Somroh Aloe: A New Economic Sector for Aloe Vera in Cambodia

Somroh Aloe is emerging as a promising family-led business in the organic cultivation and marketing of aloe vera in Cambodia. Founded by French entrepreneur Nicolas Legroux and his Cambodian partner Lyda, the venture is based in Akrey Ksat, Kandal Province, near Phnom Penh, and targets urban consumers seeking fresh, natural products.

Origins and Production Structure

The company was launched about three years ago following a personal experience in which both founders found healing benefits from aloe vera. From that experience came the idea to cultivate Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller organically — without pesticides or chemical fertilizers — and to process the plants entirely by hand to retain freshness.

Somroh Aloe’s product range includes fresh leaves, potted plants, juices and jellies, and the company plans to introduce cosmetics in the near future. All processing is done locally to preserve quality, and the business primarily sells at Phnom Penh farmers’ markets.

Business Model and Market Outlets

As a small social enterprise, Somroh Aloe generates income through direct sales to consumers and organic shops. The products are priced affordably and marketed as 100% natural. Juices and fresh leaves are the core of the offering, with leftover plant material repurposed into biofertilizer — an example of sustainable, circular use of resources.

The company promotes its products and updates on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram, while weekly market participation helps maintain visibility at low distribution cost. Recent developments include establishing more stable commercial partnerships.

Agronomic Advantages and Sustainability

Aloe vera is well suited to Cambodia’s climate, requiring minimal water and care. It also offers continuous harvesting and strong resistance to drought — in contrast to water-intensive crops such as rice or cassava — reducing climate risk for growers.

The organic cultivation model creates local employment opportunities, particularly for women engaged in processing, and turns plant leftovers into compost. This approach aligns with principles of sustainable development and provides rural producers with a stable supplementary income.

Growth Prospects

Somroh Aloe aims to become the leading supplier of organic aloe products in Cambodia. Plans include expanding direct online sales, opening the farm to visitors for educational experiences, and broadening its cosmetic product line. Although current sales focus on Phnom Penh to ensure product freshness, the company is exploring regional export opportunities to markets such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan and the Philippines — tapping into the global demand for natural products.

In a national agricultural landscape dominated by monoculture crops, this new aloe vera sector highlights the potential for economic diversification, with low entry costs and relatively quick returns on investment.

Aloe Vera’s Qualities and Uses

Aloe vera is recognized worldwide for its medicinal and cosmetic benefits. The transparent gel inside the leaves is rich in vitamins — including A, C, E and B12 — enzymes and essential amino acids. It is valued for moisturizing, healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Used both internally and externally, aloe vera may support cell regeneration, digestion and immune function, while in cosmetics it helps hydrate skin, soothe irritation and slow signs of aging.

Consumers in urban Cambodia are increasingly seeking healthy, eco-friendly and multifunctional natural products — and locally produced, additive-free aloe fits squarely within those preferences.

Tel : +855 61 658 355

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