Malys Angkor: Cambodian Rice Crowned Best Rice in the World Once Again

The scent of success floated this weekend in Phnom Penh. Amid the applause of an enthusiastic audience, Cambodian rice Malys Angkor once again won the trophy for Best Rice in the World 2025 at the prestigious The Rice Trader World Rice Conference, held in the Kingdom's capital from November 7 to 9.

This accolade, the seventh since 2012, honors a decade of excellence and consistency, making Cambodia one of the leading players in the premium rice world.

A Victory Born from Farmers' Work

‘This distinction first and foremost belongs to our farmers,’ said the Ministry of Commerce in a statement issued after the ceremony. ‘Their commitment, rigor, and love for the land have allowed Cambodian rice to rank among the best agricultural products in the world.’

Malys Angkor, a fragrant variety with a subtle floral aroma, is cultivated in the irrigated plains of Battambang and Pursat, where golden rice fields show the patience of the farmers. Its soft texture, pearly whiteness, and rich aroma result from an alchemy between the alluvial soil of the Mekong and knowledge passed down through generations.

Sophal, a rice producer from the Kampong Thom region, shares this pride:

‘Each grain represents our sweat and hope. When we learn that Cambodian rice is conquering the world again, we say our efforts were not in vain.’

Phnom Penh, World Capital of Rice

For the first time, Cambodia hosted the World Rice Conference. Over three days, more than 500 experts, researchers, and international traders discussed contemporary challenges in the sector: climate change, price volatility, and production sustainability.

The capital thus became a global showcase for Cambodian know-how. Amid colorful stands and tastings, Malys Angkor rice captivated with its delicate fragrance. Judges from Asia, Europe, and America praised the perfect balance of texture, taste, and presentation.

‘Cambodian rice fascinates with its finesse and authenticity. It offers a rare tasting experience, imbued with identity,’ commented a jury member based in Singapore.

A Sector on the Rise

Beyond the trophy, this award confirms the vitality of a booming sector. According to the most recent report from the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), the Kingdom exported 596,341 tons of milled rice between January and September 2025, a 33.7% increase compared to 2024. These sales generated $408 million in revenue, with an additional $1.209 billion coming from cross-border paddy trade.

This growth relies on a clear strategy: prioritizing quality, strengthening traceability, and developing high value-added markets. ‘Cambodian rice does not seek to compete with its neighbors by volume,’ explains CRF president Hun Lak. ‘Our goal is to build a national brand synonymous with purity, durability, and elegance.’

From Field to Table: The Cambodian Art of Rice

In the countryside, this global recognition translates into a surge of pride and motivation. Producers, long confronted with structural obstacles, now benefit from increased support: mechanization, training, access to microcredit, and logistical support.

The government, supported by international partners, has developed genetic improvement and climate adaptation programs. The goal: to create varieties resistant to natural hazards without compromising taste quality.

‘We want each sack of Cambodian rice to tell a story: that of an agriculture evolving without betraying its soul,’ insists the Ministry of Agriculture.

Beyond the economy, an entire cultural identity is expressed. Rice, a sacred food and symbol of prosperity, accompanies ceremonies, offerings, and daily meals in the country. Through Malys Angkor, Cambodia exports not only a commodity but also a part of its collective memory.

A Success Bearing Diplomacy and Identity

Facing giants like Thailand, Vietnam, and India, Cambodia is charting an original path: quality and identity. This strategic choice strengthens its image in trade negotiations and attracts new partners.

The European Union remains one of the main markets, followed by China and the Middle East. The reputation of Malys Angkor now extends to gourmet stores in Paris and starred restaurants in Tokyo.

‘Cambodian rice has become a national ambassador,’ notes agricultural economist Chhean Vannak

‘Each international recognition consolidates not only our economy but also our image as a country of know-how and authenticity.’

The Future: Between Sustainability and Innovation

Cambodia's next challenge will be to combine performance and sustainability. Threats related to climate change, soil salinity, and water scarcity call for innovative solutions. Pilot projects on ecological rice farming, based on reducing chemical inputs and energy recovery from straw residues, are already underway in the central provinces.

Young entrepreneurs are also developing digital value chains: direct sales platforms, blockchain certification, mobile traceability. These initiatives demonstrate the vitality of a generation that sees rice no longer as a subsistence crop but as a lever of modernity and sovereignty.

When Excellence Becomes Heritage

By winning the title of Best Rice in the World for the seventh time, Cambodia is not just celebrating a technical and gustatory victory; it is asserting an ambition: to inscribe its name durably on the global map of gastronomic excellence. In Battambang as well as Phnom Penh, the same feeling dominates: the quiet pride of a country that transforms the ancestral heritage of rice into a symbol of the future.