Coffee Certifications in Cambodia – Building Trust Through Quality Standards

Introduction: The Language of Quality

In the global coffee market, certifications are the language of trust. They tell buyers that coffee has been produced to certain standards – whether for quality, sustainability, or ethical practices. For Cambodia's emerging coffee sector, building a portfolio of certifications is essential for accessing premium markets.

CamGAP: Cambodia's Own Good Agricultural Practice

CamGAP (Cambodian Good Agricultural Practices) is a national certification that recognizes farmers who follow sustainable and quality-oriented agricultural practices. In March 2026, 26 coffee farmers in Mondulkiri province received CamGAP certificates.

The certification is part of a broader initiative to launch the Mondulkiri Coffee Collective Brand. By uniting farmers under a shared quality standard, the collective brand aims to build recognition for Cambodian coffee in domestic and international markets.

CQI Fine Robusta Certification

The Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) is one of the most respected coffee evaluation bodies in the world. CQI evaluates coffees based on multiple factors, including aroma, taste, acidity, crust, and balance. Coffees scoring above 80 points are classified as specialty coffee.

In September 2025, KOFI's Bousra Coffee became the first Cambodian coffee to be classified as Fine Robusta by CQI. This certification opened doors to premium export markets and demonstrated that Cambodian coffee can compete at the highest levels.

International Food Safety Certifications

Beyond quality certifications, Cambodia's coffee sector is also pursuing food safety certifications. Bousra Coffee has been certified both nationally and internationally, including:

• GHPs (Good Hygiene Practices)
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
• ISO 22000:2018 (food safety management systems)

These certifications are crucial for export success. International buyers require documented quality and safety standards.

Building the Mondulkiri Collective Brand

The Mondulkiri Coffee Collective Brand project was launched in conjunction with the CamGAP certification ceremony. This initiative aims to create a unified identity for coffee from the region, making it easier to market and differentiate Mondulkiri coffee in crowded markets.

The Certification Journey Ahead

Cambodia's coffee certification journey is just beginning. As more farmers adopt good agricultural practices and more companies pursue international certifications, Cambodia's reputation as a quality coffee origin will continue to grow. Certifications are not just about meeting standards – they are about building trust, accessing markets, and commanding premium prices.