Cambodia’s cashew sector has reached a new export milestone, with HCST Investment Co., Ltd. (HCST) exporting its processed cashew nuts directly to Whitworths, a leading UK dried fruit, nut and seed company, for the first time. The development marks a step forward for Cambodia’s efforts to move beyond raw commodity exports and expand the reach of locally processed agricultural products into higher-value international markets, according to the Ministry of Commerce’s news statement yesterday. Secretary of State at the MoC and Chairman of the Export Promotion Task Force Samheng Bora led a delegation to Stung Treng province to inspect HCST’s production and processing facilities and gain first-hand insight into the export supply chain. The ministry added that the partnership with Whitworths has helped HCST improve its production standards and processing practices to meet international quality and food safety requirements, while strengthening buyer confidence in Cambodian cashew products. The export process also benefited from technical support from the UK Government, through the British Embassy in Cambodia and the UK Trade Partnership programme, as well as support from the European Union and Germany through the Export Lab under the EU-German GATE project. The successful export follows sustained market-linkage efforts, business engagement and negotiations facilitated by the Ministry of Commerce. Key milestones include: • October 1, 2024: MoC began discussions with Natalia Pietrzak-Freigant, Director of Commodities at Whitworths, who expressed interest in sourcing Cambodian cashew nuts. • April 28, 2025: Whitworths representatives met with the MoC in Cambodia to explore cooperation, build confidence in Cambodian agricultural products and discuss a direct assessment of HCST’s processing facility. • December 11, 2025: A Cambodian trade delegation conducted a trade mission to establish direct links between Cambodian exporters and international buyers, further advancing discussions between HCST and Whitworths and contributing to the subsequent finalisation of purchase orders. The first direct shipment to Whitworths highlights the potential for Cambodia’s cashew industry to expand into higher-value processed exports and compete in demanding international markets. It also underscores the importance of sustained government facilitation, private-sector partnerships and technical assistance in connecting Cambodian enterprises with global buyers. The ministry added that it will continue to strengthen market linkages, improve export readiness, and help Cambodian businesses meet international market requirements to create greater opportunities for agricultural products and producers to participate in global value chains.