Rice

Global Highlights

LDC is a world leader in the merchandizing of rice, a crucial staple that provides more than a fifth of the calories consumed by people worldwide

Merchandizer

LDC is the leading merchandizer of rice on the global market

Distributor

We are one of the leading rice distributors in Africa by volume

Supplier

We supply paddy, brown and milled rice, mainly from Asia and South America

About Rice

Approximately 488 million tons of rice are grown annually around the world. Asia accounts for around 90% of global rice production, 85% of global demand and 75% of the world’s exportable surplus.

Most rice is consumed as white rice (husked and polished), however rice flour is becoming popular with bakers as a gluten-free starch alternative, and rice milling by-products include bran, oil and starch.

Thailand, India and Vietnam are the world’s top three rice exporters, followed by the US, Pakistan, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil and Myanmar. Africa accounts for approximately one third of global demand.

Our Rice Value Chain

Each of our business lines is integrating further across the five steps of our value chain, as we respond to the need for a traceable and responsible supply line from farmer to consumer

01Originate

We share our expertise with farmers and producers worldwide, ourselves or with business partners and expert organizations, as part of our commitment to responsible, sustainable and traceable supply chains

02Process & Refine

Once bought or harvested, we bring crops to our assets for the next stage in their journey. These are ethically and sustainably processed and refined, coming one step closer to the consumer.

03Store & Transport

Our strategically located network of silos, warehouses, transloading facilities and ports allows us facilitate access to market for local farmers around the globe and enable us to control costs and mitigate risk throughout the product journey

04Research & Merchandize

Our depth of marketing and merchandizing experience is our greatest strength. All our platforms and regions rely on our market knowledge to ensure responsive supply.

05Customize & Distribute

We supply products to a wide range of customers, from large multinationals to local manufacturers and retailers

01Originate

02Process & Refine

Once bought or harvested, we bring crops to our assets for the next stage in their journey. These are ethically and sustainably processed and refined, coming one step closer to the consumer.

03Store & Transport

04Research & Merchandize

Our depth of marketing and merchandizing experience is our greatest strength. All our platforms and regions rely on our market knowledge to ensure responsive supply.

05Customize & Distribute

We supply products to a wide range of customers, from large multinationals to local manufacturers and retailers

Our Strengths in Brazil

Brazilian rice is recognized in major consumer markets around the world for its excellent quality, and LDC has been among the leading exporters of rice from Brazil since 2009.

We have a strong presence in local rice origination by means of a value chain comprising highly trained professionals, while our extensive experience in marketing, hiring freight and managing port operations ensures the proper flow of exports.

LDC exports various types of rice from Brazil, including high-quality whole white and parboiled rice to Europe, polished parboiled rice to Africa, and polished white rice to the Middle East and Central America. We also market rice husk for processing and exports, ensuring quality and lead time.

Our rice operations in Brazil are complemented by LDC’s export operations in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, offering buyers access to a wide variety of country-specific options.

Committed to Sustainability

As a leading purchaser of Asian rice, mostly in bulk from wholesalers and local traders, we are committed to ensuring fair working conditions for all in our supply chain. In 2019, we took steps to review and understand potential labor and human rights issues in our rice supply chains, working with relevant stakeholders in Thailand and Vietnam

In Africa, we are working with partners to support smallholder rice farmers to increase their competitiveness and gain access to the domestic market.