Sourcing gourmet produce one grain at a time

For most Australians, rice is rice. In Thailand, it can be the most important part of a meal.

To that end, Dusit Hotels and Resorts is following a 'Farm-to-Table' concept and working directly with rice farm collectives in north-east Thailand to source the finest organic Jasmine rice for use in its restaurants and staff canteens - while also supporting sustainable development.

Dusit is one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies and has become the first hotel chain in Thailand to offer 100% organic rice across its portfolio of properties nationwide.

The company says it is working with agricultural communities in Thung Kula Rong Hai region (below).

Dusit's team has selected four farming communities to work with based on their passion for high-quality produce and eagerness to co-develop and enhance their agricultural offerings with Dusit.

"Our mission is to bring enduring value to Thailand's rural communities while benefiting our customers and employees too," said Siradej Donavanik, VP for Development Global, Dusit International, and Chairman of Dusit's Sustainability Committee.

"Jasmine rice from Thung Kula Rong Hai is known around the world for its strong aroma, soft texture, and slender grain.

"The long-grain white rice we source is among the finest of its kind. By sourcing this rice directly, not only are we giving guests, customers, and employees access to high-quality nutrition, but we are also giving the farming collectives we work with access to consistent income, which will help to improve their quality of life.

"We aim to help put in place systems and processes that help the farms to increase their yields so they can generate more revenue overall."

Established in 1948, Dusit International operates hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services.

See www.dusit-international.com