Icheon City, Dongwon F&B, and E-mart Sign Agreement to Launch 'Royal Icheon Brown Rice Ready-to-Eat Rice'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Eom In-yong] Icheon City announced on the 30th that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Dongwon F&B Co., Ltd. and E-mart Co., Ltd. at Icheon City Hall to launch 'Royal Icheon Brown Rice Ready-to-Eat Rice', and has established a cooperation system to promote rice consumption and stabilize farm income.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mayor Kim Kyung-hee of Icheon City, E-mart Executive Director Nam Ho-won, and Dongwon F&B Distribution Division Head Han Sang-woo. The parties agreed to cooperate in overcoming the crisis facing agriculture amid continued decline in rice consumption and increase in inventory, and to establish a stable consumption base for high-quality rice.

According to the agreement, a brown rice ready-to-eat rice product utilizing 'Royal Icheon Rice', a premium brand rice produced in Icheon City, will be developed through Dongwon F&B's technology and expertise, and will be presented to consumers through E-mart, which has a nationwide distribution network.

In particular, this product was planned as a convenient food item using brown rice in line with growing consumer interest in healthy eating, and is expected to serve as a differentiated product reflecting new consumption trends while expanding the foundation for rice consumption.

The city will be responsible for stable supply of raw grain and quality management, Dongwon F&B will handle product development and production, and E-mart will manage sales and distribution, with cooperation structured so that each organization shares roles.

Mayor Kim Kyung-hee stated, "This agreement is a meaningful first step for local government, food companies, and retailers to join forces and solve the structural problem of declining rice consumption," and added, "We expect this will enhance the brand value of Royal Icheon Rice and provide substantial support in increasing farm income."