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Synopsis: Cambodian rice varieties of boiled rice, basmati rice and fragrant rice are in demand in the South African market.

Cambodian rice exporters are setting their sights on the South African market, with a strong presence expected at the upcoming African Food Show as they seek to diversify and expand their international reach.

Signature Rice Co. Ltd, Cambodia’s leading rice exporter, takes the lead in Cambodia’s rice sector, exploring the market out there.

Joining the African Food Show is the first time for his company and the first time for Cambodia’s rice exporters, said Chan Pich, General Manager of Signatures Rice.

The firm wants to see what specific rice varieties this market demands and Cambodia’s rice exporters can export and supply to, he said.

“Joining the show is to seek new opportunities and to assess the market’s potential, engage in direct discussions with prospective buyers, and proudly showcase Cambodia’s best quality rice,” Pich told Khmer Times.

According to Pich, rice varieties of boiled rice, basmati rice, fragrant rice and second-grade fragrant rice are in demand in the South African market.

“They already import fragrant rice from Thailand, and we believe our high-quality Cambodian fragrant rice can be a strong competitor to import to this market,” he said.

The Africa Food Show is being held at the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, from 10 -12 June, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Supported by the globally recognised Gulfood brand, the Africa Food Show will be the gateway to the food and beverage sourcing landscape across Africa.

The firm views the participation in the African Food Show as a crucial step in understanding and penetrating this new market.

Cambodia has been actively working to boost its agricultural exports, with rice being a cornerstone of its economy.

Chan Sokkheang, President of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), has recently expressed optimism that rice exports to increase as the association is working to push exports to exciting exporting destinations and open new markets.

“CRF has opened new markets, and exports to the target destinations have increased. These are positive signs of the commodity export to increase this year,” he said.

The Kingdom exported 344,199 tonnes of milled rice in the first five months of the current year, earning $252 million in revenue, CRF report.

Exported milled rice varieties included fragrant rice, long grain white rice, parboiled rice, and organic rice.

The report also stated that Cambodia generated over $740 million in revenue from border-traded paddy rice, with the quantity traded standing at 3.1 million tonnes during the first five months of 2025.

Source : khmertimeskh