Vietnam's ST25 Rice Claims Second Place at World Rice Conference 2026

On October 9, 2026, the ST25 rice brand, known as Gạo Ông Cua, achieved second place in the 'World's Best Rice' competition held during the World Rice Conference in Manila, Philippines. The top honor was awarded to Myanmar, while the Philippines took third place, and India and Thailand shared fourth.

The competition featured rice samples from various countries, evaluated by a panel of international chefs and experts. They assessed the rice both in its raw state and after cooking, based on criteria such as uniformity, grain length, aroma, texture, and natural sweetness. This rigorous evaluation process underscores the high standards expected in such prestigious contests.

The ST25 rice variety has a storied history, having previously won the top prize at this competition in 2019, 2023, and 2025, and placing in the top three in 2017 with its predecessor, ST24. The consistent recognition of ST25 over the years reflects its reliable quality and the dedication of its creators, particularly engineer Hồ Quang Cua, who has spent over 30 years developing and refining this rice variety in the Mekong Delta region.

The Gạo Ông Cua brand is produced by Hồ Quang Trí Private Enterprise, which has secured trademark protection in several key markets, including the United States, the European Union, Australia, and China. The brand is also officially exported through various distribution channels in the U.S., Australia, and Canada.

“He stated that the recognition affirms the quality of their rice and enhances the brand's visibility internationally.”Hồ Quang Trí, Director of Hồ Quang Trí Private Enterprise

According to Hồ Quang Trí, the director of the enterprise, the achievement in 2026 continues the legacy of ST25, highlighting Vietnam's growing reputation in the global rice market. He stated that the recognition affirms the quality of their rice and enhances the brand's visibility internationally.

In the context of increasing demand for high-quality rice, especially in the Philippines, where Vietnam has been a significant supplier, the performance of ST25 is particularly relevant. In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam's rice exports to the Philippines reached $1.19 billion, despite a 16.8% decrease compared to the previous year. This accounted for over 27% of Vietnam's total export revenue to the Philippines.

Looking ahead, the potential impact of El Niño later in 2026 raises concerns about food shortages in the Philippines, which could further increase the demand for imported rice. Therefore, maintaining the quality and expanding the reach of Vietnamese rice brands like ST25 will be crucial for sustaining market presence and exploring new export opportunities.