A local packaging company works with Cambodia’s horticulture sector actors to improve packaging
Quality packaging for horticulture products can serve
multiple purposes, including reducing damage during transport and storage,
protecting food safety, and providing marketing and branding. Acquiring quality
packaging has been a challenge for Cambodia’s producers, agricultural
cooperatives (ACs), local processors, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
as they build and establish their domestic and export markets.
To assist horticulture actors in need of branding and
packaging support, Harvest II partnered
with packaging company Phnom Penh Packaging Company (PPPC). Utilizing exposure visits, trainings, and business matching
events, Harvest II and PPPC are working with project partners to improve the
marketing and packaging of products, facilitating entry into high-end markets,
and capturing premium pricing.
Harvest II recently organized the Product Development for
SMEs online training that was attended by 42 SMEs and AC members from
across its target provinces. The product development training focused on
introducing new marketing strategies, exploring labeling and packaging, and
discussing other strategies and practices to increase competitiveness. Working
with longan actors to expand the distribution of fresh and processed longan,
Harvest II also coordinated a two-day exposure visit to Phnom Penh for 12
longan actors to learn about processing, post-harvest handling, and packaging
and branding. During these events, PPPC facilitated sessions presenting
easy-to-use packaging techniques and best practices to protect and add value to
products.
PPPC’s Managing Director, Mr. Hai Sophea shared the
company’s motto with the participants, “Packaging Represents Your Product
Quality.”
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| Phnom Penh Packaging shares their packaging solutions during an exposure
visit for Harvest II partners |
After the sessions, PPPC offered additional assistance to
attendees that would like to learn more about expanding their business through
packaging. They also formed a Telegram
group with SMEs and ACs to share information and packaging advice.
Continuing to
establish linkages, Harvest II organized an online business matching event
between the packaging company and ten Harvest II partners. Following the event,
Ponleu Pichchenda AC made an initial purchase of 250 bottles from PPPC to
package its honey for markets in Phnom Penh. The AC continues to work with the
company to improve its marketing, packaging, and distribution system. After
hearing the challenges fruit processor Navita was facing, PPPC offered an
economical alternative to the processor’s expensive longan syrup glass bottle
packaging. After receiving samples of the packaging, Navita ordered 3,000
units. The two parties have an informal agreement and continue to work together
to improve packaging for Navita’s other processed products.
General Manager of Navita Mr. Uy Cheng Heng shared, “It is a
pleasure to work with Harvest II partners, and I am confident in their products
and services.”
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| Navita showcases its longan in syrup product in new glass packaging, sourced from Phnom Penh Packaging. |
PPPC
continues to identify improved packaging solutions in areas such as reducing
in-transit produce loss from the provinces to domestic markets, developing
standardized company branding, and working with companies such as AGID to
develop packaging to facilitate exports.
Harvest II and Phnom Penh Packaging Company have partnered together to
unlock opportunities for Cambodia’s horticulture actors across domestic and
international markets, developing customized branding and packaging solutions.
