Giant German company FUCHS Gruppe has revealed plans to build a pepper-processing factory under the “Tboung Khmum Pepper” trademark in Cambodia in 2026. Currently, the company purchases pepper from Cambodia and ships it to Germany for processing.
Andre Fich, managing director of DF World of Spices GMBH, shared details of the new plant during a working discussion with Touch Bunhuor, secretary of state of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, at the ministry headquarters on November 28.
Bunhuor highlighted the progress of pepper cultivation in Cambodia, noting that Cambodian pepper is of high quality and promoted through Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). To further enhance pepper production, he requested that the FUCHS Gruppe delegation explore ways to support farmers and agricultural communities in diagnosing plant diseases and pests to reduce production costs and increase yields.
“We asked the company to collaborate with the ministry’s technical departments to examine, monitor and evaluate the correct use of pesticides in compliance with the requirements of importing countries, particularly the EU,” explained a ministry statement.
Additionally, Bunhuor asked the company to consider increasing its investment in Cambodia.
Fich noted, in addition to constructing the new facility, DF World of Spices GMBH will continue to support and strengthen cooperation with all relevant stakeholders in both technical work and investment efforts to help expand Cambodian pepper and spice production, as well as boost exports to international markets.
Furthermore, both parties discussed supporting farmers and agricultural communities to promote sustainability and meet export requirements for markets in Europe, China and the US.
Mak Ny, president of the Cambodia Pepper and Spices Federation (CPSF), told The Post on November 28 that Cambodia currently has around 6,000 hectares of pepper farms, which produce about 20,000 tonnes per year. This supply far exceeds domestic demand, which accounts for only 5–7 per cent of total output.
He added that Cambodian pepper is internationally recognised for its quality and flavour, especially Kampot pepper, which is GI-certified. Cambodia exports several thousand tonnes of pepper annually.
He noted that although Cambodia does not yet have a pepper-processing factory, FUCHS Gruppe is already purchasing pepper and other raw materials from Cambodia for processing and sale in Germany.
Ny believed the establishment of the new factory would bring many positive impacts for farmers, investors and the national economy.
“Investment in a local processing factory will bring significant benefits to Cambodia’s economy by creating jobs for farmers and generating tax revenue for the government, and especially by showcasing the name ‘Cambodia’ on the product packaging,” he explained.
According to Ny, FUCHS Gruppe is also a member of the Cambodia Pepper and Spices Federation (CPSF).
