Rice & Rice Products comprise a foundational category within global food staples, centered around the edible grains of the grass species Oryza sativa (Asian rice) or Oryza glaberrima (African rice). This category is characterized by its role as a primary source of calories and nutrition for over half the world’s population, with thousands of varieties classified by grain length, texture, and aroma. The core of the category is whole grain rice, including white rice (milled to remove the bran and germ) and brown rice (which retains the bran layer, offering more fiber and nutrients). Beyond basic grains, the category expands to include processed rice products such as rice flour, used in baking and noodles; rice noodles like vermicelli and pho; rice paper for spring rolls; and specialty items like puffed rice for snacks and glutinous rice for desserts. Breakfast cereals, crackers, and rice cakes also fall under this umbrella. Packaged in bags, boxes, or vacuum-sealed packs to preserve freshness, rice and its derivatives are kitchen staples prized for their versatility, long shelf life, and cultural significance. The category continues to evolve with innovations including fortified rice with added vitamins, quick-cooking and pre-cooked options, organic and heirloom varieties, and rice-based alternatives to pasta or dairy, meeting modern demands for health, convenience, and dietary diversity.
