Vietnamese milk, instant noodles, and eggs accelerate penetration into the Cambodian market

Raising egg-laying chickens at a farm in Vietnam - Photo: T.MANH

The presence of Vietnamese goods is growing rapidly.

According to Cambodia's Khmer Times newspaper, over the past half month, Vietnamese brands have significantly increased their presence in the Cambodian market, especially in essential consumer goods such as biscuits, milk, chocolate and instant noodles.

This expansion comes amid disruptions to border trade between Thailand and Cambodia due to recent tensions. Seizing the opportunity of a market shortage, Vietnamese companies have quickly adjusted their strategies and increased their supply of goods to meet the growing consumer demand in Cambodia.

Industry insiders told Khmer Times reported that many marketing teams representing Vietnamese brands were in Phnom Penh to negotiate with local retailers.

A senior manager at a major retail chain in Cambodia said that within just two weeks, the presence of Vietnamese goods, such as milk and instant noodles, had increased sharply.

This person also assessed that despite the participation of some Malaysian brands, Vietnamese brands are the most successful units in "filling the gap" in the market.

One example given is the Vietnamese milk brand Dalat Milk, which is now partially replacing Dutch Mill milk products (Thailand) on store shelves.

Only Thailand, Laos and Vietnam have land borders with Cambodia. Cambodian retailers say that while trade with Thailand has been affected and Laos lacks the capacity to expand its products, Vietnamese businesses have quickly taken advantage to increase supply. Some have compared the appearance of Vietnamese goods to "scoring a goal without a goalkeeper".

Goods from Vietnam help many supermarkets in Phnom Penh maintain stable operations.

Besides the speed of supply, stability is also a factor that makes Vietnamese goods highly appreciated. Another source said that goods from Vietnam have helped many supermarkets in Phnom Penh maintain stable business operations in the context of shortages.

Although Vietnamese processed food brands such as Vifon, Acecook or Vi Huong (belonging to Thien Huong Company) have been present in the Cambodian market, this sector has not received as much attention as large Vietnamese enterprises such as Viettel, BIDV , Hoang Anh Gia Lai or Vietnam Rubber Group.

Demand from neighboring markets has had a negative impact on the domestic market, evident in a number of products.

Leading a business egg in Ho Chi Minh City share with Tuoi Tre Online recently saw egg prices skyrocket, partly due to traders buying them up to export to Cambodia.

The company is also increasing production capacity to meet market demand.

Notably, the Vietnam - Cambodia Business Connection Conference 2025 is scheduled to be held tomorrow (July 15) in Ho Chi Minh City. The event is expected to create more cooperation opportunities between about 200 businesses of the two countries.

In terms of policy, at the end of April 2025, Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien held talks with Cambodian Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul to discuss directions for promoting bilateral economic and trade cooperation. At the same time, the two sides signed an Agreement on Trade Promotion for the period 2025 - 2026.

The potential for expanding cooperation between the two countries is expected to continue to be promoted more strongly, especially when the expressway project is completed. Ho Chi Minh City - Moc Bai Construction is about to start. This is also the shortest route connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Cambodia through Moc Bai border gate, contributing to strengthening trade connections between the two countries.

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