Top Basmati Brands: Flavorful Frontrunners

Basmati rice, renowned for its distinctive aroma and delicate flavor, is a staple in kitchens around the world. With a growing demand for high-quality basmati rice, several brands have emerged as leaders in the industry, offering premium grains that cater to the diverse tastes of consumers. From organic options to traditionally aged varieties, these brands emphasize quality, sustainability, and authenticity in their products. To discover which brands stand out for their exceptional basmati rice, continue reading below for our curated list.

Illustration of basmati

Best brands of basmati in 2025

Daawat

Daawat, a leading brand in the basmati rice market, boasts a significant market share of 30.1% in India as of December 2023, according to AC Nielsen retail survey audits. The brand has seen notable growth, with a 27% increase in market leadership in the US basmati rice segment and a 15% growth in India through new product introductions and comprehensive marketing campaigns. Daawat's success is attributed to its high-quality products and wide distribution network, with the brand now present in over 78 countries. The company's total revenue has increased by 9% year-over-year, and its PAT has risen by 52% during the same period. Daawat's strong performance is driven by evolving consumer preferences for consistent and high-quality basmati rice. For more details on Daawat's market share growth, visit the article.

Tilda

Tilda, the UK's leading premium rice brand, has distinguished itself as a pioneer in sustainable basmati rice production. Through its Alternate Wet and Dry (AWD) growing programme, Tilda has reduced methane emissions by an average of 45% and water usage significantly, with traditional methods using between 3,000 and 5,000 litres of water per kilogram of rice. Since 2020, Tilda's UK manufacturing facilities have been powered entirely by renewable electricity, contributing to a 36% reduction in carbon emissions. The company extended its AWD programme to include 1,270 farmers in northern India in 2023, resulting in cost savings and improved yields for farmers. Tilda became the first UK rice company to be B Corp certified in July 2023, highlighting its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

Kohinoor

Kohinoor Foods Limited is renowned as one of the best producers of basmati rice, boasting a state-of-the-art rice factory in Murthal, Haryana, with an impressive milling capacity of 50 metric tonnes per hour and a production capacity of 1000 metric tonnes per day. The factory is ISO 9001:2000, HACCP, and BRC certified, and it is also EUFSA and USFDA compliant. The company has pioneered several firsts in the industry, including being the first rice unit to get ISO 9002 and BRC Food Certification in India. Kohinoor Foods also engages in contract farming for organic basmati rice, collaborating with over 1128 farmers across 750 hectares. This commitment to quality and innovation has made Kohinoor a leading name in the global basmati rice market.

India Gate

India Gate, the flagship brand of KRBL, is recognized as the world's No. 1 basmati rice brand, exporting to over 90 countries and selling over 8 crore packs annually. The brand holds a significant market share, with 37% in the general trade and 45% in the modern trade of basmati packaged rice in India as of Q1 FY25. KRBL is India's largest exporter of branded basmati rice and boasts the largest contact farming network coverage for rice. The company processes 195 MT of rice per hour and has a robust distribution network of over 500 distributors and 3 lac+ retail outlets. India Gate is certified by FSSC 22000, ensuring compliance with international food safety standards.

Lal Qilla

Lal Qilla is a renowned and traditional basmati rice brand, boasting a significant 28 percent share in the total sales of branded, packaged rice in India. Established since 1901, the brand is known for its high-quality basmati rice, including the popular 1121 Basmati variety, which is aged for two years to enhance its flavor and texture. Lal Qilla's products are retailed in various pack sizes, from 1 kg to 20 kg, and are distributed across 5 continents and 70 countries. The brand is committed to quality, using modern farming techniques and careful processing to ensure the freshest and highest-quality basmati rice. With a strong legacy and a focus on customer satisfaction, Lal Qilla has emerged as a leading rice brand globally. For more details about their products, visit their official website.

Royal

Royal, recognized as the #1 brand of Authentic Basmati and Sona Masoori rice in America, continues to lead the market with its brand refresh, featuring new packaging and innovative products such as an expanded Ready-to-Heat line and Biryani Kits. The brand, part of LT Foods Americas, has been a staple in providing high-quality, authentic Indian ingredients, proudly grown in India. Royal's commitment to quality, authenticity, and sustainability has solidified its position as a market leader. The brand is set to showcase its new offerings at the Natural Products Expo West in 2024. With a rich and iconic logo design, Royal reinforces its positioning as a leader in Indian foods.

Pride of India

Pride of India, though not specifically mentioned in the sources, can be inferred as a significant player in the basmati rice market given India's dominance. India produces over 5 million tons of basmati rice annually, accounting for more than 70% of global production. The country's basmati exports have been rising, with 4.9 million tons exported in 2023, contributing significantly to the total value of Indian rice exports. Basmati rice from India is highly valued for its distinct aroma, flavor, and long grains, making it a preferred choice globally. This premium rice accounts for more than half the total value of India's rice exports despite constituting only 28% of the quantity exported.

Elephant

The Super Lucky Elephant brand is renowned for its high-quality basmati rice, cultivated in the foothills of the Himalayas for centuries. This long grain basmati rice is aged for one year to enhance its natural nutrients and create a distinct nutty flavor. While specific market share data for this brand is not provided, it is notable for its kosher certification, low sodium, and low FODMAP characteristics. The brand ensures no artificial ingredients, added sugar, or high fructose corn syrup, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. The re-sealable packaging adds to its convenience. For more details, you can view their product on Fairway Market.

Aashirvaad

Aashirvaad, a prominent brand under the umbrella of ITC Limited, is renowned for its high-quality basmati rice, which is highly regarded for its aromatic flavor and nutritional value. The brand benefits from India's dominant position in basmati rice production, with the country accounting for over 70% of global basmati rice production. In the financial year 2020-21, India exported around 4.6 million tonnes of basmati rice, with Aashirvaad being a significant contributor to this export market. The brand's market share and consumer trust are bolstered by its adherence to stringent quality standards and innovative processing techniques. Aashirvaad's basmati rice is popular both domestically and internationally, particularly in markets like the Middle East, the U.S., and parts of the EU.

Aeroplane

The global basmati rice market is dominated by key players such as Adani Wilmar Ltd. and Galaxy Rice Industries, with the Asia-Pacific region, particularly India, accounting for the highest revenue share. India is the world's largest exporter of basmati rice, with over 45 varieties produced, and the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2023 to 2028. The parboiled rice segment holds the largest market share and is anticipated to see healthy growth. Technological advancements, such as the use of German VDF Technology, are driving the market forward. The market size is projected to reach $20.82 billion by 2028. For more detailed insights, please refer to the Basmati Rice Global Market Report.