Kampong Speu Palm Sugar Recognized on the World Stage
An emblematic product of Kampong Speu, Skor Thnot now benefits from European protection, elevating its origin, Cambodian terroir, and the work of local producers.
Palm sugar from the province of Kampong Speu has just received from the European Union both Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). These will take effect on April 22, according to the EU Official Journal.
Palm sugar from the province of Kampong Speu will now be officially known worldwide as Skor Thnot Kampong Speu. This is the name registered by the European Commission in the PGI and PDO registries. According to the AKP, the community responsible for producing this regional specialty cultivated 90 tonnes of palm sugar last year, sold between $1.30 to $1.50 per kilogram. For this year, projections reached 130 tonnes, in anticipation of this recognition that will provide international legitimacy and unprecedented publicity.
Protection and Assurance
Registration of Skor Thnot Kampong Speu in the PDO registry proved less contentious than the PGI. For the latter, Cambodia, which filed an application on October 3, 2017, faced opposition from the Belgian State, quickly dismissed thanks to the strength of Cambodia's case and sugar company Sucre Suisse SA.
The latter filed multiple appeals to the European Commission in opposition to the recognition of Skor Thnot Kampong Speu as a PGI, arguing that the lack of product specifications made it impossible to classify as sugar under the relevant directive criteria. The standoff ultimately ended, and an agreement was signed on October 3, 2018.
PGI recognizes an agricultural product whose characteristics are directly linked to a specific geographic region. This recognition may concern production, processing, or preparation. PDO, by contrast, requires that these steps all be carried out within the same geographic zone. All stages must be completed in that same geographic area and accompanied by recognized and guaranteed expertise of local producers.
These recognitions will provide significant assurance to the Skor Thnot Kampong Speu production community. Sam Saroeun, president of the Kampong Speu Palm Sugar Promotion Association, stated in the Khmer Times: "prices will remain stable thanks to the PGI, which should allow farmers to enjoy a better standard of living. The designation should also allow us to protect our product name against counterfeits."
Frequently asked questions
Skor Thnot is traditional palm sugar produced in the Cambodian province of Kampong Speu, now protected by the European PGI and PDO certifications.
Skor Thnot is available directly from local producers in Kampong Speu and at certain specialty markets throughout Cambodia.
PGI protects a product linked to a geographic region, while PDO requires that all production stages occur within that same zone with recognized local expertise.
Skor Thnot is used in numerous traditional Cambodian desserts and as a natural sweetener in various local culinary preparations.
