Sun Valley Rice is officially the name behind the very first contract confirming a U.S. company to export rice to China. The company will specifically supply the company’s premium California Calrose medium-grain rice for a variety of purposes including retail and food distribution.
“Fifteen years of patience and hard work have paid off. It is truly an honor and a privilege to blaze this trail of trading history — American rice in China,” said Ken LaGrande, CEO of Sun Valley Rice.
The California-based LaGrande Family Foods Group member company will supply this rice directly to Shenzhen Hong Tai – known as one of the largest importers of rice in the region.
“We chose Sun Valley Rice because when we first toured the U.S., we went to California and witnessed that Sun Valley Rice had clearly studied Asian cultures deeply (especially Japanese and Chinese),” commented William Li, Overseas Director, Shenzhen Yintuo & Vice President, Dragon Ocean Hing Group.
LaGrande Family Foods Group boasts agricultural roots in the Sacramento Valley going back over one hundred years, as the family called the region home in the 1850’s after relocating from France. The company’s location is also known as one of the most ideal regions for growing short and medium-grained rice as it offers an optimal environment and agricultural advantage.
“We understand the role that small, local family farms play in feeding the world — since we come from one,” concluded LaGrande.
Jim Guinn, Director, Asia Promotion Programs, USA Rice Federation; William Li, Overseas Director, Shenzhen Yintuo & Vice President, Dragon Ocean Hing Group, Jim Levy, U.S. Consul General to China, U.S. Embassy; Chris Zhang, President, Dragon Ocean Hing Group; Erin O’Donnell, Assistant Vice President of Global Rice Trading, Sun Valley Rice; Bobby Richey Jr., Minister-Counselor for Agricultural Affairs in China, USDA