KEMITO selected for SIAL Innovation 2026: international recognition for Confirel

Included in the official selection of the SIAL Innovation 2026 competition, KEMITO showcased Confirel and Cambodian expertise at SIAL Paris, which closed on 21 October at Paris Nord Villepinte. This recognition opens up new opportunities for the fermented botanical drink, presented to international industry professionals over five days at the Cambodia Pavilion.

A place among the world’s food innovations

For its 30th edition, the SIAL Innovation competition received more than 2,750 entries from around the world. Its jury of more than 120 experts chose 775 products for the official selection, including KEMITO. The selection recognised Confirel’s approach to innovation, bringing together Khmer botanical heritage and fermentation science.

KEMITO is made from organic noni, naturally fermented for six months with palm sugar and effective microorganisms, then blended with an infusion of five plants. This process, for which a patent application has been filed with France’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), produces a complex drink that is only lightly sweet.

Building on contacts made at the show

At the Cambodia Pavilion, inaugurated by Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul, the Confirel team introduced KEMITO to buyers, distributors and journalists through presentations and tastings. Following the show, the priority is now to follow up on these contacts and turn the interest generated into commercial partnerships.

“SIAL allowed us to see how KEMITO measures up to the expectations of professionals from around the world. The jury’s selection and the reception at our stand confirm that Cambodian innovation has a rightful place on the international food scene. We returned to Phnom Penh with new potential partners and the ambition to go further,” said Dr Hay Ly Eang, founder of Confirel.

Enhancing the value of Cambodia’s local resources

This latest milestone builds on the approach Confirel has pursued since its founding in 2001: combining the resources of Cambodia’s terroirs, scientific research and responsible production to develop high-value-added products. Already present in several international markets, the company also supports more than 130 palm sugar-producing families in Kampong Speu. With KEMITO, it is taking this ambition further by exploring new market opportunities for Cambodian innovation.