Climate change has left a bitter taste for the Kampong Speu palm sugar trade, leading to an estimated 50 percent drop in production this year despite an upturn in market demand. Kampong Speu Palm Sugar Promotion Association (KSPSPA) President Sam Saroeun told The Post that unseasonal showers starting from April stalled harvests and sugar production, resulting in insufficient supply to meet demand. Association members have produced a mere 70-80 tonnes this season, or just over half of normal, compared to the 150 tonnes ordered by exporters, he added. Saroeun declined to put a price tag on the prized commodity, saying that disclosure would undermine exporters’ interests. Saroeun was hesitant to make predictions about the production of Kampong Speu palm sugar next year.
Reference: Hom, P. (2022, June 8). Bitter times for Kampong Speu palm sugar. The Phnom Penh Post. Retrieved from https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/bitter-times-kampong-speu-palm-sugar