Kampot pepper yields to increase

Kampot pepper yields are expected to increase significantly in the first harvest since gaining Geographic Indicator status in April 2010, as increased demand from exporters drives up prices. Output this season is expected to surge by 17 per cent, from 23 tonnes in the last harvest to an estimated 27 tonnes this season. The increase has been driven by new plantings, which will start to bear fruit. … Each year, of the KPPA’s total pepper production, around 30 to 40 per cent is red and white pepper, and around 60 to 70 per cent is black peppercorns. According to Lay, conditions for pepper farmers have changed, as has the demand for pepper. Some farmers are able to extend their plantations and purchase modern tools, such as motors, and some have also gained major investors. … The increased demand follows Kampot pepper gaining Geographic Indicator (GI) certification in April 2010. GI is an internationally accepted standard that protects the intellectual property rights of a product from a specific geographical region, such as Champagne from France’s region. …

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/2013012260898/Business/kampot-pepper-yields-to-increase.html