Vietnam secures title for World's Best Rice

By Thi Ha November 30, 2023 | 06:43 pm PT

Ho Quang Cua, the developer of ST25 rice, receives the World's Best Rice award at the 2023 World's Best Rice Contest in the Philippines. Photo courtesy of Ho Quang Cua

Vietnam has been named the winner of the World's Best Rice Contest for the second time, with six varieties, including the renowned ST25.

The six varieties were submitted by two each from three companies: Ho Quang Tri Private Company, Loc Troi and Thaibinh Seed.

They include the ST25 rice developed by farmer-scientist Ho Quang Tri which won the same contest in 2019.

The organizer did not give an award for one specific variety this year but instead awarded a country as a whole. Cambodia came second and India third.

30 rice samples were submitted by more than 10 countries for this contest.

ST25 rice is the result of 25 years of work by farmer-scientist Ho Quang Cua and his colleagues who cross-bred the premium fragrant rice of Soc Trang Province described as having a sweet taste and a hint of pineapple flavor.

The World’s Best Rice Contest, hosted by the Philippines this year, is held annually since 2009 by U.S. firm The Rice Trader. Last year, Cambodia claimed the first place.