Cambodia Urges Higher Hygiene Standards for Kampot-Kep Salt as Output Nears 90,000 Tonnes

PHNOM PENH, May 13, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodian authorities and industry experts are urging salt producers in Kampot and Kep provinces to strengthen hygiene and quality standards as the country’s harvest nears 90,000 tonnes this year, supported by favorable weather and stronger market prices.

Officials said production in 2026 has already surpassed 80,000 tonnes and is on track to reach about 90,000 tonnes, marking an improvement over last year’s weaker output. The General Department of Industry noted that more than 2,800 hectares of salt fields are currently active, operated by 141 producer groups across a total farming area of 3,389 hectares.

Sim Nary, Director of the Kampot Provincial Department of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, said authorities are encouraging farmers to avoid leaving fields idle and to expand production to meet domestic demand and support export opportunities.

At the same time, officials stressed the need for higher hygiene and quality standards to enhance consumer safety and raise the market value of Cambodian salt.

Sok Sophea, General Manager of Thaung Enterprise, described Kampot-Kep salt as a rare natural product recognized for its quality due to traditional methods relying entirely on seawater and solar evaporation. Industry experts say stronger quality control could help producers access premium markets while supporting public health and long-term sustainability.