PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian government is taking steps to expand the domestic market for processed cashew nuts.

On Friday last week, Secretary of State for Commerce, H.E. TOR Pila, convened a meeting to facilitate direct connections between local cashew producers and major supermarkets and marts in Phnom Penh.

The initiative aims to increase the consumption of Cambodian cashew nuts within the country. By bringing together producers and retailers, the government hopes to stimulate demand and create new business opportunities for the cashew industry.

Participants at the meeting included representatives from Aeon, Makro, Lucky, Chip Mong, Thai Huot, Bayon, BigC, Tela, 7-Eleven, and Cambodia Superstore. After sampling the products, several supermarkets expressed interest in partnering with cashew nut enterprises.

Cambodia is a significant global producer of cashew nuts, with over 472,000 hectares of cashew plantations yielding approximately 709,000 tonnes annually.

However, the majority of the crop is exported raw.  The government is keen to increase domestic processing and consumption to add value to the product and create jobs.

The recent 10th World Cashew Conference, held in Siem Reap, highlighted the cashew industry’s potential and attracted international attention to Cambodia. As the country diversifies its agricultural exports, cashew nuts are increasingly seen as a key cash crop alongside rice, rubber, and other commodities.