Palm Sugar Association Requests EU Assistance

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The Kampong Speu Palm Sugar Promotion Association has asked the European Union to help spread the word about Cambodian palm sugar in Europe, according to the association’s president.

A woman makes palm sugar in Kampong Speu province’s Oudong district. KT/Chor Sokunthea

In April, Kampong Speu’s palm sugar was registered as a protected designation of origin and a protected geographical indication (PGI) in the EU, become only the second Cambodian product to earn the distinction after Kampot pepper in 2016.

Sam Saroeun, president of Kampong Speu Palm Sugar Promotion Association, told Khmer Times that his organisation is seeking the support of the EU to help promote the product in the European market.

The EU has also been asked to provide technical advice regarding the packaging of sugar products, he said.

“By advertising our products more widely in Europe, we will get more orders and new customers,” Mr Saroeun said.

“Next year, we hope to see an increase in orders. We are planning to increase production as several companies have already placed orders.”

The association has produced about 350 tonnes of palm sugar so far this year, of which 250 tonnes were exported.

The association, which sells its products in 25 countries, now has 174 farmers as members.

This article was originally published in the Khmer Times.