Riceberry has been endorsed under the plant variety protection law since 2017 and trademarks have been registered successfully both in Thailand and internationally under the Department of Intellectual Properties since 2011. In total, the return of research investment was estimated to be approximately 600 million THB. The investment return for this farmland is estimated at 6,500 Thai Baht (THB) per Rai with the benefits averaging 32,500 THB per season (1,354 $ per hectare). Today, there are approximately 20,000 Rai of Riceberry registered to a variety of organic certification programmes including transitional, organic Thailand, IFOAM, EU, COR, and USDA (1).
Notably, Riceberry bran is loaded with powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents and vital health-promoting compounds that can help to lower the risks from disease.Ĭertified organic Riceberry rice valleys have been established in 12 focus areas around the north and northeast of Thailand where the climate is favourable for the growth of high-quality rice. To date, there are 65 research projects focused on Riceberry with 39 patent applications and 18 endorsed patents. The purple-black coloured grain was developed by Prof Vanavichit’s team in 2002 and several years of integrated research into its nutritional properties, anthocyanin stability, and physical and cooking properties followed. Riceberry was developed from a cross between two renowned Thai rice strains: Jao Hom Nin, a Thai non-glutinous purple rice, and Khoa Dawk Mali 105 (Thai Hommali rice). The researchers initially developed Riceberry with the aim of boosting nutritional values, fragrance and the taste of rice. An ideal source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, Professor Apichart Vanavichit and his research team at the Rice Science Center, Kasetsart University show that the wholegrain offers many additional health benefits. Very popular among vegetarian, vegan, and health-conscious consumers, it is positioned as an organic food and has excelled in premium markets, gaining a high price.
Whole grain Riceberry rice entered the Thai rice market over ten years ago and is well known for its distinctive appearance, nutritional value and numerous health benefits. Its rich purple pigment, like most super foods, is associated with the abundance of phytochemicals, in this case over 80 antioxidant compounds. Developed at Kasetsart University’s Rice Science Centre in Thailand with the help of Apichart Vanavichit’s research team, consumption of the whole grain promises a sustainable solution to several non-communicable diseases, namely food related chronic diseases. It first entered the Thai market over ten years ago, and today Riceberry rice is known amongst consumers for its distinctive appearance, nutritional value and numerous health benefits.