Vietnam has clinched the World’s Best Rice Contest title for the second time, showcasing six distinct varieties, including the renowned ST25. The submissions comprised two varieties each from three companies: Ho Quang Tri Private Company, Loc Troi, and Thaibinh Seed.

Among the submitted varieties, the ST25 rice, developed by farmer-scientist Ho Quang Tri, emerged victorious in the same contest in 2019. Unlike previous years, the organizer opted not to give an award for a specific variety but recognized a country as a whole. In this context, Cambodia secured the second position, followed by India in third place.

Over 10 countries participated in the contest, submitting a total of 30 rice samples. The ST25 rice, a product of 25 years of collaborative efforts by farmer-scientist Ho Quang Cua and colleagues, is the result of cross-breeding premium fragrant rice from Soc Trang Province. This variety is described as having a sweet taste with a subtle 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. Cambodia claimed the top spot in the previous year’s competition.