Rice Trader CEO honors Vietnam’s ST25 rice innovator

(NLDO) - ST25 rice continues to affirm the position of Vietnamese rice on the global map, as the 2025 competition saw fierce competition.

On February 2 in Can Tho City, The Rice Trader organization presented the “World’s Best Rice 2025” trophy to Labor Hero Ho Quang Cua, along with the research team behind the ST25 rice variety.

Mr. Jeremy Zwinger, Chairman and CEO of The Rice Trader, remarked that the recent competition was highly competitive, with many countries submitting samples. The judging panel evaluated the rice across multiple criteria, including appearance, taste, and aroma. Due to the intense level of competition, rice from two countries - Cambodia and Vietnam - were awarded first prize.

Mr. Jeremy Zwinger shared that, on this special occasion, he chose to travel to Vietnam to personally present the trophy to engineer Ho Quang Cua. His decision reflects deep respect for Vietnam's rice industry, as well as admiration for Mr. Cua and the dedicated research team behind the award‑winning ST25 variety, which has triumphed three times. He emphasized that this moment also serves as an opportunity to honor and acknowledge the remarkable contributions of Labor Hero Ho Quang Cua.

"To me, Mr. Ho Quang Cua is an extraordinary individual. Despite reaching the height of success, he remains profoundly humble - never speaking of his own achievements, but always highlighting the farmers and the dedicated team of engineers who have stood by him over the years. Moreover, the ST25 rice variety is truly Vietnam's 'white gold,' a treasure that deserves to be celebrated and honored," Mr. Zwinger emphasized.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr. Ho Quang Cua said this was a shared joy. He expressed his gratitude to The Rice Trader organization, noting that thanks to the competition, ST25 rice has become known worldwide, gained market acceptance, helped farmers expand production, and contributed to the economy.

Mr. Jeremy Zwinger announced that The Rice Trader has partnered with Netflix to produce an eight‑episode series spotlighting the global rice competition. The project aims to give audiences worldwide deeper insight into the contest while highlighting the unique value of Vietnamese rice.