Direct answer
Thai Hom Mali rice 100% Grade A is the premium grade under Thailand's official Hom Mali standard: at least 92% Hom Mali grains from the KDML 105 or RD15 varieties, an average grain length of 7.0 mm or more, moisture of 14% maximum and a natural pandan-like aroma. Rice sold simply as "Thai jasmine" is usually Thai fragrant rice or a blend with lower Hom Mali content, which should be stated in the contract. Grade A costs more, but gives the stronger aroma and softer texture that premium retail packs need.
Key takeaways
- Only rice meeting the Ministry of Commerce standard, with at least 92% Hom Mali grains, can be exported as Thai Hom Mali.
- "Thai jasmine" is a trade name, not a grade: purity and blend must be written into the contract.
- Both grades are normally shipped at 14% moisture maximum to protect quality during storage and transit.
- Aroma is strongest in new crop rice; old crop cooks firmer and absorbs more water.
- Verify with the Department of Foreign Trade's per-shipment Hom Mali testing and an independent surveyor.
What "Grade A" means for Thai Hom Mali
Thailand's Ministry of Commerce sets an official standard for Thai Hom Mali rice. To be exported under that name, the rice must contain at least 92% Hom Mali grains from the two recognised fragrant varieties, KDML 105 and RD15. The Department of Foreign Trade samples and tests Hom Mali for every export shipment.
Within the standard, white Hom Mali rice is graded by broken content as 100%, 5%, 10% and 15%, with two broken grades, A1 Extra Super and A1 Super. In the trade, "100% Grade A" refers to the top 100% grade, with very few broken kernels and extra well milled grain.
What buyers mean by "Thai jasmine rice"
"Jasmine rice" is a commercial name rather than an official grade. When a quotation says only "Thai jasmine", the product may be Thai fragrant rice such as Pathum Thani, or a blend of Hom Mali and fragrant rice. Blends are legitimate and useful for hitting a price point, but the Hom Mali content and grade must be stated in writing, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Moisture: why 14% maximum matters
Export rice is normally specified at 14% moisture maximum. Rice above that level is more exposed to mould, insects and quality loss during storage and a long sea voyage, when containers go through day and night temperature swings that can cause condensation. Moisture is measured by the surveyor at loading and stated on the certificate of quality.
Specification comparison: Hom Mali Grade A vs commercial Thai jasmine
| Parameter | Thai Hom Mali 100% Grade A | Thai jasmine / fragrant rice |
|---|---|---|
| Hom Mali purity | 92% minimum (official standard) | Below 92%, stated per contract |
| Average grain length | 7.0 mm minimum | Typically 7.0 mm or more |
| Moisture | 14% maximum | 14% maximum |
| Broken kernels | About 4% maximum (typical contract spec) | By grade, e.g. 5% or 10% |
| Aroma | Strong, pandan-like | Lighter |
| Shelf life | Long for milled rice kept cool and dry; aroma strongest in new crop | Same as milled rice |
| Packaging options | 1 to 50 kg bags, vacuum packs, private label | 5 to 50 kg bags, private label |
| Minimum order quantity | Agreed per order; a 20ft full container holds about 25 MT | Agreed per order; a 20ft full container holds about 25 MT |
Typical values; final specifications are confirmed in each quotation, contract and pre-shipment inspection.
Aroma, crop year and cooking performance
Hom Mali is harvested once a year, in November and December. New crop Hom Mali has the strongest pandan-like aroma and cooks soft and slightly sticky, which suits premium supermarket packs. Old crop, stored for six months or more, loses some aroma but cooks firmer and fluffier and absorbs more water, which many restaurants and caterers prefer. Always specify the crop year, because it changes both cooking behaviour and price.
How to verify what you receive
- Ask for the Department of Foreign Trade Hom Mali inspection certificate for each shipment.
- Appoint an independent surveyor such as SGS, Intertek or Bureau Veritas to test broken content, moisture and purity before loading.
- Keep sealed reference samples from your approved sample and from the shipped lot.
- For retail packs, cook-test samples with your own customers before your first full order.
Which grade should you import?
Choose Thai Hom Mali 100% Grade A for premium retail, private label brands and markets where consumers pay for the name, such as the United States, Europe, Hong Kong and the Gulf. Choose Thai fragrant rice or an agreed blend for mid-market retail, food-service and price-sensitive wholesale. See our Thai Hom Mali rice and jasmine and fragrant rice product pages for typical specifications.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purity of Thai Hom Mali Grade A rice?
Thai Hom Mali exported under the official standard must contain at least 92% Hom Mali grains from the KDML 105 or RD15 varieties. Grade A refers to the top 100% grade within that standard.
What moisture level should wholesale jasmine rice have?
Export jasmine and Hom Mali rice is normally specified at 14% moisture maximum, measured by the surveyor at loading.
Is Thai jasmine rice the same as Hom Mali?
Not necessarily. Thai Hom Mali is the premium grade with an official purity standard. Rice sold only as Thai jasmine is often fragrant rice or a blend, so its purity must be stated in the contract.
Sources and further reading
- Ministry of Commerce, Thailand: Thai Hom Mali rice standard
- Department of Foreign Trade, Thailand: Hom Mali export inspection
- USDA Foreign Agricultural Service: Thailand grain and feed reports
This guide is for general information. Regulations and market conditions change, so confirm current requirements with the relevant authorities and your advisers.
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