Cambodia Investment Review
Seekers Spirits, a Cambodia-based craft distillery, has embarked on an innovative project to develop Southeast Asia’s first premium Mekong Cashew Apple Liqueur. This initiative not only seeks to create a unique product but also aligns with the Cambodian government’s broader efforts to promote the cashew industry, particularly through sustainable practices championed by projects like USAID’s Morodok Baitang.
Turning Waste into Opportunity: The Inspiration Behind the Liqueur
The inspiration behind the liqueur was driven by a desire to address the issue of organic waste and to create value from underutilized resources. Cashew apples, which are typically discarded after the nuts are harvested, presented an opportunity to craft a distinctive spirit. Tania Unsworth, a spokesperson for Seekers Spirits, explained the origins of this project: “We were inspired after learning about Feni, a rare cashew liqueur from Goa. This prompted us to explore the potential of cashew apples, which are often wasted, and turn them into something valuable.”
To ensure that their product aligns with sustainable practices, Seekers Spirits partnered with the USAID Morodok Baitang project, which supports deforestation-free cashew farming in Ratanakiri. Unsworth noted the importance of this partnership, stating, “Ensuring sourcing integrity was crucial for us. We worked closely with Sabine Joukes’ team at Morodok Baitang to connect with farmers who are committed to sustainable practices. This collaboration has been instrumental in developing our liqueur.”
A Collaborative Approach to Sustainable Production
The Cambodian government’s National Policy on Cashew Nuts for 2022-2027 aims to boost national production, enhance processing capabilities, and explore new export markets. Seekers Spirits’ initiative not only aligns with these goals but also provides an additional revenue stream for farmers by allowing them to sell both cashew apples and nuts. “We are also providing farmers with training in drying techniques, which helps them achieve higher pricing and improve their income,” Unsworth added.
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While the Mekong Cashew Apple Liqueur is still in its research and development phase, Seekers Spirits showcased an initial batch of about 100 liters at the 10th Anniversary of Mekong Strategic Capital. This event served as a platform to highlight the full-circle impact of deforestation-free cashew farming projects, which are overseen by USAID Morodok Baitang and supported by Mekong Strategic Capital.
Unsworth shared insights into the challenges and opportunities presented during the R&D phase: “This year’s cashew season was a critical period for us. We focused on refining our processes, from selecting the right farmers to perfecting the harvesting and drying techniques, all while developing the liqueur recipe. One of the significant challenges was transporting fresh fruit and ensuring quality control during drying, but we’ve made considerable progress.”
Looking Ahead: Scaling Up Production and Market Introduction
Looking ahead, Seekers Spirits plans to scale up production with the next cashew season starting in February 2025. The company aims to introduce the liqueur to a broader market, both domestically and internationally, leveraging its reputation for premium craft spirits that celebrate Southeast Asian flavors. “The collaboration with deforestation-free farms has reinforced our supply chain’s sustainability and efficiency,” Unsworth remarked. “We are optimistic that with the support from USAID and the introduction of drying machines, we will achieve more consistent quality in the upcoming production cycle.”
Creating a value-added product from traditionally wasted cashew apples has not been without its challenges. The rapid spoilage of ripe cashew apples requires precise timing for harvesting and quick transport. Unsworth discussed the company’s approach to overcoming these obstacles: “Initially, we allowed farmers to dry the fruit, but this posed challenges in quality control, especially with sun-drying methods. The introduction of drying machines by USAID has significantly improved consistency.”
Relationship With Farmers In Cambodia Is A Significant Advantage
For those looking to innovate in Cambodia’s agricultural sector, Unsworth offered some advice: “Our direct relationship with farmers in Cambodia is a significant advantage, but it requires substantial time and effort during the development phase. I recommend focusing on sustainable practices, investing in local partnerships, and leveraging the unique resources available in the region. At Seekers Spirits, we are committed to working with sustainable farmers to craft premium products that highlight Cambodia’s distinctive flavors.”
As for the availability of the Mekong Cashew Apple Liqueur, customers will need to wait until March 2025 for the next batch following the upcoming harvest season. “The liqueur, made from the delicate cashew apples, offers a unique taste profile—aromatic, fruity, and slightly astringent, balanced by natural sweetness,” Unsworth described. “It’s delightful on its own, over ice, or with a splash of soda water. While it’s not available for general sale yet, we believe the wait will be worth it for those eager to experience this innovative product.”
