Domestic rice prices continue to climb. According to data from the Ministry of Trade, in September 2023, the national average price of premium rice reached Rp14,711 per kilogram (kg).
This price is 16.8% higher year-on-year (YoY), marking the highest price in the last five years.
A similar trend occurred with medium-quality rice, with the national average price reaching Rp12,963 per kg in September 2023.
The average price of medium rice increased by 22.3% year-on-year (YoY) and reached its highest level since 2018.
Based on Databoks' research, the most expensive rice is imported premium rice.
Databoks collected rice prices from the Shopee marketplace on October 10, 2023, using the search term "premium rice," the search location "Jabodetabek," and focusing on sellers from brand owners or official distributors registered on Shopee Mall.
Databoks only recorded the prices of 5-kilogram (kg) rice that were not bundled with other products.
The most expensive brand was Beras Basmati Kokoku Premium Gold, priced at Rp165,000 per 5 kg on October 10, 2023.
Basmati rice is usually imported from India. Unlike white rice, Basmati rice has longer, slender grains and is commonly used in biryani.
Then there's imported Japanese Koshihikari rice, sold at Rp155,000 per 5 kg. This type of rice is commonly used in Japanese cuisine, such as sushi and onigiri.
Besides these two brands, other most expensive premium rice are local brands.
Here is a complete list of the 10 most expensive premium rice brands on Shopee Mall as of October 10, 2023:
1. Beras Basmati Kokoku Premium Gold: Rp165,000 per 5 kg
2. Beras Jepang Premium Koshihikari: Rp155,000 per 5 kg
3. Beras Merah Premium Hotel: Rp146,450 per 5 kg
4. Beras Putih Desa Organik Pandan Wangi: Rp130,000 per 5 kg
5. Beras Putih Dua Tani Premium: Rp90,000 per 5 kg
6. Beras Putih Premium Fortune: Rp87,900 per 5 kg
7. Beras Putih Premium Andaliman: Rp86,000 per 5 kg
8. Beras Putih Premium Danau Toba: Rp85,000 per 5 kg
9. Beras Putih Befood Slyp Super: Rp84,500 per 5 kg
10. Beras Putih Befood Setra Ramos: Rp84,500 per 5 kg
Besides the 10 brands above, other premium rice brands on Shopee Mall are sold in the range of Rp67,000 to Rp84,000 per 5 kg.