El Japonés S.R.L. is a pioneering Argentine company based in San Salvador, Entre Ríos, specializing in the cultivation, processing, and export of premium rice varieties. With over 70 years of heritage in the rice industry, El Japonés is renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality, and specialization in Japonica rice—a category seldom cultivated at scale in South America.
Company Background
Founded by Japanese immigrants in the mid-20th century, El Japonés S.R.L. embodies a fusion of Japanese agricultural precision with Argentine soil fertility. The company has since evolved from a local milling operation into a full-scale rice producer and exporter serving markets across Latin America, the U.S., and Europe.
Core Business
El Japonés controls the entire value chain, from seed development and cultivation to milling, packaging, and international distribution. Their expertise in Japonica rice sets them apart from conventional Latin American rice producers, making them a niche supplier for gourmet and specialty markets.
Product and Service Offerings
Arroz Pulido (Polished Rice):
- Largo Fino 00000
- Doble Carolina 00000
Variedades Especiales (Specialty Rice Varieties):
- Koshihikari (Japanese short-grain)
- Yamaní Integral (Brown short-grain)
- Mochi (Glutinous rice)
- Fortuna
- Mochi Integral
- Largo Fino Integral
Harinas de Arroz (Rice Flours):
- Harina de Arroz Largo Fino
- Harina de Arroz Largo Fino Integral
- Harina de Arroz Doble Carolina
- Harina de Arroz Mochi
Each product is developed with stringent quality controls and tailored for a mix of culinary and industrial uses, including gluten-free flours and rice suited for sushi and Asian cuisines.
Unique Selling Proposition
- Leader in Japonica rice production in Latin America, including rare cultivars like Koshihikari and Mochi.
- Certified quality control lab ensures consistency in texture, size, and cooking performance.
- Specialized processing lines for aromatic and glutinous rice, reducing cross-contamination and maintaining purity.
- Emphasis on sustainable agriculture and seed-to-package traceability.
Financial and Operational Strength
- Processes over 20,000 metric tons of rice annually.
- Exporting to more than 12 countries, including high-end retail and food service clients in the U.S., Peru, Chile, and Spain.
- Partnership with INTA (National Agricultural Technology Institute) for ongoing varietal research and agronomic best practices.
- Reported year-on-year export growth of 18% (2022–2023), according to ProArgentina export statistics.
Target Market
- Gourmet and health food retailers seeking non-GMO, gluten-free, and whole grain products.
- Japanese and Asian cuisine restaurants requiring authentic short-grain rice varieties.
- Food manufacturers using rice flour as a gluten-free alternative.
- Export wholesalers in the natural and specialty food sectors.
Capabilities
- On-site milling, grading, and vacuum packaging facilities.
- Ability to handle both bulk and consumer-ready packaging formats.
- Private label services for international buyers.
- Custom flour milling solutions for industrial and foodservice clients.
Certifications and Compliance
- SENASA (National Service of Agrifood Health and Quality) approved for export.
- Products are non-GMO and naturally gluten-free.
- Complies with international phytosanitary protocols, including U.S. FDA and European Union MRL regulations.
Customer Feedback and Reputation
- Consistently rated for premium grain quality and distinctive flavor profiles.
- High satisfaction levels among chefs and food manufacturers.
- Widely respected for commitment to niche varietals, especially in the global Japonica rice segment.
Major Achievements
- First company in Argentina to commercialize Koshihikari rice at scale.
- Featured supplier at Expoalimentaria Perú, SIAL Paris, and FI South America.
- Developed proprietary drying and storage technologies to preserve aromatic qualities in niche rice.
- Recognized by Ministerio de Agricultura Argentina for innovation in crop diversity and export value.
