At the recent Phnom Penh Plant and Garden Fair, we dicovered the new brand Ponlei Thamacheat, which offers a range of cosmetics and natural products manufactured entirely in Cambodia.
Founded in 2017 by a Cambodian woman, this innovative enterprise has been at the forefront of promoting handmade products crafted from locally sourced raw materials. The company's mission is not only to create high-quality handicrafts but also to empower local women and farmers by providing them with economic opportunities.
Ponlei Thamacheat offers a range of cosmetics and natural products manufactured entirely in Cambodia. The brand is rooted in the traditional use of curcuma raktakanta root, a natural remedy for sprains, swelling, and steaming.
Chhe Kanha, the owner of Ponlei Thamacheat handicraft, began processing the plant as a medicinal remedy during her pregnancy, acquiring her plant processing skills free of charge from an organisation that facilitated her learning process.
In 2017, Kanha established her small-scale business, and was subsequently given the opportunity to train free of charge in processing plants through a USAID-sponsored programme. In 2022, US ambassador W. Patrick Murphy visited her workshop and praised her resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit.Kanha's objectives are to support low-educated women and to create jobs for farmers to ensure the continued growth of the plant, which is under threat of extinction.
The company's products are meticulously crafted using materials grown by local farmers, ensuring that the community benefits directly from the business's success. This approach has created a ripple effect, improving the livelihoods of both the farmers who supply the raw materials and the local women involved in the production process.
Taing Chiv Heang, sales representative of Ponlei Thamacheat, stated that they have processed 18 types of products from raw materials, including cold coconut oil, ginger powder, finger root powder, curcuma raktakanta root powder, turmeric powder, alum, coconut cream, steamed herbs, and coffee.The majority of customers are Cambodians from the capital and all 24 provinces, with the majority of buyers located in Phnom Penh.
Ponlei Thamacheat's journey to international recognition was significantly boosted by its participation in the EuroCham Export Certification Support Program. The company obtained a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification from Control Union, a leading certifying body. This accreditation not only validates the company's adherence to international safety and quality standards but also enhances its ability to export products globally. The certification process has been instrumental in positioning Ponlei Thamacheat as a competitive player in the regional market, paving the way for its products to reach a broader audience worldwide
Customers have confidence in their products because their production is standardised, products are inspected by relevant ministries, and they are tested before being put on sale.
Through its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability, Ponlei Thamacheat is setting a precedent for ethical and environmentally conscious business practices in Cambodia. As the company continues to grow, it remains dedicated to its core values of quality, efficiency, and community empowerment, making it a shining example of how local entrepreneurship can drive positive change.
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