Kampot Pepper: Cambodia's Black Gold Eyes European Bio Markets
- Brèves Éco
- 55 minutes ago
- 2 min read
In the hills of Kampot, in southern Cambodia, pepper – nicknamed the local "black gold" – is poised to conquer European markets thanks to a major organic certification.
La Plantation Kampot, a pioneering family-run operation, has obtained European organic accreditation (EU Regulation 2018/848) for its central warehouse in Europe. This milestone, validated by Ecocert, simplifies the export of its IGP spices to the European Union, a rapidly expanding market for sustainable products.
Roots in a preserved terroir
La Plantation Kampot, established for over ten years along the Prek Chhak riverbanks, has cultivated its spices according to strict organic principles from the start. Certified by Ecocert, the farm – which employs around thirty local day laborers – prioritizes crop rotation, organic fertilizers, and integrated pest management. Its flagship product, Kampot pepper (IGP since 2016, under OMPI oversight), stands out for its complex aromas: menthol freshness, citrus and undergrowth notes, derived from volcanic soils and a monsoonal climate.
In the face of climate change, which has reduced yields by 15% in Kampot over the past five years (FAO data, 2025), these organic practices ensure greater resilience, with 40% higher biodiversity than conventional agriculture (Royal University of Phnom Penh study, 2024).
A European warehouse, key to traceability
The heart of this breakthrough is the now-certified European warehouse, which centralizes logistics flows. Equipped with blockchain traceability systems and isothermal storage, it eliminates risks of cross-contamination and complex customs formalities.
In a context where EU organic spice imports rose 8.2% in 2025 (Eurostat), this certification positions Cambodia – the world's second-largest pepper producer (1,500 tonnes exported annually) – against competitors like Vietnam or India. It aligns with the EU-Cambodia free trade agreement (2020), which reduces duties on sustainable agri-food products.
Organic and conventional: two faces of the same excellence
The company offers its spices in both certified organic and non-certified versions, from the same plots but with separate export protocols to ensure segregation. Available online (organic IGP black pepper: 15 euros for 250 g), these products target demanding chefs and consumers. The organic range will expand in 2026 to other rhizomes, boosted by partnerships with chains like Biocoop.
Geoeconomic stakes for Cambodia
Beyond commerce, this success illustrates Cambodia's agroecological transition, a developing country where 70% of the population depends on agriculture (World Bank, 2025).
It generates stable income for small producers – pepper sells for three times the price of conventional varieties – and promotes an exportable model. Infrastructure challenges remain: precarious roads and overloaded ports still limit volumes.
La Plantation Kampot thus embodies a bridge between ancestral terroirs and global standards.
For more information: https://laplantation.com/