Cambodia is seeking to expand exports of cashew nuts, Kampot pepper and other agro-processed products to European markets through stronger international trade partnerships, improved product quality and greater domestic processing capacity. The second Cambodia Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum (CCPTF 2026), held in Phnom Penh under the theme “Cambodia to the World: Trade with Europe,” brought together approximately 400 participants, including government officials, private-sector representatives and international buyers, to explore new markets and investment opportunities.
Key Facts
Event: Second Cambodia Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum (CCPTF 2026).
Theme: “Cambodia to the World: Trade with Europe.”
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Duration: Three days.
Participants: Approximately 400, including businesses and international buyers.
Key products: Cambodian cashew nuts, Kampot pepper and other agro-processed products.
International retail presence: Cambodian agro-processed products are available in 23,000 international retail outlets, according to the Minister of Commerce.
Germany market: Cambodian pepper exports to Germany were valued at approximately $5.4 million in 2025.
Main priorities: Domestic processing, packaging, quality standards, traceability, financing and international branding.
Cambodia Strengthens Agricultural Export Strategy Through CCPTF 2026
The second Cambodia Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum opened in Phnom Penh with a focus on improving the international competitiveness of Cambodian agricultural products and expanding access to European markets.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul, with the participation of Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Hem Vanndy and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina.
Other senior participants included European Union Delegation Chargé d’Affaires Bryan Fornari and German Ambassador to Cambodia Silke Röfer.
The three-day forum provides a platform for producers, processors, exporters, investors and international buyers to exchange knowledge, explore investment opportunities and develop commercial partnerships.
Its broader objective is to strengthen Cambodia's agricultural value chains, from cultivation and processing to quality improvement, branding and international distribution.
EU Highlights Quality Standards and Traceability as Keys to Global Markets
Bryan Fornari, Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Cambodia, said Europe represents an important market for Cambodian products, but meeting European requirements could also improve their competitiveness worldwide.
He highlighted the importance of product quality, food safety and traceability in helping Cambodian businesses access international markets.
Fornari explained that the EU's Global Gateway approach goes beyond promoting trade with Europe. It also focuses on working with partner countries such as Cambodia to attract investment, improve standards and strengthen connections to international markets.
He emphasised that long-term competitiveness would depend not only on production capacity but also on value addition, workforce skills and strong partnerships between governments and businesses.
For Cambodian exporters, this means that meeting international standards and strengthening product consistency will be essential to expanding their presence in Europe and other markets.
Government Pushes for Higher-Value Agro-Industrial Products
Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul said CCPTF 2026 provides an important opportunity for producers, processors, exporters and investors to exchange knowledge, attract investment in local processing and explore new international markets.
She highlighted cooperation among the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
The coordinated approach aims to connect the entire agricultural value chain, covering cultivation, processing, quality improvement, market development and sustainable exports.
Nimul said the government's broader direction is to transform Cambodia from a supplier of agricultural raw materials into a producer and exporter of higher-value agro-industrial products.
This strategy places greater emphasis on domestic processing, allowing more economic value to be generated within Cambodia before products reach international consumers.
Cambodian Cashew and Kampot Pepper Gain International Recognition
Cambodia's cashew nuts and Kampot pepper were highlighted as products with distinctive qualities and strong potential in international markets.
Nimul pointed to the large size and rich taste of Cambodian cashew nuts, while Kampot pepper has gained recognition among chefs at prestigious restaurants worldwide.
The country's cashew sector has become an important part of its agricultural economy. German Ambassador Silke Röfer noted that Cambodia ranks as the world's second-largest producer of raw cashew nuts.
However, expanding domestic processing and product development will be important for Cambodia to capture more value from its cashew production.
Kampot pepper offers another example of how product origin and quality can strengthen international competitiveness. Its European Union geographical indication recognition helps distinguish the product in international markets.
Röfer also highlighted Germany as an established destination for Cambodian pepper, with exports valued at approximately $5.4 million in 2025.
Cambodian Agro-Processed Products Reach 23,000 International Retail Outlets
Cambodia's international distribution network for agro-processed products has continued to expand.
According to Minister Cham Nimul, Cambodian products, including processed cashew nuts and pepper, are now available in approximately 23,000 international retail outlets through the Ministry of Commerce's trade promotion and facilitation efforts.
The outlets include major international retailers such as:
Costco
E.Leclerc
Carrefour
Tesco
This retail presence provides Cambodian producers with access to established distribution networks and international consumers.
However, maintaining and expanding these market relationships will require consistent product quality, reliable supply capacity, competitive pricing and compliance with the standards of individual markets.
Ministry Identifies Five Priorities to Strengthen Export Competitiveness
To improve the competitiveness of Cambodia's agricultural products, Nimul called for stronger domestic capabilities and support mechanisms.
The priorities include:
Domestic processing capacity: Expanding local facilities to increase the share of agricultural products processed within Cambodia.
Packaging development: Improving packaging quality and presentation to meet international buyer expectations.
International standards: Strengthening product quality, safety and compliance with export-market requirements.
Digital traceability: Improving the ability to track products throughout the supply chain.
Access to financing and branding: Supporting businesses with financing opportunities and stronger Cambodian product identities.
The Ministry of Commerce also continues to promote market diversification, make use of free trade agreements, develop Cambodian brands and support local enterprises in major international trade fairs, including SIAL Paris and Anuga.
Business-matching activities are another part of the strategy to connect Cambodian producers with international buyers and potential commercial partners.
Germany Highlights Opportunities for Cambodian Cashew and Pepper
German Ambassador Silke Röfer said the second edition of CCPTF reflects a shared commitment to developing Cambodia's cashew and pepper industries and strengthening their international competitiveness.
She described the forum's theme, “Cambodia to the World,” as timely and ambitious, noting that Cambodian products have opportunities to reach new customers, enter additional markets and establish themselves as recognised international suppliers.
Germany's established market for Cambodian pepper, with exports worth approximately $5.4 million in 2025, demonstrates an existing commercial relationship that could be further developed.
The ambassador also emphasised the opportunity for Cambodia to capture greater value domestically through cashew processing and product development.
Angkor Times Analysis: Processing and Branding Will Determine Cambodia's Next Export Growth Phase
CCPTF 2026 highlights an important transition in Cambodia's agricultural export strategy: moving from exporting raw commodities towards developing higher-value products with stronger branding and international market recognition.
Cambodia's position as the world's second-largest producer of raw cashew nuts provides a substantial agricultural foundation. However, production scale alone does not guarantee that the country captures the full economic value of its products.
Greater investment in processing, packaging, storage, quality control and distribution could allow Cambodian businesses to retain more value domestically while creating additional employment opportunities.
Three strategic areas stand out.
1. Develop domestic processing industries
Expanding local cashew processing and agricultural food production could reduce reliance on exporting raw materials and create opportunities for Cambodian manufacturers to supply finished or semi-finished products to international buyers.
2. Strengthen product identity and international branding
Kampot pepper demonstrates how geographical identity and product reputation can help differentiate Cambodian goods. Similar efforts to develop recognisable Cambodian brands could support other agricultural products.
3. Improve compliance and supply-chain transparency
European markets place strong emphasis on food safety, quality and traceability. Cambodian exporters that invest in these capabilities could improve their ability to meet buyer requirements and establish longer-term commercial relationships.
The reported availability of Cambodian agro-processed products in 23,000 international retail outlets provides an encouraging foundation. The next challenge is to strengthen supply capacity, maintain consistent standards and expand the number of Cambodian companies able to participate in these distribution networks.
Ultimately, Cambodia's agricultural competitiveness will depend not only on how much it produces, but also on how much value it processes, brands and exports under Cambodian product identities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is CCPTF 2026?
The Cambodia Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum 2026 is the second edition of a trade event focused on developing Cambodia's cashew and pepper industries and expanding international market opportunities.
2. What is the theme of CCPTF 2026?
The theme is “Cambodia to the World: Trade with Europe.”
3. Which sectors are the main focus of the forum?
The forum focuses on cashew nuts, Kampot pepper and other agro-processed products, with particular attention to processing, quality improvement, investment and international trade.
4. How many international retail outlets sell Cambodian agro-processed products?
Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul said Cambodian agro-processed products are available in approximately 23,000 international retail outlets, including Costco, E.Leclerc, Carrefour and Tesco.
5. What is Cambodia's position in global cashew production?
According to German Ambassador Silke Röfer, Cambodia ranks as the world's second-largest producer of raw cashew nuts.
6. How much Cambodian pepper did Germany import in 2025?
Cambodian pepper exports to Germany were valued at approximately $5.4 million in 2025, according to the German ambassador.
7. Why is EU geographical indication recognition important for Kampot pepper?
It helps distinguish Kampot pepper through its recognised geographical origin and product identity, supporting its reputation and competitiveness in international markets.
8. What are Cambodia's priorities for improving agricultural exports?
Key priorities include expanding domestic processing and packaging, improving product quality, meeting international standards, strengthening digital traceability, improving access to finance and developing Cambodian brands.