Background Information regarding Pakistani Rice:
Rice is considered one of the primary energy resources of half of the world’s population. Pakistan is a significant consumer of rice in the world today. Also, it is one of the major exporters of rice. Rice is consumed as the staple food grain in Pakistan, along with wheat. Pakistani cuisine includes a lot of popular rice dishes.
60% of Pakistani rice is a surplus that is available for export. By 2010, Pakistan was exporting premium quality rice to around 209 countries around the world. It exports to about 3.7 million tons of rice. Through this export, it earns approximately 2.8 billion dollars a foreign exchange annually.
Significant countries around the world buy Pakistani rice in massive quantities. These include the United Arab Emirates UK, Belgium, Oman, and Kenya.
Export of Rice in Pakistan
Rice is one of the major exports of Pakistan. Pakistan is among the top 10 largest rice-producing countries in the world. Initially, the government exported rice by an association known as Rice export Corporation of Pakistan.
After rice export was allowed for the public, a new Association of the people emerged. It was known as the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan.
Step by Step Procedure to import Rice from Pakistan:
Here, we will discuss the step by step procedure for import/export registration, custom process, and cargo and shipping methods in Pakistan.
To import rice from Pakistan, follow the essential steps mentioned below.
- Select a prominent rice exporter or supplier from Pakistan. Below we have given some details about the leading rice export companies of Pakistan.
- Choose your variety and determine the quantity you need.
- Fill out their order form. Some companies provide free samples. You may order free samples if you require.
- Ensure that the company you order from is affiliated with the REAP (Rice Export Association of Pakistan)
- Pay through online banking.
- Choose your shipment method. For rice, you may adopt LCL Shipment or FCL Shipment. FCL refers to Full Container Load, and LCL refers to less than Container load. You should choose your shipment method based on the quantity of your order.
- Your consignment will be ready to be shipped.
- When your consignment arrives at the port, the CBP (Customs & Border Protection) Officer will verify your documents and release your goods.
Types of Rice grown in Pakistan:
Typically, there are three varieties of rice cultivated in Pakistan for domestic consumption and export. These include:
- Aromatic Basmati
- Medium Long Grain Variety (IRRI)
- Bold grain variety (Cold temperature tolerant)
Basmati variety is the best quality of rice available. It is famous for its pleasant aroma and taste. Both Brown Basmati and White Basmati are extensively grown in Pakistan.
Apart from the three primary varieties, some other good quality rice is also available for export in Pakistan. These include:
- DR 82
- Sada Hayat
- Shadab
- Swat 1
- IR 6
- Swat 2
- Super Basmati
- DR 92
- Khushboo 95
- Rachna Basmati
- Kashmir Nafees Variety
- DR 83
- Saheen Basmati
- Sarshar 2006
- KS 282
Areas of rice cultivation in Pakistan:
Rice originated in Central-Eastern China around 7000 years ago. Archaeological shreds of evidence state that the Chinese were the first people to cultivate rice.
In Pakistan, rice is grown in the summer. Rice is sown on an approximate area of 2.9 million hectares. This cultivated area accounts for 10% of the agricultural land of Pakistan. Rice is cultivated on both the agricultural plains of Pakistan, namely Punjab and Sindh.
Gujranwala in Punjab is one of the major rice cultivation areas of Pakistan. It is also known as the ‘Basmati Bowl’ of Pakistan.
List Of The Best Rice Suppliers and Exporters in Pakistan
Following is the list of some of the best Basmati and non-basmati rice suppliers in Pakistan.
1. MATCO Foods Limited
MATCO Foods Limited has been supplying rice all over the world for 50 years. They export rice to more than 60 countries around the world. The company provides premium quality rice to 150 corporate customers internationally. They have rice plants built over extensive areas in Punjab.
MATCO Foods Limited has installed a state-of-the-art rice plant in Gujranwala. It has collaborated with the latest American, British and Japanese technologies for rice production. This company craves to be the leading technologically advanced company. Their vision is to become the largest parboiling and rice husking company in Pakistan.
MATCO is the only agricultural processing company in Pakistan in which World Bank Group has invested equity.
Their main rice varieties include The Super white Basmati rice and the Super Brown Basmati Rice. They also export ‘Sella Basmati Rice,’ which is parboiled rice. Also, they have Steam Basmati Rice and Superfine Basmati Rice.
2. AK Enterprises Rice Millers and Exporters
Since 1994, AK Enterprises is recognized as the leading rice miller and exporter of Pakistan.
Their factory is equipped with modern machinery and professional staff who are well trained. They are well-reputed for their timely delivery and high standard shipment.
AK Enterprises won the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point award, also known as HACCP. It also boasts of being ISO Certified due to its quality performance.
3. Pak Rice (PREC)
Pak Rice is a leading Pakistani Rice Export Company (PREC). They are a popular food manufacturing and trading company. Their premium quality Basmati Rice has a unique taste and heavenly aroma. They have a stronghold in the local as well as the foreign market. Their commodities are very competitive due to their international standards.
Pak Rice has a professional rice inspection team to control the routine analysis. The team ensures that their product’s quality is hygienic right from its production to delivery to the valued customers.
Moreover, they keep their customers updated regarding the shipment through pictures and video links.
For more information, you can email them at info@pakrice.pk or visit them at https://pakrice.pk.
4. Al Khwaja Rice Millers, Processors, and Exporters:
Situated in Lahore, Khwaja Rice Mills started its operation in 1950. Initially, it was a small family business that grew into a large enterprise. It provides its services in the domestic as well as the foreign market.
They have installed the most state-of-the-art rice processing, rice husking, and packaging machinery. They also have a modern rice steaming and parboiling facility.
Due to their ultra-modern machinery bought from around the world, they have become the No. 1 Rice exporters in Pakistan. They export Basmati and non-Basmati rice, which is steamed, parboiled, and raw.
Their current customers include corporate customers from the USA, Mauritius, Oman, UK, South Africa, Kenya, and the UAE.
They have so far won three awards for being one of the top ten rice exporters in Pakistan.
Their main export varieties include:
- Super Basmati (Raw, Steamed, Brown, and Parboiled)
- Kainaat 1121
- PK 386
- IRRI 9 / C9
For more info regarding Khwaja Rice, visit http://www.khawaja-rice.com/.
5. Haji Pir Mohammad & Sons Rice Dealers
Haji Pir Mohammad & Sons Rice Dealers is a renowned wholesaler of rice. They carefully select their products from the best agricultural farms in Pakistan.
They claim to provide the best quality Pakistani rice at the most affordable rates. They have a vast network giving customer satisfaction and quality service.
Their rice storing warehouses are state-of-the-art, engineered for necessary fumigation, sampling, and aeration. The quality of their product is improving day by day owing to the quality control procedures. They have a highly experienced, professional inspection team committed to keeping their rice graded, textured, and well-cleaned.
For more information, visit them at https://www.hpmsrd.com/
6. ASC (Abdullah Safdar & CO)
ASC is a reputed Processor and exporter of Pakistani Basmati Rice. Besides, it manufactures and exports Himalayan Pink Salt. The company started operation in 2009, and they have been exporting a wide variety of premium quality rice globally.
The company boasts of being ISO Certified. Moreover, it is a member of the RCCI since 2013.it also holds the honor of being a corporate member of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP). Their annual sales amount to 1 million US Dollars.
The variety of Rice available for export at Abdullah Safdar & Co includes:
- Parboiled Basmati 1121
- Super Kernel Basamati
- Steam Basmati 1121
- IRRI-9 Long Grain White Rice
- IRRI-6 Long Grain White Rice
- PK-386 Long Grain White Rice
- Extended Grain Parboiled Rice PK-386
7. Compass Commodities International
Compass Commodities International is an alliance company of Compass Trading Corporation. It is one of the dominant business enterprises in Pakistan. It specializes in exporting all kinds of rice cultivated in Pakistan. It also deals in the export of other agricultural products of Pakistan. These include wheat, maize, sugar, seeds, and spices.
Its mission is to manufacture and provide premium quality domestic staple food throughout the world. It supplies rice to importers, retailers, and distributors globally.
Their rice processing mills are in Karachi. These mills run under the management of highly skilled personnel. These professionals ensure that Compass Commodities’ quality stays premium at any stage of production or packaging.
Their customer base is growing owing to their quality assurance. Moreover, they provide a wide variety of packaging ranging from 1 kg to 100 kg packs. They carry client orders precisely without delay.
This company is affiliated with the American Rice Trading Association and the Rice Export Association of Pakistan (REAP).
8. Shamima Trading Pvt Ltd.
Shamima Trading is a well-recognized company in International trade worldwide. A team of highly qualified and experienced professionals manages the company. Their export is expanding rapidly to various countries across four continents.
They remain in contact with their customers throughout the process of packaging, shipment, and delivery.
Shamima Trading has an exceptional quality control team. They organize frequent inspections at warehouses, shipment ports, and throughout the process of packaging.
They boast of being exclusive distributors of Pakistani rice to international companies globally.
Their approximate annual sale is around 1 million to 5 million US Dollars. Apart from rice, they also export onion, sugar, wheat flour, potatoes, textile garments, black pepper, lentils, and chickpeas.
9. Khan Rice Mills
In 1958, late Mumtaz Ali Khan started rice paddy cultivation on his farms at Muridke, in Shikarpur district of Pakistan. Since then, it has grown into an international company of rice production and export.
It exports to various countries in Europe and Asia. These include Iran, Doha, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kenya, Bahrain, Dubai, South Africa, the UK, Canada, Australia, and even Bangladesh.
Since then, Khan Rice Mills has introduced advanced rice drying, milling, polishing, and processing technologies.
KRM provides rice to buyers all over the world. It has two rice mills in Karachi and Muridke in Pakistan. With 40 years of experience in the rice field, it provides premium quality rice to its customers.
Khan Rice Mills deals in the following variety of rice:
- White Basmati
- Brown Basmati
- White non-Basmati
- Parboiled non-Basmati
For more information, visit their website at http://krmill.com.
10. Sarem Co.
Sarem Co. has flourished as one of the best rice exporters in Pakistan. Their premium quality rice is in demand all over the world. They use the most advanced methodologies for rice production. Their teams of experts do not compromise on the quality of their produce.
They claim at providing the best quality rice at the lowest prices. They also give a guarantee to their valued customers.
They deal in export of six varieties of rice. They aim at becoming the leading rice export company of Pakistan.
They have state-of-the-art facilities for rice packaging and transport. They follow all protocols of rice packaging.
Sarem Co. provides the facility of both LCL Shipment and FCL Shipment
Other prominent Rice Exporting companies include the Bahoo Rice Mills and the Latif Rice Mills.