Phnom Penh: Exports of Cambodian fresh mangoes are up a staggering 251% year-on-year, over the first eight months of the year. The kingdom exported a total of 163,828 tonnes of the fruit between January and August. The figures have been released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

It’s not only the fresh fruit that’s enjoying a boom time. Exports of mango jam are up 195% and those of mango syrup have increased by 79%. 14,087 tonnes of mango jam and over 4,000 tonnes of mango syrup were sent to buyers on the international market. Exports are up so sharply mainly due to new business from China. Other main markets for Cambodian mango products include Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan, the United Kingdom and the US.

Currently, more than 100,000 hectares of land in Cambodia are being used to grow mangoes, most especially in Kampong Speu, Kampot, Battambang and Banteay Meanchey. Over 1.5 million tonnes of the fruit are set to be harvested annually.