On April 2, 2019, Kampong Speu province’s palm sugar, also known as Skor Thnot Kampong Speu, has been registered with the European Union (“EU”) under the protection designation of origin and holds a protected geographical indication (“PGI”) status.

Kampong Speu’s palm sugar is now the second geographic product to have been awarded the PGI status in the EU following Kampot Pepper in 2016.

PGI, established in 1993, is a status granted by the European Commission following a comprehensive assessment of a product, to protect and recognise the quality and uniqueness of named regional food products in the area. Being awarded the status signifies that the manufacturing of the product meets the requirements recognised at EU level, and the product has a defined regional connection. Therefore, PGI acts as a trademark preventing manufacturers to imitate the food products outside the region.

According to Mr. Sam Saroeun, President of Kampong Speu Palm Sugar Promotion Association, Kampong Speu’s palm sugar is now exported to 25 countries in Asia and the EU. With the PGI status, Cambodia will see an increase in the sales growth of Kampong Speu’s palm sugar domestically and internationally, hence, the increase in product manufacturing. As the product is being protected by the Government of Cambodia and the EU, more local farmers will be encouraged to discover more PGI products to be recognised at international level.

With our experienced team, we are able to provide our clients with legal advice concerning any business transactions and legal agreements in relation to this product and other IP matters in Cambodia and globally. For more information, please contact Khieu Mealy, Chhim Leakena at SokSiphana&associates.

This alert is for general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice.