Post on October 22, 2025

For more information, contact:
Clint White
Director of Communications
United Sorghum Checkoff Program
clint@sorghumcheckoff.com

For Immediate Release
October 22, 2025

United Sorghum Checkoff Program Partners with Riviana Foods and Harvest Food Group to Bring IQF Sorghum to Market

LUBBOCK, Texas (October 22, 2025) — The United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP), in partnership with Riviana Foods Inc. and Harvest Food Group, announced the launch of individually quick frozen (IQF) cooked whole grain sorghum, now available for purchase at Harvest Food Group.

This milestone marks the latest innovation effort by USCP to ensure this nutrient-rich, versatile and resource-efficient grain meets growing demand for convenient, high-quality ingredients in food manufacturing, foodservice and retail markets.

“As an IQF ingredient specialist, Harvest Food Group is excited to offer IQF cooked sorghum for the first time,” said John Vanek, Director of Sales, Ingredients & Co-Manufacturing at Harvest Food Group. “Thanks to Riviana’s innovation and processing capabilities, we can now provide IQF cooked sorghum and sorghum-based blends, side dishes and meals in a variety of pack sizes and styles for industrial, foodservice and retail applications.”

“Riviana is proud to partner with the Sorghum Checkoff to launch Ready-to-Eat (RTE)-grade IQF Sorghum,” said Terry Stover, Senior Vice President of Special Markets Sales at Riviana Foods Inc. “We’ve spent years perfecting the science of cooking and freezing both conventional and organic ingredients in a single, continuous process, and that expertise is what makes this new RTE-grade IQF Sorghum an innovative and easy-to-use addition for restaurants and food manufacturers alike.”

Lanier Dabruzzi, MS, RD, LD, Director of Nutrition and Food Innovation at USCP, said the launch fills a critical need in the marketplace. “The food industry is seeking nutritious, consistent and ready-to-use grains that meet both operational and consumer needs. IQF sorghum offers a convenient, high-quality solution while conserving resources, a win for both customers and the environment. For sorghum producers, this represents a new, high-value market opportunity that connects the farm to the food supply chain in meaningful ways.”

Leveraging industry insights and strong partnerships with foodservice and CPG leaders, the Sorghum Checkoff demonstrated agility in responding to market need, collaborating with Riviana Foods and Harvest Food Group to bring an IQF sorghum product to life. This effort, spanning taste testing, quality control, supply chain coordination and production scale-up, demonstrates the Checkoff’s commitment to innovation and to ensuring this nutrient-rich grain reaches tables across America.

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About Riviana Foods Inc.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Riviana Foods Inc. is committed to producing the cleanest, most wholesome rice products available. With more than 100 years of experience, Riviana is America’s leading rice company and the world’s largest marketer of wild rice. The Riviana family of well-known brands includes Minute®, Success®, Mahatma®, Carolina®, Adolphus®, RiceSelect®, Tilda® and Gourmet House®.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Ebro Foods S.A., Riviana has an extensive portfolio of ingredients from around the world. Riviana Foods processes and supplies certified Ready-to-Eat IQF rice, grains and gluten-free pasta. To learn more about IQF Sorghum and Riviana’s ingredient offerings, visit www.rivianaindustrial.com.

About Harvest Food Group
Harvest Food Group is a leader in IQF foods, providing the scale and resources necessary to meet the greatest demands while manufacturing the highest-quality ingredients for customers at fair prices. From food products to co-packing, learn more at harvestfoodgroup.com.

About the United Sorghum Checkoff Program
The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is a producer-funded organization dedicated to improving the sorghum industry through research, promotion and education. For more information about USCP and other research projects, visit SorghumCheckoff.com.