Louisiana State University (LSU) has developed Jazzman, which has qualities similar to the fragrant Thai variety, said Samornrat Snidvongs, the Thai trade commissioner to Chicago.
"Jazzman rice is expected to be available on shelves around next year as the LSU said it had ample seed for 2009/10 commercial crops," she said.
According to the website www.jazzmanrice.com the variety is already being sold by some retailers.
Thai fragrant rice is generally recognised as the world's premium grade, with its basmati-like long grain, gummy white texture after cooking and aromatic smell.
The price of Thai fragrant rice surged to more than $1,200 per tonne in May 2008, the highest ever, because of concerns about food security. It was quoted at $850 per tonne on Tuesday.
With taste and quality that are similar to Thai fragrant jasmine rice, the American Jazzman variety was expected to snatch market share in the United States next year, Samornrat said.
"No one can project right now how much market share Thailand might lose. But this should send a warning signal to Thailand to brace for fiercer competition," said Vichai Sriprasert, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association and head of Riceland International.
Exporters said the American rice, now being grown and processed on a large scale, would be cheaper than imported Thai rice.
Traders were concerned that some operators could import less Thai fragrant rice and blend it with Jazzman to cut costs.
"I believe that Thai fragrant rice is unique. However, I'm worried that profiteers could upgrade their cheap rice by blending it with our premium-grade jasmine rice," said Chookiat Ophaswongse, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association.
The United States is a traditional importer of Thai rice. It bought 552,563 tonnes in 2008, mostly premium grade rice for high-end consumers and restaurants, according to Commerce Ministry data.
"Jazzman rice is expected to be available on shelves around next year as the LSU said it had ample seed for 2009/10 commercial crops," she said.
According to the website www.jazzmanrice.com the variety is already being sold by some retailers.
Thai fragrant rice is generally recognised as the world's premium grade, with its basmati-like long grain, gummy white texture after cooking and aromatic smell.
The price of Thai fragrant rice surged to more than $1,200 per tonne in May 2008, the highest ever, because of concerns about food security. It was quoted at $850 per tonne on Tuesday.
With taste and quality that are similar to Thai fragrant jasmine rice, the American Jazzman variety was expected to snatch market share in the United States next year, Samornrat said.
"No one can project right now how much market share Thailand might lose. But this should send a warning signal to Thailand to brace for fiercer competition," said Vichai Sriprasert, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association and head of Riceland International.
Exporters said the American rice, now being grown and processed on a large scale, would be cheaper than imported Thai rice.
Traders were concerned that some operators could import less Thai fragrant rice and blend it with Jazzman to cut costs.
"I believe that Thai fragrant rice is unique. However, I'm worried that profiteers could upgrade their cheap rice by blending it with our premium-grade jasmine rice," said Chookiat Ophaswongse, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association.
The United States is a traditional importer of Thai rice. It bought 552,563 tonnes in 2008, mostly premium grade rice for high-end consumers and restaurants, according to Commerce Ministry data.
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