Packaging Upgrades Usher in Market Expansion Opportunities

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.”

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.”

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.