H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, has urged local food producers to harness the talents of culinary experts to promote innovation and international recognition of Khmer cuisine, emphasizing the importance of bringing the rich flavors of Cambodia to a global audience.
Minister Vanndy made his remarks during a visit to PPF Yummy Manufacturing on August 6, 2024, where he toured the facility in Sen Sok District. He described the visit as an opportunity to encourage the company and gain a deeper understanding of its operations, while also exploring ways in which the ministry can support food producers.
Founded in 2021, PPF Yummy Manufacturing has transformed from a family-run online business into a thriving enterprise. The company now produces eight ready-to-eat products, including Prahok Ktis, weaver ant fish paste and Prahok Trei Cha’er, as well as a selection of ready-to-cook items like marinated pork ribs, ground beef skewers, and beef kebabs.
These products are available in local and major supermarkets and select restaurants across the country. In May 2024, the company began exporting its offerings to Korea. “We have already exported 500 kg of products to South Korea and aim to expand our exports to five countries in the near future,” said the company’s General Manager Chea Chetra.
The facility currently produces between 300 to 500 bottles of Cambodian food paste and culinary products daily, with plans to expand its range to include cooking sauces, dipping sauces, dry foods for Khmer Hamok (aka Amok), Khmer noodle, and Khmer desserts.
During the visit, Minister Vanndy commended the company for its achievements and committment to quality and standards. He emphasized the motto “Khmer Can Do,” which encompasses not only product creation but also effective marketing, reinforcing the competitiveness of Cambodian-made products in both local and international markets. He encouraged other local food producers to enhance food quality standards, hygiene, and safety by drawing inspiration from PPF Yummy Manufacturing.
The minister outlined several key areas for the company’s development, including enhancing hygiene and standards, studying flavors of products from neighboring countries to create unique tastes, and incorporating health-promoting components while providing detailed nutritional facts on product labels. He emphasised the importance of extending product shelf-life, making products affordable, and ensuring stringent quality control to prevent any incidents that could harm the company’s reputation.
PPF Yummy Manufacturing was likened to a “mega magnet,” illustrating its role in generating employment not only for its 30 employees but also for numerous farmers supplying raw materials.
Minister Vanndy emphasized the need to build an ecosystem that upholds the standards of quality and quantity in production, with a focus on future demand.
In his recommendations, he also encouraged the company to collaborate with research institutions, including laboratories and universities to engage in joint research and development aimed at creating innovative food products and advancing food technologies. He highlighted MISTI’s support for the private sector in registering intellectual property for their innovations and urged private sector to take advantage of MISTI’s other public services.
By: Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation
Publication date: 06 August 2024
