Distribution has started for a total of 29,000 bags of Jasmine superior Thai rice through the Vanuatu Cooperative Federation Network throughout the country.
Department of Cooperatives officials confirm a container of 1,000 bags was loaded at the wharf for shipment to Luganville this week.
While traditionally consumers are used to Calrose and Sunwhite rice from Australia, Cooperative officials say the newly introduced rice is healthier to eat as it has no sugar inside.
Cooking it needs slightly more water than Calrose or Sunwhite rice and it can be reheated in the morning after cooking it last evening.
One of the officials adds, “We can confirm that cooking Jasmine Thai rice in coconut milk is simply super and you can enjoy it without any meat or with any kind of meat.
“Any meat suits this new rice just fine”.
Cooperatives as well as ni Vanuatu businesses can make their order direct through the Department of Cooperatives.
Officials have confirmed that have offered to buyout containers have been told selling containers holding 1,000 bags of rice would defeat the purpose of promoting ni Vanuatu business through the sales of the rice.
Cooperatives can make their orders through the network at Vt2,500 per bag or Vt2,750 for ni Vanuatu businesses.
The next imported item arriving shortly is brown sugar that is going on the market at very competitive price, following by baking flour arriving in March.