Product Offerings
Product Categories:
Spices And Seasonings
Products:
Pepper: Kampot Pepper (Black, White, Red), Organic Black Pepper
Spices: Turmeric, Ginger, Lemongrass
Value-Added Products: Dried Spices, Pepper-Based Seasonings
Cambodia Pepper and Spices Federation (CPSF) is the apex trade body representing Cambodia's high-potential pepper and spice sector. Based in Phnom Penh, CPSF plays a central role in advancing the global visibility, export readiness, and sustainability of Cambodia’s most iconic agricultural products, such as Kampot Pepper, while also fostering capacity building for rural producers and SMEs.
Core Business Activities
CPSF operates as a non-profit, member-driven federation under the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), with a mandate to:
- Unify Cambodian pepper and spice stakeholders, including producers, processors, exporters, and cooperatives.
- Support international market access through export development programs, certifications, and trade promotions.
- Facilitate capacity building, technical training, and post-harvest improvements.
- Promote Kampot Pepper and Cambodian spices through global trade fairs, GI protection, and e-commerce integration.
Product Categories Promoted
- Pepper:
- Kampot Pepper (Black, White, Red): Geographical Indication (GI)-certified, hand-harvested, and sun-dried.
- Organic Black Pepper: From Mondulkiri and Tbong Khmum provinces.
- Spices:
- Turmeric, Ginger, Lemongrass, and Galangal – produced using organic and regenerative farming techniques.
- Value-Added Products:
- Dried spice blends, pepper sauces, seasonings, and gift packaging lines for gourmet retail.
CPSF represents over 3,000 smallholder farmers and over 120 spice-related enterprises across Cambodia.
Specialisation and Core USP
CPSF is globally recognized for promoting the Geographical Indication (GI) of Kampot Pepper, the first Cambodian product to receive GI status from both the Cambodian government and the European Union.
- GI Protection & Certification: Ensures authenticity, traceability, and value protection of Kampot Pepper.
- Inclusive Export Development: Engages farmer cooperatives in export value chains through the Cambodia Export Development Program (CEDP).
- Capacity Building: Offers training in GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), HACCP, organic certification, and EU/US FDA compliance.
Financial and Market Insights
Cambodia’s spice export sector is growing rapidly, with pepper leading the charge:
- In 2023, Cambodia exported over 7,000 tons of pepper, valued at approximately $37 million USD.
- Kampot Pepper alone accounted for over $10 million USD, primarily exported to France, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan.
- CPSF-facilitated exporters have seen 30–40% revenue growth YoY due to enhanced branding and trade matchmaking.
International Engagement and Trade Development
- Active partnerships with Swisscontact, GIZ, and ITC (International Trade Centre) to support quality and export standards.
- Regular participants in global trade expos such as Biofach (Germany), SIAL (France), THAIFEX (Thailand), and Seoul Food & Hotel.
- Collaborates with Fairtrade, Ecocert, and Organic EU/US certifiers to ensure compliance for niche markets.
Target Market
- Importers and distributors of high-end spices
- Retail brands and gourmet food manufacturers
- Organic and specialty food retailers in Europe, North America, and East Asia
- HoReCa sector (Hotels, Restaurants, Caterers) sourcing traceable and premium spices
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Operates a national-level digital marketplace and member portal for product showcase and buyer engagement
- Coordinates technical support missions for drying, grading, packaging, and storage infrastructure
- Maintains a traceability registry for Kampot Pepper using QR and blockchain solutions in partnership with international donors
Certifications and Compliance
- Geographical Indication (GI) protected by Cambodia and the European Union
- Products promoted by CPSF are certified or in alignment with:
- GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices)
- EU Organic Certification
- USDA Organic
- FairTrade and HACCP-compliant
- Works closely with the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce and Department of Intellectual Property Rights
Brand Equity and Stakeholder Recognition
- Kampot Pepper is recognized as the “Rolex of Peppers” by top chefs and retailers globally.
- CPSF’s e-commerce and promotion strategy led to a 55% increase in GI-certified Kampot Pepper exports in 2022.
- Featured in UNCTAD and ITC export case studies as a model for GI-based rural development.
Major Achievements
- Launched the Cambodia Export Development Program (CEDP) to facilitate 30+ SMEs into compliant international exporters.
- Spearheaded traceability system for Kampot Pepper, enhancing buyer trust and authenticity.
- Co-published “CPSF Member Profile 2022” showcasing verified exporters to international buyers.
- Facilitated the first-ever Cambodian Pepper Week, attracting over 5,000 domestic and international visitors in Phnom Penh.
- Enabled $1.5 million in donor funding toward spice value chain upgrading from 2020–2023.
The Cambodia Pepper and Spices Federation (CPSF) continues to elevate the profile of Cambodia’s spice heritage by supporting quality, traceability, sustainability, and market growth—helping transform rural economies through global spice commerce.