Cambodian Jasmine Rice Expands into the U.S. Market Through Costco

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.01, 2025) — Cambodian jasmine rice has officially entered the shelves of Costco, one of the largest retail chains in the United States, following more than two years of groundwork between the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) and U.S.-based importer Otis McAllister.

The milestone follows a memorandum of understanding signed on Sept. 23, 2024, during a market-opening mission led by Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol. The agreement outlines a five-year export plan, beginning with 5,000 tons in the first year and scaling up to 20,000 tons by year five.

“This is a breakthrough,” said CRF Secretary-General Lun Yeng. “Costco only works with companies that meet international standards, and Cambodian rice mills have stepped up to meet those expectations.”

The rice now available at Costco is Cambodia’s premium jasmine variety, known for its fragrance and quality. Yeng noted that several Cambodian mills have achieved top-tier compliance, enabling access to high-standard markets.

CRF President Ly Chun Hour added that Otis McAllister conducted trial shipments in 2024, paving the way for broader distribution. He said Cambodia is now eyeing additional U.S. retail channels and trade exhibitions to expand its footprint.

“We’re optimistic that Cambodian rice will reach even more major U.S. markets in the near future,” he said.

In the first eight months of 2025, Cambodia exported 3,540 tons of rice to the U.S.—a sharp rise from 4,200 tons for all of 2024. Yeng attributed the growth to rising demand from the Cambodian-American community and Costco’s distribution network.