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Rice

10+ varieties · Basmati & Non-Basmati

Rice Varieties from Pakistan — Complete Guide

Basmati and non-Basmati varieties with full specs, aroma grades, and buyer market guidance. Use this to identify the right variety before requesting a quote.

Basmati Varieties

Pakistan Basmati Rice

Pakistan is a global leader in Basmati rice — particularly 1121, which commands the highest premium in export markets worldwide.

Variety
Avg Grain
Aroma
Broken
Key Markets
Notes
1121 Basmati
8.35mm+
Very Strong
2–5%
UAE, Saudi, EU, UK
Pakistan's premium export variety. Extra-long grain, intense aroma. Commands the highest price.
1121 Sella
8.35mm+
Strong
2%
EU, HORECA, UK
Parboiled 1121 — firmer grain, doesn't clump. Long shelf life. Preferred for restaurants.
1121 Steam
8.35mm+
Moderate
2%
Middle East, EU
Steamed, slightly softer. Good colour, lower moisture.
Super Basmati
7.2–8.0mm
Strong
2–5%
UK, EU diaspora, N. America
Well-known in South Asian diaspora markets. Strong aroma, thinner grain than 1121.
PK-386 Basmati
6.8–7.5mm
Moderate
5%
Mid-range retail, blending
More affordable Basmati. Used in mid-tier retail packs and blends.

Non-Basmati Varieties

Pakistan Non-Basmati Rice

Pakistan's non-Basmati varieties are dominant in price-sensitive markets, particularly across Africa and the Middle East value segment.

Variety
Avg Grain
Aroma
Broken
Key Markets
Notes
IRRI-6
6.0–6.5mm
None
5–25%
West Africa, East Africa
Pakistan's highest-volume export. Affordable, high-yield. Dominant in African markets.
IRRI-9
6.5–7.0mm
None
5–25%
Africa, MENA value
Slightly longer than IRRI-6. Comparable pricing. Good milling recovery.
1509 Sella
7.8–8.2mm
Mild
2–5%
UK, EU, N. America
Long-grain parboiled non-Basmati. Popular alternative to Basmati in diaspora markets.
IRRI-386
6.0mm
None
5–25%
Value retail, blending
Medium-grain, cost-effective. Used in blended packs and institutional supply.
Calrose
5.5–6.0mm
None
5%
East Asia, USA, Australia
Short-to-medium grain, sticky when cooked. Used for sushi and East Asian cuisines.
IRRI-9000 / 9001
6.5mm
None
25%+
West Africa, food aid
High-volume, lower cost. Used in West African and institutional/food-aid programs.

Buyer Guidance

Which Variety Is Right for You?

Premium retail & supermarkets

1121 Basmati or Super Basmati

Strong aroma, long grain, premium shelf presence. EU and UK premium buyers default to these.

    Mid-range retail & private label

    PK-386 Basmati or 1509 Sella

    Good quality at a more accessible price point. Strong positioning without premium costs.

      Foodservice & HORECA

      1121 Sella or 1509 Sella

      Parboiled variants are firmer, don't clump, and have better shelf life in commercial kitchens.

        West & East Africa

        IRRI-6 or IRRI-9

        Price-sensitive market. IRRI-6 is the established standard. High volumes, competitive pricing.

          East Asia / Sushi

          Calrose

          Short-grain sticky variety required for Japanese-style cooking. Pakistan produces competitively.

            Institutional / Food Aid

            IRRI-9000 / 9001

            Lowest cost per tonne. High broken % acceptable. Maximum volume per container.

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