DFI Retail and Toumi Foods bring low-carbon rice to HK and Macau

DFI Retail Group and Thai rice exporter Toumi have partnered up to produce and deliver 1,000 metric tons of low-carbon rice to the Hong Kong and Macau markets in 2026.

This builds on the success of the 2025 launch of low-carbon rice, which saw a 25% increase in sales, according to the release. DFI and Toumi are scaling up their efforts, targeting an increase in low-carbon rice production to 1,000 metric tons in 2026, five times the 2025 goal.

The five-year partnership aims to make sustainable, affordable products a reality for DFI Retail Group’s customers while creating a positive impact on the Thai farming community. It also highlights DFI's commitment to enabling customers to make more sustainable choices, while driving meaningful change for both people and the planet.

The rice is sourced from DFI's low-carbon rice cultivation program, which promotes sustainable agriculture practices and enhances climate resilience. This initiative serves as a global example of innovation in sustainable food production, contributing significantly to climate action and environmental sustainability.

To better meet the needs of customers and families of all sizes, DFI will integrate the application of the low-carbon rice cultivation programme into other products in 2026. In addition to the DFI's own brand Yu Pin King (御品皇) Thai Jasmine Fragrant Rice (5kg), new pack sizes - 2kg, 8kg, and 9kg - will be progressively introduced, alongside Yu Pin King healthy mixed rice in 2kg and 5kg.

These products will be available at Wellcome and Market Place in Hong Kong, and San Miu Supermarket in Macau, seeking to make sustainable choices more accessible and convenient than ever before. By diversifying its offerings, DFI aims to empower more customers to make greener choices that align with their lifestyles and values.

To celebrate the partnership, a special promotion will be available at Wellcome and Market Place from now until 25 September for yuu members.

Curtis Liu, chief executive officer, food, DFI Retail Group, said: "DFI is committed to sustainable sourcing while keeping our customers' needs at the forefront. We are keenly aware of the growing demand for products that are both sustainable and affordable, especially as the cost of living rises. Our pilot programme with Toumi has been a resounding success, overcoming challenges on the ground while receiving positive feedback from customers.”

Erica Chan, group chief legal, sustainability and corporate affairs officer, DFI Retail Group, said: "Sustainability is a collective responsibility. With DFI's extensive retail network, we actively partner with our stakeholders to drive meaningful impact. Rice is a key focus in our journey to reduce Scope 3 emissions. From supporting farmers with green practices to optimising procurement and logistics, and providing customers with sustainable options, we are committed to decarbonisation across our value chain. Together, we are building a more sustainable future for all."

Chaikun Tepkasetkul, president, Toumi, said: "We are thrilled to embark on a long-term partnership with DFI. We are committed to providing training to local farmers and educating them to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at source. Through the collaboration, we hope to inspire greener farming practices while stabilising farmers' incomes. It's a win-win for people and the planet."

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Back in 2024, DFI collaborated with Toumi, the Thai government, local farmers, academics and sustainable agricultural experts on a pilot low-carbon rice cultivation programme. Monitoring and verification of rice fields participating revealed that the programme achieved at least a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional farming methods, according to the release.

In the programme, DFI and Toumi supported farmers by promoting green practices such as alternate wetting and drying irrigation to conserve water and to reduce methane emissions; prohibition of straw burning to reduce air pollution; and optimised soil and fertiliser management to increase efficiency and lower emissions.

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