HONG KONG – Working in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Trade Office, USA Rice recently shared U.S. rice knowledge with students at The Food and Wine Academy, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, at Hong Kong’s Polytechnic University.
The event was hosted by the USDA Agricultural Trade Office and the Polytechnic University, and billed as a
“DelicioUS!” food workshop showcasing the versatility of U.S. food products. More than 50 students and teachers attended the workshop in-person and 20 additional students were registered online.
“Students watched Chef Samantha Tam create two rice and seafood dishes: Lobster and Seared Scallops over Southern Long Grain Brown Rice in Lobster Sauce, and Alaska Black Cod and Yuzu California Calrose Rice Onigiri,” said Jim Guinn, USA Rice director of Asia promotion programs. “During the live cooking demonstration, USA Rice staff presented basic facts about U.S. rice, focusing on the sustainability story.”
Hong Kong imports of rice from the U.S. totaled 2,421 MT in the first six months of 2022, valued at $3.1 million, a 11 percent increase in value from exports during the same period of 2021.
“Japan and Taiwan have both recently made significant inroads into the Hong Kong rice market,” said Guinn. “These imports compete directly with U.S rice, and workshops like these raise awareness and highlight the versatility and quality of U.S. foods, including rice.”