Vietnam has been declared the winner of the World’s Best Rice Contest for the second time, featuring six varieties, including the renowned ST25. These six varieties were submitted by three companies, with two entries each: Ho Quang Tri Private Company, Loc Troi, and Thaibinh Seed.
Among them is the ST25 rice, developed by farmer-scientist Ho Quang Tri, which previously won the same contest in 2019. This year, the organizers did not award a specific variety but instead recognized a country as a whole. Cambodia secured the second position, followed by India in third place.
More than 10 countries submitted a total of 30 rice samples for this competition.
ST25 rice is the outcome of 25 years of collaboration led by farmer-scientist Ho Quang Cua and his colleagues. They crossbred premium fragrant rice from Soc Trang Province, characterized by its sweet taste and a hint of pineapple flavor.
The World’s Best Rice Contest, hosted by the Philippines this year, has been an annual event since 2009, organized by the U.S. firm The Rice Trader. Last year, Cambodia claimed the top spot.