ST25 Rice Earned Second Place at World Competition
The variety developed by Ho Quang Cua ranked second in the 2026 World's Best Rice competition held in Manila.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Organic Food
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Vietnam's ST25 rice variety took second place at the 2026 World Rice Conference competition in Manila. Myanmar secured first place while the Philippines took third in the annual global event.
Why it matters
Understanding global rice rankings helps consumers identify high-quality varieties based on rigorous grain uniformity, texture, and taste standards. These international evaluations highlight consistent performers like ST25, which has seen repeated success in recent years.
The 2026 World Rice Conference featured a judging panel that evaluated entries as both raw and cooked samples to assess quality. The criteria prioritized five key metrics: grain uniformity, length, aroma, texture, and taste.
The players
Ho Quang Cua
The developer of the ST25 rice variety who dedicated 30 years to agricultural research.
The details
The competition results are based on sensory and structural analysis conducted by a panel of judges. ST25 rice, a variety that required 30 years of research by Ho Quang Cua, is evaluated against international standards for consistency. The brand maintains protected trademark status in several major markets, including the U.S., UK, EU, Australia, Hong Kong, and China.
Timeline
2017: ST25 rice won third place in the international competition.
2019, 2023, 2025: ST25 rice earned first place in the World's Best Rice competition.
October 7-9, 2026: The World Rice Conference took place in Manila.
Health Landscape
The World's Best Rice competition serves as a global benchmark for grain quality and consistency within the agricultural sector. These rankings reflect broader trends in rice production, where multi-decade research efforts aim to optimize both flavor and physical grain characteristics.
Selecting rice varieties based on established quality criteria like grain uniformity and texture can improve the consistency and nutrient profile of your home-cooked meals. If you are interested in trying award-winning grains, check for verified trademark branding to ensure you are purchasing the authentic ST25 variety.
The takeaway
The performance of ST25 rice demonstrates that specific varieties can consistently meet high international standards for texture and aroma over several years. When shopping for premium grains, prioritize products with verified labels and consistent performance records to ensure the quality of your staples.
Further reading
Learn more about high-quality varieties and agricultural standards in our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tuoi tre news.
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