Vietnam's ST25 Rice Secures 'World's Best' Title for Third Time at Cambodian Conference

The Vietnamese rice variety ST25, which is also known by the affectionate moniker "Ong Qua Rice," has successfully clinched the prestigious title of "The World's Best Rice" for an impressive third time. This significant agricultural achievement was officially announced at the conclusion of the 7th Global Rice Trade Conference, an event that wrapped up its proceedings on November 9, 2025, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Notably, the judges decided to share this year's top honor, with ST25 splitting the coveted accolade with the Cambodian variety Phka Romdoul. This joint victory is being celebrated across the region as a shared triumph, underscoring the high quality of rice production standards throughout Asia.

This repeated international success is not a matter of chance; rather, it is the direct culmination of decades of dedicated effort and painstaking agricultural research and development. The visionary behind the creation of this exceptional strain is Labor Hero Ho Quang Cua. Along with his specialized team at the private enterprise Ho Quang Tri, Cua invested more than 30 years into the rigorous process of breeding premium, aromatic rice varieties designed specifically to meet stringent global consumer demands. ST25 is meticulously cultivated in Vietnam's Soc Trang province, adhering strictly to international quality benchmarks, specifically the ISO 22000 and HACCP standards, which ensure both food safety and quality management throughout the supply chain.

The physical attributes of the ST25 rice are highly desirable and contribute significantly to its widespread appeal. It is characterized by its long-grain structure, its distinct translucence, and the complete absence of chalkiness, which often indicates lower quality. However, its defining characteristic, and what truly sets it apart from international competitors, remains its exceptional softness when cooked and its remarkable ability to retain the distinct, appealing aroma of pandan and young rice even after the grains have completely cooled. This unique combination of texture and sustained fragrance makes it highly sought after for various culinary applications worldwide.

ST25 is no stranger to the winner's circle, having previously secured the top spot in 2019 and again in 2023 during competitions held in the Philippines. This recent victory in 2025 completes a remarkable, consistent cycle of wins—2019, 2023, and 2025—firmly establishing ST25 as the undisputed gold standard in the premium rice segment globally. Such high-profile international recognition provides a powerful and immediate catalyst for the entire Vietnamese rice sector, serving as a stamp of approval that validates the product's superior quality.

These awards open crucial doors, facilitating entry into the world's most discerning and demanding consumer markets, including key economies like the United States, Japan, Europe, and Australia. The superior, unique characteristics of the ST25 variety are directly reflected in its considerable market valuation. Export prices for this particular strain have reached impressive levels, commanding between $1100 and $1200 USD per tonne. This premium pricing structure serves as a clear, tangible indicator of how an internal focus on maintaining impeccable quality standards translates directly into significant external economic opportunities. By strengthening the country’s image as a leading, high-quality producer, this success substantially boosts the incomes of Vietnamese farmers and reinforces the nation’s position in the global agricultural landscape. The unwavering commitment shown by the Ho Quang Tri team to their vision, despite various external challenges, consistently leads to global acknowledgment and an expansion of market influence.