Top Ponni Rice Brands: Taste, Quality, and Aroma Unveiled

Ponni rice, a staple in many households, is cherished for its aromatic flavor and nutritional value. Over the years, numerous brands have emerged to offer top-quality Ponni rice, making it easier for consumers to enjoy this delightful grain. From renowned brands that focus on traditional cultivation methods to those that incorporate modern technology to enhance quality, there's a diverse range of options available. For those eager to discover the best Ponni rice brands, take a look below to make an informed choice for your pantry.

Illustration of ponni rice

Best brands of ponni rice in 2025

Lal Qilla

Lal Qilla is renowned for producing high-quality ponni rice, particularly its Extra Long Basmati Rice, which is soaked for 12 hours and then steamed to preserve its delightful nutty flavor and enjoyable taste. This process ensures the rice retains its light nutty aroma and taste, making it ideal for authentic Indian cooking. The brand's attention to detail and innovative processing methods result in restaurant-quality food that can be prepared quickly. Lal Qilla's ponni rice is gluten-free and a key ingredient in many beloved Indian dishes, especially fragrant biryani and flavorful curries. With its unique long grain and superior results, Lal Qilla stands out as a top choice for those seeking premium rice.

MTR

MTR, a renowned brand in Indian cuisine, is often associated with high-quality food products, although it is not specifically noted for Ponni rice production. India, the second-largest rice producer globally, has witnessed significant growth in rice production, with a 20 million metric ton increase over the past five years. Indian farmers have benefited from high government MSP procurement and robust export demand, leading to record rice exports. In 2021, India exported 20 million tons of rice, including 16 million tons of non-Basmati rice. India's favorable climatic conditions and high-yielding rice varieties have strengthened its position as the world's top rice exporter.

Thanjai

Thanjavur, often associated with the 'Thanjai' brand, is renowned for its high-quality ponni rice, which is one of the most sought-after varieties in India. This region, particularly the Cauvery delta, accounts for about 2.8% of India's total rice production and boasts the second-highest yield of 33.5 quintals per hectare, thanks to the Green Revolution's impact on agriculture. The districts of Thanjavur, Erode, Villupuram, Karur, and Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu collectively cover 60% of the state's paddy cultivation area. The ponni rice from Thanjavur is cultivated in two main seasons: Adi (June-July) and Karthigai (December-January), with harvests occurring in September-October and March-April, respectively. The region's advanced agricultural practices, including the use of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation facilities, contribute to its reputation as a top producer.

Kohinoor

Kohinoor Foods Limited is a leading producer of high-quality rice, including Ponni rice, known for its world-class processing facilities and stringent quality control measures. The company's rice factory at Murthal, Haryana, boasts a milling capacity of 50 metric tonnes per hour and is ISO 9001:2000, HACCP, and BRC certified, ensuring top-notch quality. With a storage capacity of 20,000 metric tons of rice and 50,000 metric tons of paddy, Kohinoor Foods maintains a robust supply chain. The company's commitment to contract farming and organic produce, such as its Organic Basmati Program, further enhances its reputation. Kohinoor Foods is also a significant player in the global rice market, contributing to India's position as the world's largest exporter of rice. For more information, visit their official infrastructure page.

India Gate

India Gate, a brand under KRBL Ltd, is renowned for its high-quality rice products, including Ponni rice, which is appreciated for its distinct flavor and texture. India Gate does not contain damaged or discolored grains, and it has a low moisture content, ensuring better preservation and quality. The brand is known for its purity, with no trace of other rice varieties, and it meets the Agmark standards. India Gate sells around 700,000 tonnes of basmati rice annually, with 30% of it being exported, indicating its strong market presence. The brand's commitment to quality is reflected in its low percentage of broken and fragment grains. For more information, visit their official India Gate brand page.

Ponni Gold

Ponni Gold is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality Ponni rice, a variety highly valued for its unique taste and texture. Produced primarily in Tamil Nadu, India, Ponni rice is cultivated under optimal climatic conditions, resulting in a yield of approximately 5 million metric tons annually. Known for its soft and fluffy grains, Ponni Gold ensures a high germination rate and minimal insect damage, thanks to advanced storage methods like hermetic bags. This brand has gained significant market trust due to its consistent quality, with a notable increase in production and consumption over the years. As of 2023, India's total rice production, including Ponni rice, reached an impressive 135 million metric tons, solidifying the country's position as a leading global rice exporter. Learn more about the largest rice-producing states of India.

Eastern

Eastern brand is renowned for its high-quality ponni rice, a popular variety originating from India. Known for its unique flavor and texture, Eastern's ponni rice is cultivated with meticulous care, ensuring a high yield and superior quality. In recent years, Eastern has seen a significant increase in demand, with exports rising by 25% in 2023 due to stronger-than-expected shipments to Northeast Asia. The brand's commitment to using advanced agricultural practices and strict quality control measures has made it a favorite among consumers. With a market share of over 30% in the Indian rice export market, Eastern continues to be a leading producer of ponni rice.

Aashirvaad

Aashirvaad, a prominent brand under ITC Limited, is not specifically known for producing Ponni rice but is a market leader in the flour segment with over 50% market share in branded flour sales in India. Aashirvaad's success is attributed to its strong procurement infrastructure, connecting with 5 million farmers across 16 states, and its ability to maintain consistent quality through blended flours tailored for different markets. While Aashirvaad has expanded into other staples like salt and spices, it does not have a significant presence in the rice market, particularly for varieties like Ponni rice. The brand's focus on rural markets and traditional distribution channels has been key to its success in other product categories. However, for rice, especially basmati rice, ITC plans to enter the market once its agri-business division begins exporting basmati rice.

Double Horse

Double Horse is renowned as one of the best producers of Ponni rice, known for its high nutritional value and extended shelf life. This medium-grain rice is appreciated for its thin and soft texture, making it a favorite in many cuisines. While specific production statistics for Double Horse are not readily available, the brand's reputation is built on the quality and aroma of its Ponni rice, which is often praised for its ability to retain flavor and texture over time. As a popular choice, Double Horse Delux Ponni Rice is widely available in various markets.

GRM Super

GRM Overseas, under its brand names such as "10X" and "Himalaya River," has established itself as a prominent producer and exporter of high-quality rice, including Ponni rice. The company has seen significant growth, with net sales of Rs 1380 crore in FY 2023, and it has expanded its market presence to 42 countries. GRM Overseas focuses on tier 2 and tier 3 markets, where there is a rising demand for branded staples, and about 70% of its business comes from general trade. The company's rice processing units have an annual production capacity of 4,40,800 MT, facilitating efficient supply chains. GRM Overseas is also known for its strong export presence, particularly in the Middle East, the UK, and the US.