Fortification for all

BANGKOK, THAILAND - The rice fortification conference held here last week, (see "Rice Fortification Conference Update," USA Rice Daily, September 17, 2014), concluded with the decision that rinse-resistant coating technology would be accepted for global food assistance programs - a positive development for the U.S. rice industry, and in line with the official position of the USA Rice Federation.

The conference focused on the diverse technologies available that will allow for a global scale up of rice fortification to address persistent micronutrient deficiencies across the globe.  After analyzing the technologies against critical factors for effectiveness and nutrient retention, it was determined that two technologies are appropriate for scaling up rice fortification: extrusion and rinse-resistant coating. 

While USA Rice supports the inclusion of all nutritionally similar rice fortification technologies, rinse-resistant coated rice is already in production in the U.S., and is less expensive than the extruded rice product - which could be a determining factor for food aid agencies going forward.

The U.S. donor community is optimistic about the addition of fortified rice to food aid programs and its impact on reducing micronutrient deficiencies.  Endorsement of fortified rice for use in U.S. government and WFP feeding programs could result in a significant increase in the use of U.S. origin rice in traditional and innovative food aid programs.  

"This outcome is a win/win situation for the U.S. rice industry and global nutrition," said Jamie Warshaw, USA Rice Federation's Food Aid subcommittee chairman. "With multiple fortification technologies available, U.S. government enthusiasm, and the fact that all fortification technologies will require fortified kernels to be blended with milled rice, we are prepared to help deliver maximum nutrition to those in need."

Contact:  Sarah Moran (703) 236-1457

Bring on the pilav... with U.S. medium grain

ISTANBUL, TURKEY -- The USA Rice Federation hosted a trade seminar here last week in collaboration with the country's major packer association, PAKDER, representing more than 40 major rice packers and distributors.

USA Rice Regional Director Hartwig Schmidt gave an overview of the current U.S. rice supply and demand situation, crop status, and yield expectations.

PAKDER President Ismet Aral presented a new action plan, coordinated with the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture, that requires clear identification of variety and country-of-origin information on rice packages, and establishes significant penalties for companies that blend differing varieties or origins or rice without clearly informing consumers.  This is a clear benefit to U.S. rice which enjoys a quality image advantage over alternative sources.

A representative from a retail research company discussed the many changes taking place in the retail sector as more and more rice is sold in smaller consumer-sized packages, as well as under private labels at major supermarkets.  Rapid urbanization and GDP growth has led to increased per capita consumption of rice and greater reliance on shopping in modern supermarkets which comprised 57 percent of retail food sales in 2013.  Consumers are also showing a growing preference for branded products.

Samples of medium grain rice were distributed, and, after the program, attendees were treated to a buffet lunch featuring several rice dishes using Jupiter and Calrose rice from the United States.

"Seminars like this where we get to communicate directly with the trade are invaluable," said Jim Guinn, USA Rice's vice president of international promotion.  "Turkey is a growing market for U.S. rice and we count on opportunities like this to overcome market constraints and maintain that positive momentum."

Contact:  Eszter Somogyi 011-49-40-4503-8667