Facilitating access to safe products builds a healthy community

 A local retailer implements a multifaceted action plan to promote and ensure access to safe fruits and vegetables

Aliments is a Phnom Penh-based retail market established in 2016 that specializes in safe agricultural products, including vegetables, fruit, meat, rice, and other consumable goods. Addressing the growing demand for safe food, the retail market offers both fresh and processed products with various certified safety standards ranging from organic, chemical-free, good agricultural practices (GAP), good manufacturing practices (GMP), hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP), and ISO22000. Envisioning a community with convenient access to organic and safe products, Aliments is actively working on improving its supply chain by focusing on production, distribution, value-added products, and marketing.

In support of Aliment’s mission, Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest II recently awarded the market retailer a Horticultural Solutions grant to expand vegetable production by strengthening pre- and post-harvest practices, ensuring a consistent supply of safe vegetables. The retail market is building a model farm to demonstrate improved production methods such as net housing and crop rotation. Once the model farm is complete, Aliments will promote the adoption of a participatory guarantee system (PGS) and GAP through producer training and will establish contract farming agreements with at least 25 participants. The company is also developing value-added products and installing solar dryers to convert organic waste into processed products.

Promoting local access to safe produce, an Aliments employee displays safe and organic leafy greens.

Harvest II assisted Aliments to establish its model farm by connecting the retailer with producer and net house builder Tasey Samaki Agricultural Cooperative (AC).  After the initial introduction, the actors agreed to partner together and Tasey AC constructed five net houses on Aliments model farm. Additionally, Tasey AC will serve as a safe and organic produce supplier to the retail market.

Aliments recently launched a media campaign using its website, blog, and videos to educate the community, build brand awareness, and expand its market reach. Harvest II supports the retailer by providing input and ideas for their videos and online program “Ali Health,” which promotes food safety standards and healthy living. Recognizing the potential benefits of linking the two businesses, Harvest II connected the market retailer to Battambang-based fruit processor Navita. The business match led to Navita appearing as a guest on the Aliments’ “Ali SME” series – a component of the “Ali Health” program that links quality producers to consumers by sharing stories, discussing production, and highlighting products.

An in-store display showcases Aliments’ high-quality safe fruits and vegetables. 

Co-founder of Navita, Sothea Rina Uy, shared the benefits of being featured on the “Ali SME” program, saying “the show promotes Navita’s products and expands local and international markets.”

Since even before the pandemic, Aliments has been developing its online business approach, which proved to be advantageous during the recent pandemic lockdown. Having observed the benefits of online ordering, the retail market began establishing an online presence and signed formal contracts with five ordering and delivery service apps, including Nham 24, Food Panda, Buzzbuy, Grab, and E-GETS.  In addition to these new services, Aliments created company Messenger and Telegram pages and developed a smartphone app, facilitating direct ordering through various channels. By proactively preparing an action plan, implementing standard response procedures, and strategically placing staff in the provinces to ensure an undisturbed supply chain, Aliments has experienced a three-fold increase in sales during Cambodia’s recent lockdown.

Addressing elements in its supply chain, including production, distribution, value-added products, and marketing, Aliments continues fostering development and facilitating access to safe agricultural products to Cambodia’s local community.