From Local Labels to National Shelves: 12 Cambodian Brands Unveil a New Look

SIEM REAP – For many business owners in Cambodia, the product is excellent, but the packaging doesn't yet tell the full story. On January 30, 2026, twelve local enterprises showcased their story through newly developed product brands. 

At the “Branding to Market” workshop held at Rose Apple Square, these businesses ranging from dried fruit producers in Battambang to eco-friendly crafters in Siem Reap unveiled new, professional brand identities. 

Putting a Face to the Product
Through a collaboration between the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Mangrove Studio, twelve entrepreneurs underwent a branding makeover. The goal? To turn local producers into professional retail brands that consumers can recognise and trust. 

The showcase featured a wide variety of local talent:

• From Battambang: Food and drink innovators like Misota (dried fruits), Sora Khmer (local spirits), and KH Oil (pantry staples).
• From Banteay Meanchey: Ready-to-eat specialists like SERE FARM.
• From Siem Reap: Sustainable brands like Champa Champa and Vahay agriculture.

"Where SME Stories Become Market Opportunities" wasn't just a theme; it was a practical mission. By developing professional and compelling brand narratives, these businesses can better differentiate themselves in increasingly competitive supermarkets and digital marketplaces.

Tools for the Digital Age
Branding is the first step, but selling is the goal. The event brought in experts from Camb-Aha, My Lehka, and Radiant Communications to give the 100 attending enterprises a "digital toolkit."

The sessions skipped the jargon and focused on what works:

• Professional Storytelling: How to explain the "heart" of a business to win over customers.
• Digital Tools: Practical ways to use technology to scale a brand across Cambodia.
• Sales Tactics: Direct advice on how to navigate the modern retail world.

The Big Picture
When a Cambodian brand succeeds, it does more than just sell a product, but it creates jobs and strengthens the community. This initiative is part of GIZ ICONE’s work to ensure that entrepreneurs are equipped with the practical skills and knowledge needed to adapt to Cambodia’s shift toward online and modern retail.

The Improving Competitiveness of National Enterprises (ICONE) program is implemented by GIZ. We work with the Cambodian government to help Cambodian businesses become more productive, innovative, and competitive. ICONE is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).