Ben's Original Rice (formerly Uncle Ben's)

Ben's Original, formerly known as Uncle Ben's, is one of the most recognizable rice brands globally. The brand originated in the United States and was first introduced to the market in the 1940s. It revolutionized the food industry by introducing parboiled rice, a process that preserved more of the grain's natural vitamins and shortened cooking times. In 2020, the brand underwent a significant rebranding to Ben's Original to address racial stereotypes associated with its previous name and imagery. Manufacturing and sourcing for Ben's Original occur in multiple countries to serve global markets. Significant production facilities are located in the United States, particularly in Greenville, Mississippi, as well as in the United Kingdom and across Europe. The brand sources its rice from various regions depending on the variety, including the US, Thailand, and India. The brand is owned by Mars, Incorporated, a massive American multinational corporation. Mars has maintained ownership of the brand since its early years, integrating it into their Mars Food & Nutrition segment. The company remains headquartered in McLean, Virginia, and continues to manage Ben's Original as a cornerstone of its global food portfolio.