also being considered for GI status by the EU, alongside Kampot salt, Phnom Srok silk, fragrant milled rice from Battambang province, and Kampot durian. Kampong Speu palm sugar is currently undergoing a verification process for sale in the EU, having been accepted in principle for GI status in August last year. Rady noted that Cambodia has several other products that could pursue GI recognition, but registration is expensive and requires funding from development partners. “If there is support from development partners, we will also seek GI recognition for these two products in other countries; however, Vietnam and Thailand are the main markets now. Laos will be considered later,” he said. Sarang added that Kampong Speu palm sugar is expected to receive GI status certification from the EU by the end of this year.