Cambodian rice brand Ibis Rice has launched a new innovation: bean and rice cakes, providing a natural source of protein and fibre in a convenient snacking format.

The new organic bean and rice cakes taps into the growing trend for protein-boosted foods as consumers seek to add functionality to their snacks. The snacks are launching in plain and Kep sea salt varieties.

Ibis Rice also supports soil regeneration and deforestation prevention. The rice is traditionally grown and planted once a year with the seasonal flooding from the monsoons.

Working with farmers on soil improvement, Ibis Rice has established inter-cropping practices with red black-eye beans. The beans naturally fertilise the soil, improving yields and nourishing soils to support wildlife and help safeguard forests.

With one rice crop a year and two bean harvests before and after the rice season, Ibis Rice farmers get paid three times a year instead of once, the company said in a statement. This income diversification is a key part of building climate resilience and future sustainability into their livelihoods.

Nicholas Spencer, CEO at Ibis Rice Conservation Co, said: “Of course, a new product launch is always exciting, but this one is particularly noteworthy for us as a business”.

“Not only do the bean and rice cakes taste delicious, they are the absolute embodiment of what Ibis Rice stands for – good for farmers, wildlife, the planet and our customers.”

Ibis buys directly from farmers, then packages and processes its own foods, keeping the added value in Cambodia before selling directly to its UK distributor.

The new Ibis rice and bean cakes are launching at selected independent retailers in the UK this month.