All About Rice Wholesale Dealers You Need To Know

Rice wholesale dealers play a crucial role in the supply chain of the rice industry. They are the ones who procure bulk quantities of rice from farmers, mills, and other sources, and distribute them to retailers, wholesalers, and other buyers.  This write-up covers the sources for how to find reliable rice wholesale dealers.

1. Rice wholesale dealers overview

Rice wholesale dealers are businesses or individuals that purchase large quantities of rice directly from rice farmers or rice mills, and then sell that rice to retailers, restaurants, food service providers, and other bulk purchasers. These dealers typically operate in the wholesale market and provide rice in bulk quantities at lower prices than the retail market. Rice wholesale dealer may also offer different varieties of rice, such as long-grain, short-grain, and basmati rice, and may provide value-added services like cleaning and packaging to meet the specific needs of their customers.

1.1. Types of rice wholesale dealers

Wholesale rice dealers are typically state-owned or privately owned large-scale corporations that produce and export a significant portion of wholesale rice. They often have the resources to produce and export high volumes of rice at competitive prices, making them suitable for wholesale rice importers who are looking for high-volume, cost-effective wholesale rice.

• Direct dealer: Direct dealers offer their products directly to consumers through either online marketplaces or brick-and-mortar stores. This allows for a higher degree of visibility and regulation over product sourcing and quality, which can be beneficial for importers who desire greater control over sourcing and potentially reducing expenses.
• Cooperative dealer: Rice wholesale dealers that operate as cooperatives are owned and managed by a collective of farmers who prioritize the values of social and environmental sustainability. By importing from these dealers, importers can benefit from increased transparency and traceability in the supply chain, as well as receive better pricing and support the local community.

1.2. The main product of rice wholesale dealers

The main product of wholesale rice dealers is, of course, rice. Rice is a staple food for a large portion of the world’s population and is widely consumed in various forms, including whole grain, milled, and processed rice products. Rice wholesale dealers typically offer a wide variety of rice products to their customers, depending on their countries and market demand, including:

• Basmati rice: Basmati rice is the main product of wholesale rice dealers in India. This type of rice is a long-grain rice with a distinct aroma and flavor. It is commonly used in dishes like biryani, pulao, and pilaf.
• Jasmine rice: Jasmine rice is the main product of rice in Thailand. This type of rice is a long-grain rice with a delicate aroma and flavor. It is commonly used in dishes like Thai curry, stir-fry, and fried rice.
• White rice: Vietnam mainly grows and produces white rice . White rice is a milled rice that has had its bran and germ removed, leaving only the endosperm. In addition to white rice, rice wholesale dealers in Vietnam also offer other types of rice like jasmine rice and glutinous rice.

In addition to these types of rice, wholesale rice dealers may also offer value-added services like packaging, cleaning, and grading to meet the specific needs of their customers. Some dealers may also offer other related products like rice bran oil and rice flour.

1.3. Customers of rice wholesale dealers

The main customers of rice wholesale dealers are businesses involved in the food industry, such as retailers, processors, distributors, and food manufacturers. These businesses purchase rice in large quantities from wholesale dealers to meet the demands of their own customers, which may include:

• Grocery stores: Grocery stores purchase rice wholesale dealers and sell it to consumers.
• Restaurants: Restaurants purchase rice from wholesale dealers to use in their dishes.
• Food processors: Food processors use rice as an ingredient in their products, such as rice flour, rice cakes, and cereal.
• Governments and aid organizations: Governments and aid organizations purchase rice from wholesale dealers to distribute as food aid in times of crisis or to support food security initiatives.

2. Why should importers import rice from rice wholesale dealers

Overall, importing rice from wholesale rice dealers can provide importers with a cost-effective and reliable way to source high-quality rice to meet the demands of their customers.

• Affordable price: Rice wholesale dealers offer lower prices per unit compared to retail prices, as they purchase and sell rice in large quantities. This can lead to significant cost savings for importers.
• Wide variety: Wholesale rice dealers offer a wide range of rice varieties and grades, including both conventional and organic options. This allows importers to choose the specific type of rice that meets their needs and the preferences of their customers.
• High quality: Dealers typically source their rice from reputable growers and mills and follow strict quality control processes to ensure that the rice they offer is of high quality and meets international food safety standards.
• Reliability: Rice wholesale dealers have established relationships with growers, mills, and transportation companies, which allows them to reliably source and deliver rice to their customers.
• Convenience: Importing rice from dealers allows importers to purchase large quantities of rice in one transaction, reducing the need for multiple purchases and deliveries.

3. Average rice wholesale price offered by rice wholesale dealers

In general, direct dealers may charge a higher price for their rice as they are selling directly to the end consumer or retailer without any intermediaries. This means that they may have higher overhead costs such as transportation, storage, and marketing, which could lead to higher prices. On the other hand, cooperative dealers may be able to offer lower rice wholesale prices as they typically pool resources from a group of farmers and negotiate better deals with buyers due to their larger volumes.

3.1. Average rice wholesale price offered by rice wholesale dealers in India

	Direct dealers	Cooperative dealers
Basmati	535-540 USD/ton	385-420 USD/ton
Red rice	435-450 USD/ton	360-380 USD/ton
Brown rice	420-440 USD/ton	345-380 USD/ton

In general, Basmati rice tends to be the most expensive of the three types of Indian rice wholesale dealers, followed by red rice and then brown rice. This is because Basmati rice is a premium long-grain rice variety that is known for its distinct aroma and flavor, and is often associated with high-quality cuisine. Red rice is a specialty rice that is typically more expensive than brown rice due to its unique color and nutty flavor. 

3.2. Average rice wholesale price offered by rice wholesale dealers in Thailand

	Direct dealers	Cooperative dealers
Jasmine rice	570-760 USD/ton	485-620 USD/ton
White rice	510-700 USD/ton	460-580 USD/ton
Glutinous rice	890-1080 USD/ton	845-980 USD/ton

Jasmine rice supplied by Thai rice wholesale dealers is often considered a high quality rice due to its distinct fragrant aroma, soft texture, and delicate flavor. It is a long-grain rice variety that is native to Thailand, and it is also known as Thai fragrant rice or Hom Mali rice. White Rice is generally cheaper than Jasmine Rice and Glutinous Rice because it is easier and less expensive to cultivate and produce, has a larger market demand, and is a more basic rice variety that is easier and cheaper to produce. 

3.3. Average rice wholesale price offered by rice wholesale dealers in Vietnam

	Direct dealers	Cooperative dealers
Jasmine rice	473-580 USD/ton	455-520 USD/ton
White rice	410-500 USD/ton	360-480 USD/ton
Glutinous rice	700-940 USD/ton	6555-990 USD/ton

Vietnamese Jasmine Rice is a premium rice variety in many countries and wholesale dealers rice from Vietnam may command a higher price for Jasmine Rice compared to White Rice and Glutinous Rice. White Rice is typically a more basic rice variety and may have a lower price point compared to Jasmine Rice. Glutinous Rice, on the other hand, is very sticky and is often used in desserts or as a side dish and may also command a higher price due to its unique characteristics.

3.4. Factors affects the prices that rice wholesale dealers offer

Several factors can affect the wholesale prices of rice, including supply chain, production cost, climate, transportation and government policies: 

• Supply and demand: The most important factor affecting the price offered by rice wholesale dealers is the balance between supply and demand. If the supply of rice is low, but demand is high, then the price of rice will increase. Conversely, if the supply of rice is high, but demand is low, then the price of rice will decrease.
• Production costs: The cost of producing rice can vary depending on factors such as labor, equipment, fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs. Higher production costs can lead to higher wholesale prices for rice.
• Climate and weather conditions: Climate and weather conditions can affect the yield and quality of rice crops then lead to the price of rice wholesale dealers also. Natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and storms can cause significant damage to rice crops, which can reduce the supply of rice and increase prices.
• Transportation and logistics: The cost of transporting rice from the fields to the mills, and from the mills to the markets, can also affect the wholesale price of rice. Transportation costs can vary depending on factors such as fuel prices, road conditions, and distance.
• Government policies and regulations: Government policies and regulations, such as subsidies, trade restrictions, and import/export taxes, can also affect the supply and demand for rice and influence its price.

4. How to work with rice wholesale dealers

If you are looking for a rice wholesale dealer, you can find information in a number of ways below.

4.1. How to find reliable rice wholesale dealers

If you are looking to find a wholesale rice dealer, here are some steps you can take:

• Online search: Conduct an online search for rice wholesale dealers. You can use search engines like Google, or specialized directories like Alibaba or Trade Promotion Agencies database to find dealers.
• Trade shows and events: Attend trade shows or industry events related to rice wholesale or agriculture products. These events can provide a great opportunity to meet with dealers, learn about their products, and make connections in the industry.
• Local chambers of commerce or trade associations: Check with local chambers of commerce or trade associations in countries you want to see if they have any resources or directories of rice wholesale dealers.
• Social media: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook to connect with coffee industry professionals and dealers. You can also join relevant groups and communities to network and learn about dealers in the industry.
• Import/export agencies: Contact import/export agencies in the countries you want to import from that specialize in rice wholesale. They can provide guidance and assistance in finding reputable dealers and navigating the import/export process.

4.2. Signs of fraud rice wholesale dealers

Unfortunately, there are some fraudulent rice wholesale dealers who may try to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. Here are some signs that a rice wholesale dealer may be fraudulent:

• Unusually low prices: If a dealer is offering prices that are significantly lower than the market rate, it may be a red flag. This could be a tactic to lure buyers in, only to deliver low-quality or counterfeit products.
• Poor quality products: If the rice you receive from the rice wholesale dealers is of poor quality or doesn’t match the samples they provided, this could be a sign of fraud.
• No physical address or contact information: If the dealer doesn’t have a physical address or contact information listed on their website or in their communications with you, it could be a sign that they are not a legitimate business.
• Pressure to buy quickly: If the rice wholesale dealers are pressuring you to make a quick decision or pushing you to buy more than you need, this could be a sign of fraud.
• Unprofessional communication: If the dealer’s communication is unprofessional or contains errors, this could be a sign that they are not a legitimate business.
• Lack of references or reviews: If the dealer cannot provide any references or has no reviews online, this could be a sign that they are not a reliable dealer.
• Request for payment upfront: If the dealer requests payment upfront before delivering the rice, this could be a sign of fraud. Legitimate dealers typically require payment upon delivery or after the products have been inspected.

5. Some leading rice wholesale dealers

Below are 3 biggest rice wholesale dealers in India, Thailand and Vietnam that you can refer to:

• Kohinoor Foods Ltd: Kohinoor Foods Ltd is one of the most well-known and reputable rice wholesale dealers in India, making it an excellent option to consider when looking for where to buy rice wholesale. Kohinoor Foods Ltd was established in 1976 and has expanded to become a significant participant in the worldwide rice industry, exporting to more than 80 nations across the globe. The company is devoted to delivering top-notch rice that meets the most stringent requirements for cleanliness, safety, and nourishment. It offers an extensive range of rice varieties such as Basmati, Sella, and Parboiled and has been awarded various accolades for its high quality and inventive approach to rice production. Kohinoor Foods Ltd also prioritizes sustainability and social accountability, incorporating eco-friendly measures and providing assistance to local communities.
• Siam Golden Rice: Siam Golden Rice is one of the most reputable rice wholesale dealers in Thailand that specializes in high-quality jasmine rice, making it a great option for those looking for where to buy rice wholesale. With over 30 years of experience in rice exportation, they have established a strong reputation for their dedication to delivering exceptional quality and satisfying customer needs. Siam Golden Rice offers a diverse range of rice types, such as brown rice, white rice, and glutinous rice, all cultivated in the rich fields of Thailand’s Central Plains. Their use of cutting-edge technology in rice milling and processing, coupled with strict quality control measures, has further enhanced their reputation. Siam Golden Rice is certified by reputable international quality management systems like HACCP, GMP, and HALAL. Their rice products are exported to several countries worldwide, including Europe, the USA, the Middle East, and Asia.
• Viet Agri Wholesale: If you are searching for a reputable rice wholesaler, consider Viet Agri Wholesale, a top distributor of premium rice in Vietnam. Viet Agri Wholesale has a strong commitment to delivering high-quality rice products at reasonable prices, making them a trusted and dependable source of rice for customers both in Vietnam and worldwide. Their dedication to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction has enabled them to establish a reputation as the most dependable wholesale rice dealer, one that importers cannot overlook.