Riviana Foods Inc., America's leading rice company, announced today the launch of two new globally-inspired aromatic products to the Minute® Rice family – Minute Thai Jasmine Rice and Minute Basmati Rice. Minute Rice products are developed to provide ease and convenience for consumers, and now, the two latest products bring the brand's trademark quality to the growing number of consumers looking for authentic, international flavors.

Minute Thai Jasmine Rice is an aromatic long grain rice from the high plateaus of Thailand. For centuries, Jasmine Rice was cultivated for the royalty of the kingdom of Siam. When cooked, this fluffy, white rice has a sweet – yet subtle – buttery flavor and fragrant aroma, all very pleasing to the palate. Minute Thai Jasmine Rice uses only the finest Thai Hom Mali variety, which boasts an internationally renowned reputation for its superior quality and aroma. The taste of this rice goes perfectly with both Asian and traditional dishes.

Minute Basmati Rice, an aromatic long grain rice, is grown in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is known as the prince of rice because of its fragrance and distinctive, delicate and nutty flavor. The grains of Basmati Rice are long and slender when cooked and stay separate and fluffy once prepared. This rice is the perfect accompaniment for Asian, Middle Eastern and traditional dishes.

"We've listened to our customers and are thrilled to be able to offer them these two new products, which combine the same great quality and convenience that they've come to expect from Minute Rice with the distinct flavors and textures from the aromatic varieties," said Paul Galvani, Senior Vice President of Marketing, U.S, Riviana Foods Inc. "Jasmine and Basmati Rice are two of the most popular globally-inspired types of rice, and we hope that by offering them, our customers will be able to create even more versatile and unique recipes to share with their families, or plus up their families' favorite dishes."

The new Minute Thai Jasmine Rice and Minute Basmati Rice, which are extensions of the brand's flagship line, are packaged in pre-portioned bags for additional convenience. Gluten-free and with a cook time of 10 minutes, Minute Thai Jasmine Rice and Minute Basmati Rice are available in select stores located in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and New York.

The Riviana test kitchen developed an assortment of internationally-inspired recipes featuring the two new Minute aromatic products, showcasing inventive and deliciously satisfying ways to incorporate rice into different meal occasions. From quick salads to rice puddings and side dishes, there are a variety of Minute Rice recipes to appease consumers' global appetite. To learn more about the newest Minute Rice products, delicious recipe ideas and other varieties within the Minute Rice family of products, visit www.minuterice.com.